The Rottweiler is a phlegmatic dog. Therefore, it is suitable for people with an average level of activity. The pet will not require hourly work, like a sheepdog, and will not knock you out for a walk, like an explosive Doberman in temperament.
The dog needs a persuasive leader who is able to maintain discipline with the power of his authority. The owner should not break into a cry, use corporal punishment and be unfair.
The Rottweiler is not recommended for owners without experience with service breeds. And in European countries, the dog is completely recognized as a weapon, and requires a license to keep it.
Pros and Cons of a Rottweiler
If you know about these qualities before buying a puppy, there will be no mistakes with choosing a breed:
Per
Stable psyche. The Rottweiler is calm, self-confident and not subject to fears. The dog withstands pressure in a stressful situation and does not require excessive care in puppyhood.
Low need for care (grooming). The dog is subject to seasonal molting. But the rest of the year requires combing only 1-2 times a week.
Independence. The animal does not require continuous interaction with a person. If necessary, the Rottweiler can take care of itself.
Host orientation. The Rottweiler is not inclined to run away on a walk and go into the hands of strangers.
Predisposition to training. The dog successfully passes the general course of training and guard duty.
Suitable for keeping in an apartment. To keep a Rottweiler in an apartment, you will have to find a place with a good view of what is happening. Otherwise, the animal easily tolerates cramped conditions. The main thing is not to limit him to walking.
Innate guardian instinct. Even an untrained dog will protect the owner and his family members from intruders.
Against
Physical strength. Keeping your dog on a leash requires proper training.
The need for regular training. If the Rottweiler is not exercised on a daily basis, the dog will lose control and become less efficient.
Potential danger to others. If the dog causes harm to other people, the owner will incur administrative, civil or criminal liability.
Expensive content. The dog needs a lot of food.
Does not tolerate heat well. The animal should not be left under the scorching sun and in a stuffy room. Due to the structural features of the muzzle, the animal is prone to thermal shock.
Not recommended for outdoor use. The Rottweiler is not suitable for captive keeping, even if the booth is insulated.
Raising and training a Rottweiler
Raising a Rottweiler is based on the methodology of positive reinforcement. But correcting potentially dangerous behavior still has to be controlled through the leash and shaking by the withers. The main thing is to follow the correct sequence: first a voice command, then a mechanical effect. And under no circumstances is it the other way around. For example, when a puppy tries to pick up something from the ground, give a no command and only act on the leash if the animal does not respond.
When the dog grows up, your intonation will become the main reference point. But while this is a puppy and the leadership qualities of the leader are in question, the rules of behavior will have to be established in a language understandable to the dog.
Please note: mechanical correction should be similar to the bite that his mother used to pull the overplayed puppy. The animal should feel discomfort, but not pain. Otherwise, the rude attitude will result in nervousness, and the dog will show itself when it grows up and feels its superiority in strength.
Rottweiler. What to look out for
Work on the status of the leader. Don’t let your dog in your bed, don’t give treats at the dinner table, and don’t pick up your puppy. A pet should not be on the same level as a person. For large serious breeds, this is important.
Setting up a contact. You need to start training even in quarantine. The sooner you introduce the exercise to control attention and commands from the main course of training, the more confident will be the management on the site. It’s worth starting work with walking for a piece. Food motivation will remain in the dog for up to a year.
The pace of work. The Rottweiler is not a dynamic dog. Especially at the initial stage of training. Therefore, do not rush to pull the leash if the command is not executed at lightning speed. Give your pet 1-2 seconds to think about the task.
Advantages and disadvantages. Rottweiler dogs are good at endurance and swimming. But the fetching of objects is given to animals without pleasure.
Collar. If you train a dog on a strict collar, try to abandon it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the animal will adapt to the force of pressure, and will only work on the noose.
Muzzle. According to current legislation, visiting public places with a large dog without a muzzle is considered an administrative offense. Therefore, the animal must be accustomed to equipment from childhood.
Exercise stress. Do not rush to introduce work with weights into your workouts.