It seems like the only news you see about Rottweilers is attacks by bad dogs on people, especially kids. But if you are a Rottweiler owner, you know that these dogs can be gentle and a great addition to the family- if they are treated right.

That’s why everyone who has both a Rottweiler and children should be follow carefully how they raise both. If you do it with care, you can make sure there is harmony and safety in your house.

Here are some important factors you may want to take into consideration if you have children and Rottweilers under the same roof:

• First of all, you cannot expect a dog to understand the difference between the punishment from a cruel adult owner and a playful child. If a child teases, taunts or yells at a dog, they are going to want to defend themselves. Give the dog a safe place to go and teach you children to leave the dog alone when it is there. This essentially gives everyone a “time out” and keeps the dog from getting angry at a situation.
• Be sure you let children who aren’t in your family (visitors, neighbors, friends) know what the rules are around the dog. Don’t just tell them and leave them alone with your Rottweiler. You will also need to monitor their activity. Too many kids don’t know how to treat dogs, especially Rottweilers, the right way. Being too mean, too rough or even too boisterous, can lead to trouble.
• Do not ever leave a Rottweiler and a child alone together. This is irresponsible and assumes that a kid can control the dog if something unexpected happens. You never know what could set a dog off and make him revert to his instincts of defending himself. Sometimes your dog may just be playing rough but this could be harmful for your dog too.