Rottweilers are perceived as a dominant breed; however, it is important to understand how their behavior is influenced by various factors such as socialization, training, and genetics.
In this article, we will dive deep into the topic of Rottweiler dominance and what it truly means for owners of this breed. So, are Rottweilers really a dominant dog?
Rottweilers have the potential to be dominant dogs, but it all comes down to training. Their dominant temperament extends to protecting themselves and their loved ones, especially with male rottweilers. Yet, with proper training and understanding, these dominant dogs will recognize their leader – you!
If you’re wondering how to identify the signs of dominance in your rottweiler as well as the proper training to avoid it, keep reading! This is the article for you.
Rottweilers Temperament and Personality Traits
It is important that we understand what dominance means in dogs, especially rottweilers. It is very rare to find a dog who is acting dominant for no apparent reason. After all, they are smart but not that smart!
Owners who do not train their dogs or properly give them stimulation can result in rottweilers assuming the leader role of their family pack.
We will review some common questions about the attitudes of rottweilers and how to ensure you have the best relationship possible. Let’s go!
Do Rottweilers Turn On Their Owners?
Even though Rottweilers have a reputation for being big and scary, they are meant to be protectors and obedient guard dogs. Any rumors about rottweilers being aggressive or more likely to attack can be traced back to bad owners and a lack of training.
In reality, Rottweilers are the most loyal dogs you will find! From birth, these dogs are hardwired to guard the people they love. The only times a rottweiler will turn on their owner is if the owner is abusive or has not properly trained the dog to listen.
When owners use physical punishment and mistreat their dogs, loyalty may be compromised, and they may no longer trust the owner to protect them.
Likewise, owners who got a rottweiler but were not prepared for the training and time needed to care for this dog breed may find themselves with a rottweiler who does not listen.
These beautiful dogs need lots of training and care to be properly raised, so if you can commit to it, they will never turn against you.
How Do You Show Dominance Over A Rottweiler?
It’s important to emphasize that you don’t need to be dominant over your dog, at least not in the way many people think! Many owners envision being dominant as using techniques like yelling and punishment to establish themselves as the one in charge.
In reality, being dominant is more about being a source of comfort and protection for your rottweiler!
The best way to establish yourself as the boss in the relationship is to start young. Puppies and young rottweilers are the easiest to train and socialize and will not have learned problematic behavior or aggression.
Establish yourself as the best source of resources like food or water as well as affection and rewards. Reward your dog for doing something good.
Punish them by walking away and refusing to give affection after they do something bad, rather than yelling or physical punishments. In general, those may have the opposite impact on training.
How to Prevent Rottweiler Behavior Problems
It’s great to know how to identify and stop problems in their tracks, but preventing behavioral problems altogether is the dream! Rottweilers are big and strong, so changing their behavior can be intense for both of you when they get older.
Remember that prevention of behavior issues comes from time and care, and rottweilers are not good dogs for an owner who cannot guarantee that.
These tips may work best for puppies, but they will also work wonders on older dogs! It may be more challenging, but it is never too late to fix and prevent further behavior problems.
Socialization
What is socialisation? To put it simply, it means getting your dog used to other people and things so that it does not become easily frightened or threatened later in life.
One typical example is dogs who do not get introduced to transportation like bikes or scooters until they’re big enough to chase and bark at anyone they see!
Socialization will help prevent your rottweiler from acting out and becoming aggressive to things they are not used to. Start as young as possible, and introduce new concepts gradually for the best results.
Puppies are at an ideal stage for socialization between 3 to 12 weeks. If this is not possible, don’t worry! Just soothe your dog, reward them for good behavior, and carefully introduce new things in a comfortable setting.
Training
Socialization and training go hand in hand in preventing behavior problems in your rottweiler. It may seem like too much effort or time, especially if you pay for an instructor or obedience school.
Just remember that training will save you lots of time and money spent correcting behavior in the future!
Training should start young, and if possible, as soon as the puppy comes home! Train your rottweiler for behaviors you that result in a positive outcome. This includes going outside to use the bathroom and not getting on the furniture.
You can also introduce common commands as soon as they are capable, usually around 8 or 9 weeks old.
If your schedule is not conducive to training or you are unsure how to start, consider getting help from a professional trainer or obedience school. They will be the best way to train your dog while making sure they still recognize you as their owner!
Establish Yourself As A Leader Of The Pack
Since Rottweilers are intelligent and confident, it is common for them to try and assume leadership or dominant behavior over their family unit. To avoid this, you must establish yourself as the leader of their pack. There are several ways to do this.
1. Be Calm and Assertive
Yelling at your dog over something they did may feel good in the moment. But they often will not understand why you are raising your voice. Be calm in all of your interactions, and your rottweiler will be more likely to trust you.
At the same time, make sure you are assertive. Take charge of when and where your dog eats, sleeps, and other important activities. When you are confident in your choices and firm in enforcing them, a rottweiler will recognize this and fall into your routine.
2. Clearly Set Boundaries and Limits
We all want to spoil our dogs, but don’t let one walk all over you! If you set a limit like not allowing your dog on the couch, it needs to be enforced consistently by everyone in the family.
If it is not, they will not respect other limits and boundaries that you set.
Before you get a dog, outline your boundaries and limits. Are you okay with it sleeping in bed with you, begging at the table, and other common behaviors? Set your boundaries and reward your dog for following them and punish your dog for breaking them.
3. Take Advantage of Meal Time
Food is an important way to establish your dominance. Make sure you feed your dog at a routine time and location and ensure that they see you filling their bowl. This tells them you are the one who gives them their food every day.
By letting them see you prepare their food, you establish yourself as the pack leader. And not just any leader but one who provides important resources.
4. Give them a job or task
Rottweilers are bred to work and need tasks to keep them occupied. You can raise them to protect and act as a companion to a child or even guard your backyard against other animals.
Little tasks like searching games or rounding up the rest of your family for dinner will keep your rottweiler happy.
Giving them their jobs or tasks keeps them occupied and establishes you as the leader – a win for everyone!
Final thoughts
As long as you take advantage of training, socialization, and forming a bond with your rottweiler, everything will be just fine! While Rottweilers are dominant and protective by nature, they can develop an amazing temperament.
Commit to time and effort spent in training and enforcing boundaries to ensure your dog is properly obedient.
Rottweilers have a bad reputation as overly dominant and aggressive, but if they are raised correctly, you will see there is no sweeter dog breed!
Make sure to establish yourself as the leader of your family, and your rottweiler will fall in line. Start as early as possible with these techniques so you can prevent behavior problems in the future.
As long as you follow these tips, your rottweiler will become your best friend!
