Rottweiler training is different from training other breeds in some ways, yet similar in most ways.
Rottweiler puppy training is really not any different than puppy training any other breed. Namely: Crate training, house training, teaching boundaries and limitations, controlled socialization and drive building. I go into more detail about how to do each of these on our page about Rottweiler puppy training.
Adult Rottweiler training, I start by teaching the dog a progression of exercises. Each exercise builds upon lessons learned in the prior exercise.
When training a Rottweiler, we begin by teaching the dog to walk on a loose leash, using an exercise I call, “The Attention Getter.” Since the Rottie has an extra large (and muscular!) neck, they are physically less sensitive to corrections, compared to other breeds of dogs. To the point of rendering the traditional slip (choke chain) collar ineffective.
Because of this, I’ve found that most Rottweilers do best with a pinch collar (prong collar). Stubborn, highly resistant Rotties may respond better to a remote electronic collar– the stimulation level being adjusted to exactly match the dog’s temperament and motivation level.
In any case, we’re not using the training collar to punish the dog, but rather to “correct” the dog when he exhibits an unwanted behavior.
When Training Your Rottweiler Not To Pull On The Leash – When you hold the leash, you need to keep your hands down by your waist.
– You need to walk at a much faster pace than most people expect, in the beginning.
– Once the dog is walking on a loose leash in one location, you must then work the technique in different areas, too. Usually about 7 to 9 different locations before the dog extrapolates and automatically walks on a loose leash, anywhere you go!
– When you turn (the explanation for this technique is also explained in my book, for those of you who haven’t purchased it yet!) … you need to really come out of that turn as if you just stepped on a bumble bee. This is necessary in order to give your technique that, “Two objects moving in opposite directions” feeling.
– You must incorporate sudden stops. If your dog keeps walking, then you know that he’s not really paying attention, and this will give you another opportunity to do your right-about turn.
This “attention getter” exercise is the foundation of Rottweiler training. You can’t teach your dog anything else, if you don’t first have his undivided attention.
Learning phase– reinforcement phase– proofing phase The order we teach commands is:
1. The Loose leash “Attention Getter” exercise.
2. Boundary/perimeter training. This one is important, because you’ll very distinctly learn what a motivational correction is, if you teach your dog not to walk in the street.
It is also the fastest way to teach the dog what, “No” means in a non-personal, non-confrontational manner.
3. Sit/Sit-stay.
4. Down/Down-stay.
5. Formalizing the heel position. (Not just a loose leash, but also on the left side).
6. Long leash and proofing. Rottweiler Training Around Distractions You should start proofing for distractions first, then move to greater distances– but only progress to greater distances when your dog is wearing the long line.
Without the long line, guess what might happen? The dog learns he can exhibit an unwanted behavior, and you’re not in a position to correct him.
Don’t take the long line off, until your Rottie has been 100% proofed around all type of different distractions and in a variety of different environments.
-Adam