Should I Train My Rottweiler?
Yes, responsible dog ownership means that you have to train your German Rottweiler.
Rottweilers have been banned in some regions because they are considered a “bully breed”, but these dogs are actually loving, loyal and nurturing. They are great pets and get on well with all family members with proper training.
Are Rottweilers Easy To Train?
Rottweilers are intelligent dogs, and they love to please their humans. This makes them easy to train.
Frequently used as a guard dog, with proper training, Rottweilers can also be used as therapy dogs or service dogs.
With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, Rottweiler owners will have a confident and obedient dog in no time.
It is best to train Rottweiler puppies while they are still very young, as this will bring out the best personality traits in this breed.
What Kind Of Training Does A Rottweiler Need?
Your Rottweiler puppy training should include the following:
- Toilet training
- Leash training
- Crate training
- Obedience training
- Basic commands
Toilet Training A Rottweiler Puppy
The first training you want to undertake is to train a Rottweiler pup to go potty outside.
Many people think having to potty train a young puppy is almost impossible, but a Rottweiler puppy is amongst the easiest breeds to train to relieve themselves outside. The key is to remain consistent and positive.
When to start toilet training your Rottweiler puppy
You can start training your Rottweiler puppy as soon as you bring him home.
How to toilet train your Rottweiler puppy
Here are some steps to make potty training a breeze.
1. Stick to a schedule
You need to stick to a routine when it comes to feeding your dog and taking it outside to go potty.
2. Stay positive
When your pup does its business outside, you can praise him with gentle, soft words. Don’t get too excited, as this may cause him to stop mid-stream.
3. Take your puppy out at night
Puppies are able to hold their bladder for an hour of every month of age, i.e. a 3-month-old can hold it for 3 hours. This means that you will have to get up during the night to let your puppy out.
4. Know the signs
Always keep an eye on your puppy and get to know the signs when he needs to go to the toilet. When he starts sniffing the ground or spinning in circles, it probably means he has to go potty, so make sure to take him outside.
5. Do not punish your puppy for accidents
Never stick your pup’s nose in his messes, or scold him for any accidents. This will make him anxious and may actually increase the chances of accidents happening in the house.
Crate Training Your Rottweiler
Dogs naturally enjoy having a den, so getting your dog used to a crate is key to keeping your dog safe and comfortable.
Why is it important to crate-train your Rottweiler puppy?
Crate training will result in an obedient, calm and happy dog.
Crates provide puppies with a space to call their own, where they can rest, relax and sleep. Having a dog that is used to a crate also means you will be able to transport your pup safely.
When to start crate training your Rottweiler puppy
You can start crate training your Rottweiler puppy as soon as you bring him home.
How to crate train your Rottweiler puppy
1. Choose the right crate
You will require a large crate for your large breed dog. The crate must be big enough to allow the dog to stand and turn around in.
2. Stay positive
You want your puppy to associate the crate with positive feelings, so stay upbeat and excited from the first time you introduce your pup to the crate.
Allow the pup to enter the crate by itself or entice it inside with treats and toys. Once inside, leave the gate open and allow your puppy to get comfortable.
3. Keep the crate comfortable
Place blankets or a bed in the crate. You can feed your puppy in the crate and leave a water bowl in there while you are crate training.
Fill it with some of his favourite toys as well to make the experience fun.
4. Reward your dog
Reward your dog with treats or play time if they enter the crate by themselves. Once inside, you can give them a chew toy or treat that will occupy them, which will allow them to associate their crate with fun activities.
5. Don’t leave them in too long
Your dog may be happy in its crate, but it still needs time to play, run and go relieve itself. Keep an eye on the time, and don’t leave your young dog in the crate for too long.
6. Play games
Play games around the open crate so that your puppy goes in by itself and becomes more confident. You can hide treats under blankets in the crate or toss a ball into the crate for a game of fetch.
7. Build confidence
Once your puppy is comfortable in the crate, you can slowly increase the amount of time it spends alone in the crate. Pop into the other room to make dinner or head out for a cup of coffee.
When you come home, calmly open the gate without making a big fuss.
Pros and cons of crate training
Pros
- It keeps your dog out of trouble
- It is a safe den for your dog
- It helps with potty training
- Makes travelling easier
Cons
- This can result in separation anxiety
- Dogs can view it as a punishment
- It can result in injury if the collar snags on the crate
Can I Train My Rottweiler To Do Tricks?
Rottweilers are intelligent and love being mentally stimulated. Here are some tricks that a Rottweiler will easily learn to do:
- Sit
- Lie down
- Shake paw
- Stay
- Come (once told to stay, this is the release command)
- Leave it
- Roll over
Tips For Training Your Rottweiler
Here are some tips to help you train a Rottweiler dog.
Be consistent
When it comes to training, consistency is key. From establishing a feeding schedule to using the same reward words and commands, it is important that you remain consistent throughout the training.
Dogs enjoy a routine, so having a set schedule is the easiest way to have success with your dog’s training.
Positive reinforcement is key
Positive reinforcement is crucial in dog training and means praising and rewarding your dog for desired actions. You can use treats, toys, play, praise or cuddles to reward your dog for behaviour that you want him to repeat.
Avoid over-using treats
If you want to use treats as rewards during training, just make sure you don’t overdo it. Rottweilers can easily become obese, so it is best to use alternative rewards like toys while training.
Consider clicker training
Clickers can be used alongside treats to reward your dog during training. When your dog does what you want, you click and reward. The dog will then associate the click with good behaviour.
Final Thoughts on Training A Rottweiler
Rottweilers are beautiful, smart and friendly. Training this amazing breed is easy if you are consistent, patient and do it with love.
