It goes without saying that Rottweiler can be both loving and loyal family pets, but even the most loving Rott can turn into an aggressive, unruly and downright dangerous dog when in unfamiliar situations and surroundings, This is precisely why proper obedience training and socialization is absolutely necessary for your Rottweiler.
One of the most common problems I see among Rottweiler owners isn’t mistreatment – quite the contrary, they adore their dogs and would do anything for them. The most common issue is a lack of socialization early in the Rottweiler’s life, and this can lead to a host of serious problems for you as the dog’s owner.
A large percentage of annual dog bite related deaths are attributed to the Rottweiler and there are news stories every week in which a Rottweiler is implicated in an attack of some sort, whether against a human or another animal. The saddest part of all is that by properly socializing your Rottweiler you can prevent these situations from occurring at all.
Socialization is most effective when it is started at an early age – the earlier the better. By introducing your inquisitive Rottweiler pup to new people, animals and environments, you are better equipping it to take on new things later in life and to not see them as potential threats to the dog or its owner.
What is important to note is that the process of socialization is a life long endeavor, not just a quick two or three session crash course that will cure all of your Rottweiler’s issues. Socialization goes hand in hand with obedience training, in fact the two are most effective when they are done simultaneously.
A properly trained and socialized Rottweiler will be calm and confident in a variety of situations and will not become agitated when in the presence of new and unfamiliar people or animals. It is especially important for Rottweilers, because they are viewed as being one of the most dangerous dog breeds.
The lack of socialization and training is precisely why there are strict leash laws in communities all across the United States. A dog that lacks proper training reflects poorly on its owner and to a certain degree, the community around it. This is why some places around the country have sought to ban certain breeds like the Rottweiler.
When you first begin to socialize your Rottweiler, it may be advisable to use a muzzle or head collar for a while. The head collar functions as a deterrent in that it covers the head with a special focus on the mouth. When in place it allows the dog to bark, drink, eat and pant, but when constricted by the owner applying pressure to the lead, the dog cannot be a biting or snapping danger to anyone who may be around.
If you need assistance in learning more about how to properly socialize and train your Rottweiler, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to refer you to local people who specialize in this type of work.
