This is just a simple guideline for new owners, it may be not complete but just based on my experienced. Please do read a lot of information about dog before getting them. You can't just buy them and then feed, and play with them. Training, socialization, exercise, disciplining behavior is a must to especially large breed. It's good that you train your dog from puppy, since puppy develop their behavior from the early stage. Getting info from website/youtube/books are not enough, should also learn from either trainer, behaviorist, owner who experienced on dogs or join some forums. There's a lot of websites that we could read about but it's not all true or teaching you the right way.
I wish to introduce to you all a great show by Cesar Millan, "Dog Whisperer" which you can understand the dog behaviors from there. It shows on the National Geographic but I'm not sure whether is it on air in Malaysia. Check this website out, http://forums.petfinder.my/showthread.php?t=4704, i think he could help those who are interested.
I do read a lot before I getting Jolie coz it's going to be a big dog. I can't just simply buy and leave it as long as she guard my house..New owner like me that got no experience on dogs at all should have study more and know your purpose of buying a dog and be patience on choosing your dog. You want it as a companion/guarding?
Do not think that only guarding dog that need exercise. Dog like Golden Retriever, Labrador, yes they are very friendly and affectionate but they are sporting breed who needs exercise too. Dog who did not exercise may become an aggressive dog. Some may bark excessively in order burn out their energy.
You have to know/ do:
The most important question- Are you willing to spend your time disciplining, training, socializing, exercising your dog?
- What dog are you going to get, understand their temperament
- Enrolling in training school? (eg: Obedience training)
* training is about bonding You and Your Dog relationship
* training must be done consistently with one word or 1 method,don't make your dog confusing - Exercise- Running in the yard or house is not consider (they will feel excited to go park/field)
- Research on food that are bad/good for dog (eg: No chocolate)
- Food to feed him/her? kibbles? mixed chicken with rice? BARF? or mixed all of them?
- Immediately discipline your dog behavior like biting/jumping. Do not use crate/cage as a punishment. Crate is their safe place or a place where they use to sleep and play.
- Dog vaccination/deworming
My puppy now likes to play biting which is unacceptable behavior and it caused me to have many bruise and scar everywhere. It's not her problem but this is my(owner) problem that doesn't know which method to use to correct her. It is better to buy a dog from the young age of not more than 1 year old. I used to play with Jolie when I brought her back. I did not know that chasing to get back her ball/etc. was actually inadequate way. Not only that, she went excited and bit me because she thought I am playing with her. So, make sure do read some articles on how to play with your dog at the same time you have to discipline them to avoid any jumping and biting. Do not think that your dog got problem or they are born to be an aggressive dog like many people think that rottweiler is a dangerous dog. Their behavior will become a habit and that is why they must be disciplined from what they want to do. But of course, the positive behavior should be praise/ rewards with treats.
BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER
