Huskies and Rottweilers are both dogs that will grow very large and they are both highly intelligent breeds. Huskies grow to an adult size of up to 60 pounds, while Rottweilers can weigh as much as 150 pounds. This size, combined with an extraordinarily keen mind, means that early, effective and consistent training are necessary. Both breeds have been known to be stubborn, refusing to obey commands unless they see a reason or purpose to what they are doing. Because of this inclination towards logic, similar methods can be used in the training of both Husky and Rottweiler puppies.
Things You'll Need
- Treats (optional)
Instructions
Use the principle of "ask, tell and command" when training your Husky or Rottweiler puppy. This principle gives your dog three chances to process the information of the obedience command on his own.
Ask your Husky or Rottweiler to obey a command, such as "Sit." Use a light and pleasant voice. You may choose to couple the vocal command with a physical cue, such as an upheld finger or showing him the palm of your hand.
Reward your Husky or Rottweilier with praise or a food treat if he complies by sitting.
Tell your dog to sit in a firmer voice if he does not comply when asked to sit. Use both a physical and verbal cue. If he sits, reward him.
Command your dog to sit in a stern, authoritative voice. Physically position your dog to comply with your command, such as pushing his hind end down into a sitting position. Reward him verbally by saying something like "Good sit" to illustrate that this is what sitting is and that it will earn him praise.
Repeat the process of ask, tell and command several times. Eventually your Husky or Rottweiler puppy will begin to understand what is being asked of him and that, if he complies, good things will happen.
End your training sessions on an upbeat note by asking your puppy to perform a command he already knows. This reinforces to your dog that training sessions are a positive experience.
Think of a word and gesture to signal the end of a training session. Standing with your arms held wide and pleasantly saying "OK, we're done" lets your canine companion know that the training session is over and he is free to go about his business.
Work for short periods of five to ten minutes, multiple times throughout the day. Your puppy may become restless and frustrated if training sessions are too long. A dog's attention span is not fully formed until after puberty---typically about one to two years of age for a large breed such as a Husky or Rottweiler---so anything more than a short training session is wasted.