Mention a Rottweiler in conversation and almost everyone present will have the same mental image: a large, black, muscular dog used as a guard or police dog. Rottweilers are feared by many people because they have a reputation for being junk watchdogs or, sadly, fighting dogs. While the Rottie is certainly capable of being aggressive or dangerous, the breed is very affectionate. In the right environment, a Rottweiler can make a wonderful pet, regardless of its mean-spirited facade.
Rottweilers, despite their many uses and AKC Working Group classification, were employed as herding dogs for many years. The benefit of a herding Rottweiler was that their strength made them more than capable of defending livestock, as well as handling and directing it. A coyote wouldn’t stand a chance against an alert, well-trained Rottweiler guarding its owner’s property!
Since the days of being used as a herder, the Rottweiler has been the victim of irresponsible and unethical ownership. It is common practice to starve a strong breed in order to manipulate it into an effective watchdog, but this ideology can often backfire on the owner or “trainer”. Rottweilers are also bred and inbred as fighting dogs, pitted against each other in battles to the death. These types of fights are hideously and blatantly illegal in most first world countries.
The image of Rottweilers has also been damaged by excessive inbreeding. Being very popular with responsible and irresponsible homeowners alike,
Rotties are often made in puppy mills and sold to pet stores. Inbred dogs of any breed or classification are highly likely to be prone to aggression. For this reason, you should never buy a puppy, especially a purebred puppy, from a pet store.
The negative uses of the Rottweiler are nothing more than an exploitation of its natural strength and loyalty by cruel and irresponsible owners. He makes a fantastic watchdog for the ethical owner, and makes a wonderful loving pet when not guarding the home.
A Rottweiler is not the type of pet designed for an inexperienced owner or someone without a lot of time, dedication, and patience to train their pet. Rottweilers are very intelligent and therefore very stubborn. Training should be firm but gentle; positive reinforcement is always best. If possible, it’s best to begin training as a puppy, although it’s not uncommon to train an adult Rottweiler in basic obedience skills.
While there’s nothing wrong with using a Rottweiler as a guard dog, it’s important to approach guard training with a gentle hand, experience, and a “cancel” command that will stop the dog from whatever it is you’re doing no matter what. what. Many owners choose to use a foreign language word for this command so that only the owner can execute it.
Despite their unsavory reputation, Rottweilers are actually a gentle and loving breed, provided they get enough regular, vigorous exercise and the necessary training to be obedient. They are even good with small children and can make wonderful pets and guardians for a large family.