When it comes to Rottweiler training, there are some important tips to keep in mind. While you may think that training your particular Rottweiler is nearly impossible, you may be surprised at the progress you can make in your dog training if you follow these simple steps.
1. Be Firm
You may feel like you’re being mean to your pup at first, but your Rottweiler craves boundaries in much the same way that a child does. Being assertive and standing your ground is important in ensuring that your Rottie will listen to you when you need her to behave.
If you’re prone to being a softie, your Rottie will pick up on that. Because of this, she may have a harder time respecting your commands. When you say “no,” mean “no” – don’t go back on your word.
2. Start Early
Also similar to parenting, Rottweiler training can never start too early. The earlier you enforce these commands, the more time you’ll have to make them stick (and the more likely that they will).
It’s important to begin your Rottweiler Training while your puppy is still young and in the peak of his learning stage. If he learns how to be a good boy when he’s younger, then it will come as more of a second nature to him later on.
3. Keep Training Sessions to a 15-Minute Maximum
Because Rottweilers can become easily distracted, you should keep your training sessions to a 15-minute maximum. Anything more than that and your pup could lose focus.
When your pup loses focus, you may find that you’ll be doing nothing other than wasting your time and becoming more frustrated in your multiple attempts to get him to listen.
Keeping the training sessions short will reduce the amount of times you repeatedly practice the same routine, which will be easier on both you and your pup.
4. Socialize Your Rottie
Just like people, many dogs tend to function better when they’re around other dogs – or even other people. Practicing your Rottweiler Training around as many people and pets as possible while the dog is still young is a great way to balance out her temperament.
Perhaps try taking your Rottie to the local dog park, or just for several walks around the neighborhood. Filling your dog’s life with “strangers” while she is still young can reduce the likelihood of her lashing out at an unfamiliar person or animal later on in life.
5. Don’t Encourage Aggressive Behavior
People often choose Rotties as pets as a way to safeguard their homes and families. This is because the Rottweiler is often thought of as being one of the more aggressive dog breed.
Rottie aggression is not something to be encouraged. It is best if you avoid roughhousing with your Rottie during playtime. This is because giving your Rottie the option to “win” in a battle with you can encourage her to be more aggressive than normal in her everyday life.
It is important that your Rottie is aware that you are the dominant one in the relationship, not her. This is the most effective way of maintaining control over her behavior.
6. Refrain from Physical Discipline and Yelling
When Rottweiler training turns frustrating, whether your pooch either doesn't listen or, instead, does the exact opposite of what you are trying to train him to do, you may be tempted to hit or yell at him in an attempt to make him listen to you.
Not only can becoming physical or yelling make your dog fearful of you, but he may also be discouraged from making further attempts at bettering his behavior. If you find you are losing your patience, take a break and come back to the training later on.
A break will be good for both you and the dog. You won’t end up doing something you might regret, and your dog will be able to recharge his batteries, so to speak, and come back to the training session refreshed and ready for action.
Click here to learn the right way to disciple your dog.
7. Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is another important element of Rottweiler Training. Showing your dog that you approve of his behavior confirms for him that he should continue to carry these actions out in the future.
Dogs often want nothing more than to be accepted by their owners, and what better way to ensure that your approval is present than with positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement can come in the form of treats, toys, or even just a simple phrase of praise, like “Good dog.” However, if you do decide to go with treats as an option, be mindful of their fat content, since Rotties are prone to gaining excess weight.
Conclusion
When it comes to Rottweiler Training, establishing dominance over your pup is crucial in getting him to obey you. This does not translate to mean that you have to be cruel – only that your Rottie understands that you will not let him walk all over you.
Following these tips above can make for a less frustrating and more productive Rottweiler Training session for both you and your pup, turning the process into fun, as opposed to a potentially harmful and frustrating attempt at bettering his behavior.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.