Training Tips for Rottweilers

Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs. They are also very loyal dogs that love their owners. Their brutish appearance should not be taken as an indication they are not intelligent, however. Training your Rottweiler properly and showing him love and affection is the best way to end up with a beloved household pet.

  1. Establish Dominance

    • When working with a large breed, such as a Rottweiler, it is important to indicate clearly that you, the owner, are the boss. A large dog that is out of control is a bigger problem than a small dog that doesn't obey. Always give commands to your Rottweiler in a clear and loud voice. It isn't necessary to shout commands, but they should never be delivered with a timid voice.

    Release Command

    • Rottweilers have very powerful jaws capable of biting or injuring humans and other pets. It is therefore crucial that you teach your Rottweiler to release his jaws on command. To teach your dog to release, offer him a toy to play with and then tug on the toy hard enough to remove it from his mouth, while also giving him the "release" command. When the dog releases the toy, reward him.

    Exercise Your Dog

    • Much like young children, the best way to turn a mischievous Rottweiler into a well-behaved dog is make sure she gets enough exercise every day. Rottweilers love to run. Dogs that don't get enough exercise will look for other ways to release their pent-up energy. A fenced yard will allow your Rottweiler to run for extended periods. Simply walking your dog every morning and evening also is fine.

    Treats are Rewards

    • A common mistake dog owners make when training their dogs is giving them too many treats. Giving your Rottweiler too many treats lowers a treat's effectiveness as a training aid. Reserve treats for tricks you are teaching him.

    Stay on Top of Things

    • Rottweilers are a very intelligent breed and easily trainable. Unfortunately, being intelligent also means she will quickly learn what she can get away with. If your dog has a tendency to climb on the couch, for example, order her to get down every time.