Poor little Rottie! I think the first thing to check out is that there are no health issues with this puppy which are causing the problems with potty training. As a long time breeder/owner of Rotties I know they are capable of being house trained at a very young age and from what you are saying I believe there are possibly either health and/or psychological factors at work here.
Has the owner of the puppy contacted the breeder for advice? The breeder would be aware whether in the lines there are problems with house training. Also the breeder should be able to put the owner in touch with a GOOD training school. It is essential that a Rottie receives appropriate (ie motivational based training) training and should already have attended puppy socialisation classes. There are Rottweiler Clubs all around England where advice should be available. Does the owner play with the puppy when it is taken outside? Take it for a walk? Is the pup just expected to know somehow what it is supposed to do? Is it rewarded for doing the right thing? I suspect the pup is a very confused little dog. Rottweilers are amongst the most wonderful howlers in the dog world and desperately need companionship and love and I wonder if the situation with a baby due shortly is preventing the owner from giving the time and attention and love that the puppy needs. If this is the case then I can only see the problem exacerbating when the baby arrives and the pup gets even less attention. As a former breeder of Rottweilers I would urge this family to get help quickly for this puppy. Marion Brown Teversal Bernese Mountain Dogs South Africa Dogs Never Lie About Love (Jeffrey Masson)
