Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Dr. Julie
If you are looking into how to train a Rottweiler puppy not to bite, it may be an aggression issue. Calm down the biting and barking with these tips.
While your puppy may be the cutest thing you have ever laid your eyes on, it’s also possible that they exhibit an aggressive streak. Rottweiler puppies also have a tendency to be aggressive, and such a problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
How do you address such training needs? Check out this information and it might help you out with your mouthy dog!
Table of Contents
Why Does Your Rottweiler Puppy Bite?
Before you begin training a Rottweiler not to bite, you might want to take a look at the reasons for the biting habit. Play biting is a thing that is normal, but once it gets aggressive, you might want to investigate the reasons behind the aggression.
Aggression and Dominance
As mentioned, this is a tendency that you might discover in your dogs. This tendency might come about because they are feeling insecure around the home and want to assert dominance.
Stress, Frustration, Or Anxiety
Many puppies, especially those that come from bad homes, are suspicious of new owners. If they have lived in abuse and fear, they will try to protect themselves. You need to gain their trust so they can let down their guard with you.
Illness
Some diseases create hormonal imbalances that make puppy behavior quite negative. This includes hypothyroidism, psychomotor epilepsy, hyperkinesis, neoplasia, and others. Has your dog checked regularly if they exhibit other kinds of strange behavior?
Signs Of Aggression In Rottweiler Puppies
In a DogsBite.org study conducted in 2019, Rottweilers ranked 3rd at 8% of fatal dog attacks in the United States. While Rottweiler attacks have dwindled in the past years, it’s still important to do your part and recognize what are the signs of aggression in Rottweiler puppies.
Growling and Snarling
When puppies growl and snarl (baring teeth while growling), it is meant to be taken as a threat. You are viewed as a threat by your dog, and you need to get to the bottom of this case if you have no idea why!
Being snarled at is not a pleasant experience. As the pet owner, it might even be heartbreaking!
Aggressive Biting
You can easily tell the difference between puppy play-biting and aggressive biting that is meant to harm. Drawing blood and biting and holding are red flags for aggression. You may even notice them biting someone in their litter. The other dog they bit may be yelping for help!
Little chomps are used to get your attention or play with you. When things get a little rough for your liking, it signals that you may have to do something about this behavior.
Tense and Rigid Body
When a puppy plays, the body and the mouth should be relaxed, and the wagging tail indicates fun. When your puppy stiffens up and takes on an aggressive stance, there is something wrong. This means that they are viewing something or someone as a threat.
Jealousy and Possessiveness
If your puppy is especially protective of their food and toys, that may be a sign that they could be more aggressive in the future. If other dogs or even yourself receive this treatment when you go near their “things” this can be a sign that your dog is insecure about their position in the home.
Learn more about: What Is A Miniature Rottweiler Full Grown Like?
Tips On How To Train A Rottweiler Puppy Not To Bite
Here are some of the methods that you can exercise to help bring peace to your puppy!
Obedience Training
Obedience training is training animals to obey commands. This teaches them that you are their master and owner, and they must follow what you say. You can practice your inner disciplinarian with this method.
You need to set aside time and put in the effort to make sure your puppy does these commands properly. If you do not have the time to create an entire program, you could look up some programs or hire an obedience trainer.
Good commands to allay aggression would be the “ignore” command, helping them get less distracted by other elements in their environment.
Positive Reinforcement
Many owners would go straight to punishing misbehaving pets. This only makes the situation worse and could lead to your dog becoming more aggressive.
Reward the times your puppy acts accordingly and you will reap the benefits of positive reinforcement. You can use treats and tummy rubs to encourage good behavior in your pet. It is also important to be consistent with your rewarding system so you don’t confuse your puppy and your expectations from them.
Socialization
This is especially important for Rottweiler puppies because they find stranger dogs to be very suspicious. You need to expose them to other dogs and people so that they will be used to interacting with them. You can start with simple park dates and see where it goes for them!
This is an important exercise that will help them be accepting of the kindness of strangers and act in a socially appropriate manner.
Tools That Will Help Puppy Aggression
While these methods for calming down your puppy won’t need a great number of tools, here are some knick-knacks that will make the journey better.
Chew Toys
Allow your puppy something to sink their teeth into without consequence. Try to buy them a few and figure out the kind that will become their favorite. At least there is less chance of them biting you or someone in the household!
Long Leash
A long leash is especially useful for socialization practice. You can give them independence and allow them to roam free, meeting other dogs in the process. However, as soon as your pet gets stuck in an aggressive situation with another dog, you can gently tug them away. This will give you a leg up on the situation versus if you didn’t have them on a leash!
Muzzles
If the Rottweiler biting gets too aggressive, muzzles can be your safety net against their sharp teeth. Using the muzzle will help your pet understand that they should not bite and you don’t accept biting in your household!
Did you succeed in how to train a Rottweiler puppy not to bite? Let us know in the comments!