Rottweiler Puppy Training

Although the rottweiler has some bad press, it was developed as an all-purpose working farm and herding dog as well as a guard dog. The German breed standard, according to "The Ultimate Rottweiler," says, "He is descended from friendly and peacable stock and by nature loves children, is affectionate, obedient, trainable and enjoys working." Rottweiler puppy training, from the day you bring yours home, is essential if you want a well-balanced, reliable adult rottweiler.

  1. Considerations

    • Rottweilers can be strong-willed, and they require consistent, fair training and socializing. Your rottweiler puppy will grow into a fairly large dog, and some municipalities have breed-specific laws banning them. It's also not uncommon for landlords to prohibit rottweilers, in part because some insurance companies will not write homeowners' insurance policies if a rottweiler is in residence. Training your rottweiler puppy so it becomes a canine good citizen not only makes it a good ambassador for the breed, but it can sway some landlords and homeowner associations into allowing you to move in with a rottweiler.

    Start Early

    • An 8-week-old puppy is like a little sponge--it can and will learn fast. Don't allow your rottweiler puppy to do anything now that you don't want it doing when it weighs 100 lbs. Redirect it with a sharp "no" and the offer of an acceptable toy when it tries to bite at your hands or feet. Rottweiler puppies need to learn right from the start not to use their teeth on people, even in play. Don't allow it on the furniture if you don't want it on your bed as an adult dog. It's not fair to change the rules later, and it can be hard to break habits.

    Size

    • The American Kennel Club standard for the rottweiler calls for a "medium-large" dog, standing from 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder. Adult rottweilers are very strong and typically weigh from 80 to 130 lbs., and a boisterous, untrained rottweiler can easily knock a child or frail person down in play or greeting. Discourage your rottweiler puppy from jumping up on people, and don't allow chasing games. Due to their herding heritage, many rottweilers enjoy chasing and their herding style involves blocking and sometimes nipping livestock. Teach your puppy to play fetch or to chase a long rope toy instead of chasing people.

    Socializing

    • Due to their somewhat territorial nature, rottweilers can become suspicious, fearful or unreliable around strangers if not well-socialized early. Expose your rottweiler puppy to friendly dogs and other animals and different people. Expose it to a variety of stimuli, including different footings, sounds and environments. Take it to different places, and enroll it in puppy obedience classes as soon as it is old enough.

    Misconceptions

    • Some people think that by not socializing their rottweiler and teaching it to be suspicious of strangers, they'll make it a better guard dog. The opposite is true, says trainer and behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar. Trained guard dogs are very well-socialized so they become confident and capable of differentiating between a threatening stranger and the mail carrier. Unsocialized dogs lack confidence and good judgment, and are more likely to inflict unprovoked bites.