Rottweilers are a misunderstood breed. Many people think they’re quite scary. Like most other breeds, though, the Rottweiler can do well if properly trained.
Luckily, it’s one of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds.
That means that Yes – Rottweilers are quite easy to train if you know-how. Socialize your Rottweiler puppy from an early age and train it appropriately.
What Is the Rottweiler’s Temperament?
The popular opinion on Rottweilers is that they’re always aggressive guard dogs. While the Rottweiler can certainly be an excellent guard dog, it doesn’t have to be aggressive. If you get a Rottweiler puppy, make sure you socialize it early.
Train your Rottweiler puppy correctly, too. This will make sure it has a pleasant temperament. Well-trained Rottweilers are known for being affectionate and loyal. Don’t leave a Rottweiler alone frequently for long periods.
Being alone too often may cause behavioral problems for this dog. Rottweilers are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation. They love their human companions and need to spend lots of time with them.
You and your family should be able to spend lots of time at home. There should almost always be a human at home with the dog.
Rottweilers are large, strong dogs. An adult male Rottweiler, on average, weighs between 110 and 130 pounds. The average adult female weight is between 77 and 110 pounds. The Rottweiler’s size makes early training even more important than it might be otherwise.
This dog has a protective and potentially territorial temperament. These factors make it a popular guard dog. But improperly socialized and trained Rottweilers can be aggressive and dangerous.
No matter what your situation, proper training of your Rottweiler is essential. This is especially important if you have kids. Even if your Rottweiler seems fine with kids, always supervise them.
How to Train a Rottweiler
As mentioned earlier, your Rottweiler’s training needs to start with the breeder.
Do you want a good-natured Rottweiler puppy that is easy to train?
Do research before choosing a breeder. If you get a puppy from an inexperienced breeder, you won’t end up with the pet you want.
Each dog breed has specific characteristics and needs. Rottweiler breeders must have intense breed knowledge and give the puppies the right conditions. Make sure the breeder gives puppies socialization early on.
They should only do this with dogs that have been screened for Parvo as Rottweilers are especially susceptible.
The breeder should make sure Rottweiler puppies get used to kids and noises.
Ensure your Rottweiler has a decent amount of socialization before you bring it home. A puppy should be between seven or preferably eight weeks old before you take it from the breeder.
After you bring your puppy home, create a training plan.
Think about what milestones you want your puppy to reach at specific times.
You will have to be flexible as you go, but it’s useful to have a timeline in mind. Start some form of training immediately upon bringing your puppy home.
A fundamental training period is between the time you bring your puppy home to about four months.
Focus on training for basic manners and tasks (such as lying down on command). Remember to keep up socialization. Bring people over and bring your puppy to visit others.
Make sure all dogs your dog will see are screened for Parvo.
You must also get your puppy accustomed to toenail cutting. Get your Rottweiler puppy used to basic commands.
These include Sit, Down, and Stand. Off is another important command, especially for large and powerful dogs. Also try Shake a Paw, Speak, and Roll Over. Remember to use treats as rewards.
Rottweilers are clever dogs, and they are good at earning their treats.
Your puppy’s breeder should have started potty training before you brought it home.
If they didn’t, begin this immediately. Between five and eight weeks is the best age for starting potty training. You should also start leash training as soon as possible. The puppy will need to get used to a collar beforehand.
Nip any aggression or biting problems in the bud.
The breed does have a herding heritage. This means they will often nip at people’s legs to move them along. You need to break this habit, as your puppy will become a large dog.
If you notice aggressive guarding behavior, try this approach. Take the thing the puppy is guarding away and say the word “out.”
Give the item back to the puppy, and then do the same thing again. Always be consistent when training your Rottweiler puppy.
Once your puppy reaches four months, you can move to the next level. That is because you can complete your pet’s vaccinations.
After that point, you can let it socialize with other dogs without worry. You can also take part in obedience classes.
If you have problems with your puppy’s initial training, contact a private trainer.
With a private trainer, you can start professional training earlier. This is because your dog will be trained alone, not in contact with other dogs that may have diseases. There are in-person and virtual classes available.
Is a Rottweiler the Right Choice?
Remember, a dog is permanent. When you buy a dog, your home should be their forever home. A small and cuddly puppy will eventually grow into a full-grown dog.
In Rottweiler’s case, this will be a large and exceptionally strong dog.
As a large dog, you need plenty of space for a Rottweiler. Make sure the dog has both indoor and outdoor space.
Remember that Rottweilers shouldn’t be alone too much. That means you shouldn’t have too busy a schedule.
Are you in a position to give a Rottweiler the living conditions it needs?
What about early socialization and training? If not, don’t even consider getting one of these dogs. You will regret it and will probably have to re-home the animal. It will be very difficult to find a home for an aggressive dog.
Rottweilers need lots of exercise and room to run.
You must give a Rottweiler lots of mental stimulation. They also need appropriate grooming. They don’t need to be bathed as much as other breeds, but brushing is essential. Brush a shedding Rottweiler daily.
In many cases, this dog only needs bathing about three or four times over the year. Make sure to bathe your pet more often if they look dirty or smell. Avoid excessive bathing of your Rottweiler.
This can lead to skin and coat oil depletion, which in turn will cause other problems. Attend to your dog’s dental health.
You should brush their teeth once a week. Give their nails a monthly trim, too. If necessary, do this more often.
Health and Life Expectancy
If you’re familiar with dogs, you know certain breeds are susceptible to specific medical problems.
The Rottweiler is no exception to this rule. The illnesses and conditions this breed is susceptible to include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand’s disease and other bleeding disorders
- Eye and vision disorders (such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and eyelid deformities)
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Canine bloat
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular defects (such as cardiomyopathy)
- Folliculitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Addison’s disease
The Rottweiler’s average lifespan is between 8 and 12 years.
When a Rottweiler Isn’t a Good Fit
Never get a puppy in a breed that won’t fit your home and life.
If you don’t have space and free time to have a Rottweiler, don’t even think about getting one. To have a Rottweiler, you need plenty of outdoor space. If you don’t have that, you cannot get a Rottweiler.
If you don’t have the time and money for proper training, a Rottweiler isn’t for you. A Rottweiler puppy will turn into a large dog, and you must be ready for that.
Having a large breed that can be aggressive when not properly trained is a responsibility. It’s even more of a responsibility than having any other kind of dog.
If you don’t properly train your Rottweiler and it injures someone, you are responsible. The dog will also be in jeopardy if this happens. Your Rottweiler should have constant company and supervision.
If you cannot provide that, this isn’t the dog for your household. If you still want to get a dog, look for other breeds that will fit your needs.
Bringing a Rottweiler Puppy Home
Have you decided that a Rottweiler is right for you? If so, find a reputable breeder and ask them questions.
Make sure they start training early and do appropriate socializing for the puppies. Have plenty of puppy toys at home, ready to greet your puppy.
Socialize your puppy and play with it from the very beginning. Give it lots of love and make sure it meets everyone in the household right away. Be knowledgeable about Rottweiler training and start it immediately.
Decide on a veterinarian before you get your puppy. Talk to this professional about your plans and ask for their professional opinion and advice.
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