How to Train a Rottweiler Puppy

Tips for Effective Rottweiler Training

While the adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” may seem true for many, it actually isn’t. Dogs love to learn and they can learn tricks, whether they are trained to do so or they learn it on their own, at any age. This is unless, of course, your dog is too old to perform the desired trick or is not physically capable to do so. Rottweilers are no exception when it comes to learning new tricks. They are actually quite easy to train because they are very smart and respond well to training. The keys to how to train a Rottweiler are to use positive reinforcement as well as to be patient.

Train Early

If you want to train a Rottweiler puppy, it is better if you start while your puppy is around two months of age. Younger is also possible if you see that he responds well enough to your commands and seem interested. Puppies are usually very eager to please and willing to learn anything. While it is much easier training a Rottweiler puppy or young adult dog, do not be disappointed with your older dog if he does not respond quickly or does not even show interest. Remember, this breed of dog is quite intelligent but his intelligence might work both ways. He can easily understand what you want from him but he might be tired or not in prime condition to participate or he has learned to be obstinate in his old age. Persevere and continue training consistently for a few weeks if your dog is older. Please do not use violence or any sort of physical force to get your dog to participate in training. There are many reasons why your dog might not be responding to training.

Understanding Your Dog

Each breed of dog is different not just because of their appearance but also because of their temperament. While it is easy to read about temperament and to understand it through books; the personality of each individual dog may be better understood by bonding with it. Rottweiler training tips will always include getting to know each individual animal first before even trying to train it. It is important to establish rapport between the two of you so that your puppy or dog will trust you and be willing to please you. Some experts recommend establishing dominance over your dog so he will obey while some more forward thinking trainers, encourage establishing a connection first before trying to be the leader of your pack. The word dominance is often associated with force and violence and maybe misinterpreted by some newbie owners. Positive reinforcement usually has a better outcome when used in training compared to physical dominance. 

The Importance of Socialization

Training Rottweilers effectively begins with correct socialization. This means teaching your dog how to behave in both human and animal society. Dogs need to have manners too in order to be accepted in society. He needs to learn to interact with people and other animals in order to be an asset to you and society. The best way on how to train Rottweiler puppies or dogs is to expose them to people and daily situations that involve other people. If you want your dog to be calm and at ease with people, he needs to meet the kinds of people that you yourself usually meet and might expose him to. If you have just one choice of what to teach your dog, socialization should be that choice. A dog that does not know how to interact positively with people can be dangerous and may be viewed as a threat.

It is, therefore, important that you initially supervise each interaction that your dog has with humans. These exposures need to leave a positive impression on the dog with regards to humans. These will dictate if your dog will have a fear or mistrust for people or if he will be friendly, at ease and calm towards people.

The role of socialization in Rottweiler training can be seen with how your dog is comfortable with having a few or more people around him during training and testing. Usually, a calm and stable dog will respond positively and correctly to the commands of his owner. A dog that has not been socialized well will be anxious and distracted by other people and things; he will not be able to correctly process your commands and may even run away to find some peace.

Rewards

Rewarding your four-legged buddy for a job well done is an example of positive reinforcement. This means that your dog will earn to associate getting good thing for doing your commands. While this is seen as bribery when it comes to humans, dogs are fairly different from people when it comes to rewards. Dogs will be easily satisfied with the reward of praise and a great hug when he does good. Dogs will not expect a bigger reward if he does something more. They will be happy that they have pleased their family head or member and will not need a bigger reward.

Positive reinforcement will just establish the idea in your dog that when he does what you ask, he will get praised, a treat or a happy owner. Dogs react positively and better to rewards rather than violence or mistreatment. Punishing a dog for something that he did wrong may come in the form of a slightly raised voice (not yelling or screaming) or a stern, disapproving voice. Rottweilers are smart dogs and they will catch on that they have done something that you are not happy with. There is no need for a violent punishment from you to make him understand.

Frustration can occur during Rottweiler puppy training or even when training mature Rotties. If you feel this already, take a break for the day. Getting angry with your dog and punishing him is something that will result in a dog that will be afraid of you. He might not even want to participate in training anymore because he fears you. Your dog might also feel some form of frustration if you are not satisfied with his efforts, please try to praise him for trying even if he has not perfected the trick yet. Working tirelessly without any reward can be confusing for him because he is after all doing what you ask of him, albeit not quite as perfect as you want it to be. So, please don’t forget to praise and reward your Rottie after he has tried his best.

Another thing about giving rewards is the timing of giving them. An immediate response to his effort is the best way that the dog will understand what you want from him. A delayed response, no matter how positive, may confuse him with regards to what he has done to deserve a reward. The same goes for reprimanding your dog for something that he has done wrong.

Start Easy

The best way to get great results is to start with easy commands for your dog. Experts on how to train a Rottweiler puppy will recommend starting with tricks or commands that are one step commands. This means one word, one action commands that are easy for puppies and young dogs. One of the very first commands that owners need to teach is to “sit”. This is a basic command that dogs will always be taught because it is useful for getting their attention and snapping them out of a barking spree. Not only that but teaching a dog to sit makes grooming easier.

Be Patient

While the Rottweiler is a smart dog, your dog might have a naughty personality. Some puppies have short attention spans and it may be difficult to get their attention to start their training. Other dogs might not take kindly to being held away from all the running and boisterous activity that his siblings or other friends are having. It is vital to initially train in a calm environment with no other dogs that might distract him. An effective way to capture the attention of your dog is to make training a form of play time. Training a Rottweiler to perfection requires several months to perfect. Some commands may not be carried out to perfection so it is best to lengthen your patience and understanding. In fact, some procedures may never end when it comes to training especially for working dogs.

Overall, training your Rottweiler is fairly easy while he is still young but can still be achieved even if he is mature or older. Always remember to use positive reinforcement when thinking of rewards for your best buddy and to be patient when he cannot get it right the first time and the next several times.

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