Training your rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a working breed and will need firm (not aggressive) guidance and training. Apart from the behaviors learnt from its mum and litter mates, it is vital for your Rottweiler to receive early socialization. This includes exposure to people and many different experiences. Even before your puppy receives all it’s vaccinations you can take it out to see the world by carrying it. You can also have visitors to introduce your puppy to. You need all new experiences to be pleasant, non stressful and non threatening so they learn from positive experiences. As these early teachings are not forgotten you are laying down the foundations on how your dog will react to certain situations as an adult.

The Rottweiler needs a firm consistent leader that is in charge of the dog not the other way around. As pack leader you must win most games you play with your dog.

Remember you own the toys, food etc and should be able to take them away and give them back without your dog complaining and this is something you should start as a puppy.

Tone of voice is a very important training tool low tones for undesirable behavior and high tones for desirable behavior. Short training sessions, so your dog doesn’t become bored, with plenty of praise and always finish on a good note. Some dogs respond well with food rewards but make sure you’re only giving a food reward for desired behavior and you’re not just shoveling rewards at them. Use what works for you. A correctly bred Rottweiler doesn’t need to be trained to protect (guard) as this is a natural instinct of the Rottweiler. Please never train your dog while you are tired or angry your dog will get confused and aggression breeds aggression.

Your dogs health

Regular exercise, grooming and good diets are essential for the health of your dog. Grooming includes checking of the ears (making sure they are clean and have no discharge), brushing which will loosen and remove hair ready to be dropped (this will help stop hair ending up on your floors also) and will distribute natural oils through the coat making your dogs coat healthier and shiny. Nail clipping (this should be started at an early age so your dog is use to it) be careful not to cut the quick. Ask your breeder to show you how these things are done if you’re not sure. A bath about once a month (unless very dirty in between) also keeps your dogs coat healthy. Don’t forget also to wash any bedding regularly.

Your dog will also need to be wormed regularly, your breeder should tell you when your puppy’s next all wormer is due, Adults are wormed approximately every 3 months. Worming isn’t only important for your dog’s health; it is also important because some parasites can be passed on and cause human health problems. You also need to think about heartworm prevention. Heartworm is contracted by your dog from mosquitoes and they require year round protection. There are daily heartworm tablets, monthly heartworm prevention or when your puppy is older, about 12 months, your vet can give it a yearly heartworm needle. For convenience there are some products available that treat heartworm, intestinal worms, mite, lice and fleas all in one application but these products usually do not treat ticks or tape worm so you would have treat for tape worm about every 6 months and treat for ticks with a different product. Your breeder and vet can help you with more advice.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact your breeder or the Rottweiler Club of NSW and we will do our best to answer your enquiries.