Hi list,
I've posted this on a few lists, because I need as much help as I can get!..

I'm temporarily housing a male Rottweiler. He's approx. 6 yrs old, intact and has had a little bit of beginner bitework some years back. I'm in the process in getting more info on just how extensive that was. I brought him home a couple days ago, he's a perfect angel around myself, my mother, and my 19 yr old brother, but he IMMEDIATELY took what I'm assuming is a dislike to my step-father. He tries to dominate/hump him, sits near him or just stares, mouth closed. One time they were both sitting on the couch and the dog was doing his stare routine, then tried to climb on step-dad. Step dad told him no, pushed him off and told him to lay down (he's been obedience trained) and the dog nipped him with his front teeth. No damange, just a pinch, but they've been seperated since that incident until I could learn more on how to deal with this. I've never owned a Rott, this dog is one the owner couldnt keep anymore and I decided to keep him until someone permanent could be found, to help them out. The previous owner told me he's never had any problems with the dog disliking anyone before. Is this typical
behavior? Are Rottweilers prone to dominance issues? What's the best way to handle this? I do not want to thrust a dangerous dog on someone, and if I keep him long enough, he may just end up staying with me and I need to know how to handle him. Thanks in advance!

Heather Fittz

Any specific reason why the owner couldn't keep him?

A couple of thoughts come to mind. All involve time and patience. If you are planning on keeping this dog, you have to establish yourself as the leader as well as developing a bond with the dog. You need to work the dog in obedience. Now as far as your step father goes, you either keep the dog away from him until you have a pretty solid handle on the dog thru obedience or your step father needs to get involved in working the dog in obedience as well. You say the dog has had some obedience training. I would turn your step father into a hot dog machine and have him work the dog in obedience using the hot dogs and praise as reward for compliance. I would impress upon the dog that being around this guy is fun. Don't challenge the dog now. There is not enough known about this dog and playing hard ass with him now could have dangerous consequences. If your step father wants no part of this then your only option is to make damn sure you train the hell out of him so that you can control him and stop the dominant behavior around your step father. I will say though that there is not much info about why the previous owner could not keep the dog or what backround the dog has to know what kind of dog you are dealing with.

I have some friends that own Rotts they have their own breed traits, they are known for trying to dominate people and animals when they think they can. These dogs needs a structure enviroment and Tuff Luv not hitting, but hands on OB, and crated when he not being attended to until the bonding sinks in. Then they will want to rest in the crate.

Your Step Dad needs to be involved in his Ob training the dog should also be crated inside the house. Large breed Dogs like the Rottie have been know to rule the house they live in. You have to structure the Dogs life, this is a strong, tough, stuborn breed that relish (though he doesn't accept it) Tuff Luv (again I mean a structured life style) to keep him in line and out of trouble. Walk him on structured walks in the park
let him know whats acceptable and whats not, all this helps build the bond, a dogs like this needs.

Once the OB/bonding process is solid continue his bite training with the Step Dad as the handler (some times never as the agitator) teaching him when its ok to bite. Like all working dogs this releives stress and restlessness, it helps bond handler & dog. This is a real bonding experince because the dog enjoys doing it and eventually trust the handlers judgement. If you don't forceful meet the dogs challenge, you can make this a very good dog. And maybe able to get out without getting bit, maybe.

One time they were both sitting on the couch WHy everyone always gets so technical is beyond me. If you look at a pack of dogs in the wild the pack leader stays in an elevated position over looking THEIR territory. At best with the dog on the couch you are saying you are equals.

then tried to climb on step-dad. Now lets look at a litter of pups, what is one of the ways you know the dominant pup in a litter? The one who is on top.

Get the dog off the furniture, and into a crate. I would also have the dog wear the leash around the house dragging behind him. That way if something arises where the dog needs corrected you don't have to physically touch the dog. He is still new to the house and could bite with a correction. The leash gives you greater control and distance.

I have some friends that own Rotts they have their own breed traits, they are known for trying to dominate people and animals when they think they can. Um, this is not a Rottie trait. This is a dog trait. Has nothing to do with being a Rottie. The only thing that means is he is a big strong dog. They are 'known' for this behavior in the media.

Originally posted by Todd E. Gaster:
This is a dog trait. Furhtermore, this is an *intact* dog trait!

I agree that this is trully a intact big breed dogs problem, all can be dominate.

So I specified a breed, bad boy.

But I find stuborness to be profounded in the Rott. To the point that the dog will push and shove more so then GSD. I don't know maybe because most don't have tails I can't read their body expression as well.

But they can be mean bossing a** dogs, don't get me wrong I like the Rottiweilder, tough dog and very impressed with their grit sometimes they do things because the think they can or it won't hurt. This can cost you medical bills and if they survive they just get tougher. More brawns then brains sometimes, just my analyzation not a fact for sure.

But in any result if you do some of the things posted it will bring the dog into the family fold, and he will make a good dog for ya.

Like posted keep it simple know how they think and beat them to the pass (structure his life).

This is a good post, I stand corrected but I also believe what I've seen (don't push too, fast) that wearing the lease post is a good one (saves your hands from looking like mines). You play rough you get roughed, dogs law.

Sorry for not responding in awhile. The dog is doing really well and I'm currently searching for the right home for him. He's really a sweetheart. I crated him, worked on a bond, got him around my step father in controlled circumstances, and we've had 0 problems since then. That's not to say I trust 100% alone with my SF, but we're getting there. I think after the first few days, David (step father) just decided he wasnt going to put up with it. He never touched the dog or raised his voice, but his attitude changed to one of basically ignoring him or a few pats on the head. Hawk does well with other dogs (including my brother's yappy chihuahua and didnt react aggressively when the neighbor's Rottie got out into our yard and bowed up at him, he came to me when called), he regularly plays with my 18 month old intact male Dutch Shepherd, and my 9 month old intact male GSD, loves my kitten, loves kids, so I think he deserves a future (another list immediately said EUTHANIZE!!). I'll let you know how he progresses!

Heather

Why are you letting this dog play with other intact males. That could led to problems. I wouldn't advise it.

Robert

Whomever on the "other list" suggested that you euthanize this dog is a moron. It sounds like you have sent the situation down a better path. However, I also would caution you about letting him "play" with other intact males. People can be setting themselves up for problems when they do this with dominant breeds of dogs especially.

EUTHANIZE, the Rottie how lame.

Some people are so afriad of things they don't understand and are taken by what the media gives a black eye.

The Rotti and Pit bulls have been battered in the media lately. Most of the problems have been human ego problems or neglect in training/maintenance. Because they are great dogs (My mutt is a mix of the two, never seen such a brave female) in their right, and your boy sounds like he is turning out to be a good dog, for his future owner.

I apauld your effort, I could never be a boarder, I'm a hopeless romantic, meaning that I fall in love quickly (with dogs of all working breeds). If he shines I'd want him and 200 dogs later I'd be up o my neck in jam doggie food bills.

Good luck to you and him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />