You're going to bring home your new rottweiler! Congratulations! But have you planned to take some time off to spend with your new family addition? If you can't take some time off, consider getting your rottie on a Friday before a three-day weekend or at least on a Friday so you have the weekend to spend with him.

The next several days are going to be very intense. If you've gotten a new puppy (or sometimes even an adult dog), you're apt not to get much sleep, and you'll wonder at some point what possessed you to get a dog, much less a rottweiler.

Be patient. This too shall pass! You can't reasonably expect for the new addition to your household to know the rules. Rottweiler puppies have a lot of energy, and a new situation will send them into hyperdrive! Play with the puppy until he tires out, then slip him into his crate and get some sleep. You'll need it, because the puppy will awake and ready to go again.

If you've adopted an adult or adolescent rottweiler, you too may expect a certain rowdiness that comes from being in a new experience. Exercise is the key with rottweilers. Take your rottie for a nice long walk, or play fetch with him before you have to put him in his crate. A tired rottweiler is a happy rottweiler.

Taking walks in the woods is a great way for rottweilers to get exercise.

One of the ways you can ensure a smooth transition is to establish a schedule immediately. Take your rottie for a walk first thing in the morning. If you do it twice, he'll be expecting it on the third day. Dogs love a routine — it gives them something to look forward to. Schedule feeding times and nap times (after play times or exercise, naturally). Schedule times to go out (see Chapter 6). This will ensure your rottweiler will fit in smoothly into your household.