Rottweilers have received a bad rap over the years, to the extent that some cities make it illegal to own this breed of dog. The truth is that Rottweilers are usually not the problem at all. Instead it is the owner who does not know how to exercise proper Rottweiler training and socialization. While this breed can have an instinct toward aggression in some circumstances, with proper training, a Rottweiler can make an excellent pet for many families today, including those with children. In addition to becoming a friendly and gentle pet, the Rottweiler can make a good watch dog because he will generally only bark for a reason, and his appearance can be intimidating to potential intruders.
If you have decided a Rottweiler is the right choice for your next family pet, you need to be prepared to begin Rottweiler training the second your puppy sets foot in your home. This breed is intelligent and eager to please, but can also be willful if you do not establish your dominance and house rules right from the beginning.
While some dog owners have experienced common Rottweiler problems while trying to train their pets, you can do much to prevent issues by establishing yourself as your dog’s leader right away. First, always make sure that your dog knows that you control his food source. This never means depriving your dog of a meal, but it does mean that you should be able to pick up his dish during a feeding session without him growling or snapping at you. It can also be established by eating your own meal first, before you feed your pet.
Other ways to establish dominance over your Rottweiler are to always go through a doorway before your pet and to never step around your dog when he is lying in your way. Instead, gently nudge your dog out of your way to let him know that you are in charge of your pack at home. You can also roll your puppy onto his back and rub his tummy. This is a submissive pose that tells your dog that you are in charge of him.
There are horror stories abounding regarding Rottweiler problems that many owners have run into. Keep in mind that most of these problems probably could have been avoided if the owners had trained their dogs properly in the beginning and established their authority over their dogs as the leader of the pack. Rottweilers need regular training sessions until about the age of two, since this is when a Rottweiler is considered fully mature. If you are consistent in your training, you will more than likely end up with a Rottweiler that will obey your commands and respect your authority.
Any dog is a long-term commitment for the owner and Rottweilers are no exception. The time and effort that you put into training your puppy in the beginning will lead to many happy years with your pet and few Rottweiler problems to speak of. Most Rottweilers are intelligent and eager to please, making them a good choice in pets for many dog lovers. Train your Rottweiler right and he will bring you enjoyment and companionship for years to come.
To ensure that your new Rottweiler puppy becomes a welcome member of your family, you must be willing to commit the time to proper Rottweiler training. Since Rottweiler training is such an important component to a successful relationship with your dog, read all you can in articles like this and dog training books to make your training sessions as effective as possible.
