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The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Rottweiler at Home

If you're looking for a loyal canine companion, look no further than the Rottweiler. This breed is not just a guard dog but also a loving and loyal friend. With their intelligence and strength, they make the perfect pet. In this guide, we'll take you through the simple steps to training your Rottweiler at home, ensuring a well-behaved and obedient companion for life.

Administrator

10 August, 2024

Dogs are man’s best friend, and with good reason. There are many breeds around the world, from the Berger to the Bull and Husky, each with unique characteristics. However, one breed that stands out for its strength and popularity is the Rottweiler.

1. What is a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers, also known as “Rots” or “Rottis,” are a German breed originally used for herding and as working dogs. They are highly intelligent and resilient, often used in police or military roles due to their strength and endurance. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are incredibly loyal and obedient.

While Rottweilers may be standoffish with strangers, they are incredibly affectionate and friendly with their family and those they know. Teaching them tricks and commands will not only strengthen your bond but also showcase their intelligence.

2. Basic Rottweiler Training

Teach Your Rottweiler to Stay

This is a fundamental command to teach your dog, helping them remain calm and still, rather than running around playfully. It gives you greater control and makes it easier to manage your Rottweiler in various situations.

Step 1: Stand in front of your dog and hold a treat in your hand, just above their nose. Slowly move your hand upward, leading the dog’s nose toward their head. Instinctively, the dog will likely sit or stand still, expecting a treat.

Step 2: When they remain still, give the command “Stay” and reward them with the treat. Repeat this process several times until your dog associates the command with the action.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Sit and Stay

If your dog is standing and you want them to sit:

Step 1: Stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand, holding it just above their nose.

Step 2: Slowly move your hand forward and upward, leading the treat to a position between their ears.

Step 3: The dog will likely follow the treat with their nose and naturally sit down. As they do, give the command “Sit” and reward them with the treat.

Step 4: Repeat this process several times until your dog consistently responds to the command.

If your dog is lying down and you want them to sit:

Step 1: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose to get their attention.

Step 2: Give the command “Sit.” After a few seconds, reward them with the treat. Repeat this sequence 4-5 times until they consistently respond to the command.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Lie Down and Stay

Method 1:

Hold a treat in front of your Rottweiler’s nose.
Lower the treat to the ground, leading your dog to follow and lie down.
Give the command “Down” as they lie down, and then reward them.

Method 2:

Place your hand between their shoulder blades and gently apply pressure to encourage them to lie down.
Give the command “Down” as they lie down, and then reward them.
Repeat this process 10-15 times to form a habit, and then give your dog a break.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Heel

First, stand next to your dog’s left side and give the command “Sit.” When they are sitting, gently pull on their leash and give the command “Heel.” If your dog walks too fast, give the command “Slow,” and if they walk too slow, say “Faster.” Combine this training with other commands like sit, stay, down, and come for better results.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Shake Paws

Step 1: Sit on the floor in front of your dog and place a treat tray in your lap. Your dog will likely focus on the treats.

Step 2: Give the command “Shake,” and at the same time, use your left hand to lift their right paw. With your right hand, give them a treat.

Step 3: Repeat this process several times to form a habit.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Sit Pretty

Step 1: Give the command “Sit” and adjust your dog’s posture to form a tripod-like position with their front legs.

Step 2: Give the command “Pretty” and simultaneously pull up on their leash with your left hand while supporting their paw with your right. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, and then let them rest. Repeat this process several times to form a habit.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Speak and Bark

Step 1: Hold a treat bowl in your lap and give the command “Speak” to your dog.

Step 2: If they bark, reward them with a treat, praise them, and give them a pat. If they don’t bark, ignore them and play with other dogs, or play with a toy if you only have one dog. Your dog will likely bark out of jealousy.

Step 3: Repeat the command and the action of clapping your hands to form a habit.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Walk Beside You

Step 1: Prepare a leash for your dog for the initial training sessions, or you can use treats if you prefer not to leash your dog.

Step 2: In the beginning, it may be challenging, but persist and repeat the process. When they master this, reward them.

Step 3: If your dog needs to relieve themselves during a walk, don’t force them to continue walking. Instead, take them to relieve themselves and then continue the walk.

Step 4: As your dog becomes more obedient, you can shorten the leash and reduce the frequency of treats. This will encourage them to walk beside you consistently.

3. Advanced Rottweiler Training

For advanced Rottweiler training, it’s best to start when they are 4-5 months old. At this age, they are more receptive to learning and obedient. If your dog is older, you can still train them, but it will require more patience and time.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Fetch and Retrieve

Step 1: Let your dog smell an object of yours.

Step 2: Throw the object away to encourage them to run and fetch it. If they don’t respond, lead them to the object or go to it yourself to stimulate their interest.

Step 3: Practice this several times to form a habit of fetching and retrieving.

Step 4: Increase the difficulty by hiding the object in harder-to-find places.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Protect You on Command

Before attempting to train your Rottweiler for protection, it’s essential to understand their temperament. Unlike other breeds, Rottweilers are not inherently aggressive. If you wish to train them for protection, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a familiar command word, such as “Speak,” to signal your dog to alert you. Use a consistent tone of voice when giving this command.

Step 2: Practice this command by tethering your dog to a fixed object, such as a kitchen table leg or a fence. Offer them a treat but don’t let them eat it right away. Move out of their line of sight, and when they bark or make a sound, return and praise them, giving the treat and the command.

Step 3: Repeat this process until your dog associates the command with the action and the reward.

As your dog becomes more familiar with this training, vary your position to practice in different locations.

Step 4: For effective training, be firm and clear with your commands, and always remember to be patient. When out on walks, test their response by giving the command. If they obey, reward them; if not, continue practicing.

Note: If your dog barks continuously, don’t reward them. Instead, wait for them to be quiet, and then give the command again. Reward them only if they obey.

Teach Your Rottweiler to Attack on Command

Similar to the protection training, it’s essential to understand your dog’s temperament before attempting to train them to attack on command. This type of training is most successful when the dog is naturally aggressive, typically around 8-9 months old.

Step 1: Tether your dog to a fixed object using a long leash, approximately 2-3 meters or longer, to allow them some movement.

Step 2: Stimulate their aggression by playing with them and making loud noises. Wear protective gear during this training for your safety.

Step 3: Begin teaching your dog to attack.

Step 4: Use the stimulation techniques from Step 2 to encourage your dog to attack you, and then reward them afterward so they don’t associate aggression with you. This will increase your chances of success.

For successful attack training, you may need to dedicate several months or more of consistent training.

Teach Your Aggressive Rottweiler to Be Gentle

Most Rottweilers are naturally gentle, but some may display aggression from a young age. If you have an aggressive Rottweiler, it’s crucial to spend more time with them and interact gently to modify their behavior.

Step 1: When beginning this training, introduce your dog to other pets to socialize them. Using other dogs for training can be more effective and safer than attempting it yourself. Remember to use a leash during their initial interactions.

Step 2: If your dog shows signs of stress, stay by their side and comfort them to reduce their anxiety. To succeed in this training, first teach them basic commands like sit, stay, and come.

Step 3: Training a young Rottweiler to be gentle is easier than training an adult dog. For adult dogs, increase the time you spend with them to reduce their wariness and aggression toward you.