Are Rottweilers inherently, naturally aggressive? Are all of them mean, vicious beasts to be feared? Is Rottweiler puppy aggression even a problem?

The answer is a definite, resounding NOPE. Just like absolutely any other dog breed, Rottweilers can become perfectly friendly, sociable companions if raised properly! That is the KEY! Unfortunately, just like the widely feared Pitbull, Rottweilers are indeed a very misunderstood breed. Let’s take a look into this issue deeply.

The Infamous Rottweiler Stigma

Most people see dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois, and a few others as dangerous dogs because of what they have seen on television. Many people also hear about the ‘brutality of police dogs’ in the media and assume these animals are vicious and violent by nature. The truth might as well be a world away!

Ironically, the breeds mentioned above were originally developed mainly to assist in herding livestock, not to fight in violent sports or viciously attack criminals.

• It is believed the Rottweiler-type dogs of 1000+ years ago did participate in various forms of combat, be it arena or warfare, but that wasn’t their main purpose.

Rottweiler Predisposition

In the old days of the Roman Empire, Rottweilers were trained and/or used to assist in guarding livestock as well as simple herding. Many do believe these dogs were also utilized in Roman conflicts, leading to the slight hereditary predisposition toward aggression they still maintain today.

On the other hand, readers should note- not only did the Rottweilers of the Roman ages look completely different than the dogs of today, but a thousand years of breeding also separates the dogs. The two would be virtually unrecognizable from each other and act vastly different in general.

Rottweiler Puppy ‘Soft Mouth’ Training

Normally, puppies of any dog breed develop important social skills when interacting with littermates during the first few weeks of development. More importantly, they learn how much pressure is appropriate to use when play biting.

For example, say a Rottweiler puppy clamps down a bit too hard on another puppy during play. The victim yelps “eee eeee eee” and cowers off; play stops for both pups. The biter didn’t mean to hurt the other pup; it was an accident and is upset when he loses his play companion. Hence he learns not to bite so hard next time so play can continue. We have already covered Rottie puppy bitting  issues.

Unfortunately, and this goes for any dog breed, either owners or breeders sometimes separate puppies at far too young an age- before social development can take place. Thus they don’t learn this skill unless taught by handlers, which- if the handler doesn’t know the importance of social development, he probably isn’t going to know how to accommodate it himself.

What is the point I am trying to make? Regardless of personality predispositions, nearly any domesticated dog can be raised to be wonderfully sociable! If the dog has aggression issues verging on dangerous, it is nearly always the fault of bad upbringing by the poorly educated handler, not the dog.

How to Train ‘Soft Mouth’

This training method is EXTREMELY simple! If your Rottweiler puppy bites you a little too hard at play, or misses the toy and bites your hand, simply feign injury with a whimper and immediately walk away, stopping the game.

Your pup doesn’t want the game to stop; he will learn to avoid contact with your skin. Be dramatic when feigning injury- a loud ‘ouch’ will do just fine!

• Don’t scold your puppy or react harshly/aggressively! This is unnecessary and only serves to promote the fearful aggression you are trying to eliminate or prevent.
• If your puppy is growling and biting you, don’t casually tell him ‘No’ and continue playing. First off, he is going to learn that ‘No’ means ‘Keep play biting me’. Second, he is getting what he wants by biting/chewing; there is no reason for him to ever stop.
• Your puppy shouldn’t actually be trying to harm you; that is extremely uncharacteristic of any puppy when dealing with parents. If he truly does intend to harm you, either he needs to be treated for an unusual behavioral condition, needs to see a vet because he is in pain, or is trying to get away because he or she is frightened of you (if this is the case, you probably shouldn’t own a dog.)

Rottweiler Puppy Development

Say said Rottweiler puppy received adequate socialization with littermates prior to separation.  Puppies are like very young children; outside influences will influence their personality development more at this stage than any other point in their lives! Subject a Rottweiler puppy to a cruel or harsh environment at this crucial stage, and it could become emotionally scarred for the rest of its life no matter what you do.

Your Rottweiler puppy is also picking up a wealth of information about his surroundings, what others mean for him, how to act in certain situations, (the list goes on). If an educated handler raises him appropriately, paying close attention to his social development (just like a human preschool teacher), in 99% of cases he will turn out wonderfully! But if the dog is neglected during this time, or raised poorly, that’s another story…..  Rottweiler puppy Obedience Training will be an issue as well.

Example: This couple here probably should NOT own a dog, let alone a puppy Rottie!!!

Frankly, this is quit frightening to see. They need help, or again, they do not need to own a dog…

By dealing with the Puppy Rottie in that way, you are showing the dog that he or she is the in charge, and ultimately the ‘Alpha’ over you!

I both hear and read similar statements made all of the time, and it is almost infuriating. Regardless of what you’ve read or who has told you to be the ‘Alpha’, I promise you this is completely false. How do I know?

Well, my years of animal behavior research aside, on one hand you have ‘self-made’ trainers with no actual recognized degree and very little college education in anything, like Cesar Milan, promoting this ‘Alpha Dog’ theory. And on the other, you have pretty much the entire scientific community, most with advanced doctoral degrees, that took them many years and intense observation to achieve, claim with outright certainty the theory is false.

Who would you believe?

• • • • • If your Rottweiler puppy is chewing on something they shouldn’t, replace the forbidden object with something they are allowed to chew on!

Conclusion

Though Rottweilers are somewhat genetically predisposed toward defensiveness, this has a very minor influence on their overall development. If treated well, allowed proper social interaction and development to take place, and raised by an educated trainer experienced in handling dogs in general, the Rott almost certainly will turn out wonderfully!

Also, if you have any Puppy Rottie Potty issues we got you covered on this site as.