How to Stop My Rottweiler From Biting People

Rottweilers are large and powerful dogs that require careful socialization when they are puppies and during the rest of their lives. Well-bred and well-socialized Rottweilers have the potential for being calm and confident around strangers, but others can be quite aloof or nervous. If your Rottweiler is biting people, chances are he is biting out of fear. Your top priority is to ensure the safety of the people around you and then address the problem before it gets worse.

Things You'll Need

  • Muzzle
  • Dog harness
  • Treats
  • Volunteers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Protect the people around you by investing in a muzzle. Muzzles help reduce the risks of your Rottweiler injuring people since it restricts the ability to bite. There are various types of muzzles on the market, but the the best and safest muzzles are those that allow normal breathing, panting and drinking.

    • 2

      Introduce your Rottweiler gradually to the muzzle by giving treats every time you show the muzzle. Next, place treats on the inside rim of the muzzle and encourage your Rottweiler to take them by inserting the nose slightly through the muzzle. Next, place the treats further inside the muzzle until the dog is wearing it and finally snap it on as you continue to give treats.

    • 3
      Do not allow your Rottweiler to pull or lunge towards people.

      Invest in a dog harness that prevents pulling, lunging and jumping. Other helpful training tools are head halters and gentle leaders.

    • 4
      Obedience training is a must in this powerful breed.

      Enroll your dog in obedience classes. This will help establish yourself as leader, teach you how to gain more control and help in desensitizing your Rottweiler to the presence of other people and other dogs. Consulting with a dog behaviorist is also a must to uncover the cause behind your Rottweiler's aggressive behavior.

    • 5

      Condition your Rottweiler to accept strangers. Invest in treats and give them only when strangers are in view but at a distance. This will condition your dog to associate the sight of strangers with treats, therefore changing its emotional state. Work on this for several weeks, gradually decreasing the distance between the dog and strangers.

    • 6
      Positive associations generate positive encounters.

      Continue exposing your Rottweiler to strangers, and only when you see signs of improvement can you allow closer interactions. You may ask strangers to walk nearby and toss a treat in proximity of your dog. You will know the training is progressing well when your Rottweiler appears more relaxed and possibly even looks forward to seeing strangers.