Hello,

I have a 15 week old male Rottweiler, affectionately named Tank by my husband, who we've had since he was 10 weeks old. I'm not a trainer by any stretch of the imagination, but he does show promise. Even through my goof ups and inexperience, he's turning out to be quite a well behaved pup.

He's not shy, but can be quite aloof. If startled by something, he recovers well and wants to investigate. So far, he's learning the basic commands without too much trouble, though at times he does become distracted. He's crate trained and never had an accident in the crate. We taught him that he has to work for everything he wants (sit for food, sit to open the door, people go out the door before him, sit for his toys or to play...etc). All in all, he's a really good dog. He's the only dog that's keeping up in obedience classes, in that he learns the new commands each week (though easily distracted).

About two weeks ago, he started barking. Not incessant barking, but more or less, warning barks. If there's a strange noise outside, he'll bark. Then he'll find my husband and bark at him. He'll then lead my husband to the source of the noise and bark. We live in a rural area, so my husband normally grabs a gun and flashlight to investigate what's outside (we raise chickens and on occasion shoot coyotes). After my husband goes outside, Tank will find me, sit and wait (unless my husband calls him to help).

Tank also barks while on the leash. He's familiar with certain dogs and people on the walk, but if there is someone or something new, he'll bark. He'll move in front of me and stand stiffly. He's tail will be straight back (not up or down), and he'll give the throatiest bark he can produce. Once I tell him it's okay, he'll settle down and be a lovable puppy again. Outside he'll always bark at anyone or anything that gets too close to the yard (even if he is familiar with them).

We do have another dog, an eleven year old female Akita. This dog was raised up around other dogs with her previous owners. Both dogs are kept separate for the most part. When they are together, they are supervised. Amy likes puppies but will try to keep him in line when he becomes too rambunctious. Usually it's a short growl, but never any biting or signs of intense aggression. Both dogs obey us while they are together. Neither will fight for affection from my husband or me. Amy is a good watchdog and does bark at strangers or dogs that come into the yard. However, she won't bark at people or dogs in the neighbor's yard or on the street.

Would Tank become aggressive? He never growls at home or even in public (just barks on occasion). Since he is fed in his crate and his food is taken away after 15 minutes, he's not food aggressive. He'll gladly give up his toys and understands the "drop it" command very well (anyone can ask him to "drop it"). If food is dropped on the floor he obeys the "leave it" command. Not once is he allowed on the coach, bed, or any place high. When he injured his leg, he let me pick him up numerous times (in and out of the car, to the vet's office...etc), without too much wiggling and no biting. He's also been well socialized and goes nearly everywhere with me.

I've asked different people what I should do about Tank's barking and what could happen if I let him be. Some people have said that he'd become more aggressive and eventually dangerous. Other people said I should introduce him to the people that he's barking at and let them pet him (or let him sniff the dogs he barks at). Still, other people said there's nothing wrong and that he's doing what he's suppose to.

What needs to be done about Tank's barking? I don't want my neighbors to think he is dangerous when he gets older, in that he might attack without provocation. At the same time, I feel that a dog should warn you about anything out of the ordinary.

Thanks for any help you can offer a novice dog owner.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

I appreciate a dog with good judgment and an alert bark. The dog must learn to stop on cue.

So my dog hears strange noise and barks. I say "Good boy" and investigate. If there is truly a threat, then I will pet him or pat him on the sides encouraging him to continue to bark. If there is no threat (maybe a visitor he is not used to), then I give an "Enough!" command. Then I let him see it's of no concern to him. If it's a visitor, he usually gets a little petting. If he continues to bark, he is firmly corrected (he's also an adult). With a pup you can put him in his crate to settle for a bit.

Tank needs to learn that your neighbors are a normal part of life and not people to bark at. Introduce them. If you don't want them to pet him, then give them treats they can toss in his direction.

He's just a baby, so practice his commands. If you don't do them for a week, he'll probably forget them. It sounds like you are doing an excellent job with him!

A couple things to think about. Intact(hasn't been neutered)dogs, both male and female are more likely to act as Tank has. Also, he is still pretty young and may be finding his voice.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

About two weeks ago, he started barking. Not incessant barking, but more or less, warning barks. If there's a strange noise outside, he'll bark.

My GSD female does this also, to alert me to something I may not hear. And when she started this it was out of the clear blue sky, she was 4 months old and had never growled out of anger before towards a stranger.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

He'll move in front of me and stand stiffly. He's tail will be straight back (not up or down), and he'll give the throatiest bark he can produce. Once I tell him it's okay, he'll settle down and be a lovable puppy again. Outside he'll always bark at anyone or anything that gets too close to the yard (even if he is familiar with them).

Have you ever had to stand in front of him because there was a threat to him? Dogs will protect their "pack leaders" and we(humans) should be doing the same. He is already showing you that he will put his life in front of yours-awesome in my opinion.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

Would Tank become aggressive?

This, I couldn't tell you. What I can say is, and this is only my opinion, that it depends on how you handle, train and coexist with your dog.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

I've asked different people what I should do about Tank's barking and what could happen if I let him be. Some people have said that he'd become more aggressive and eventually dangerous.

This is fear talking.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

Other people said I should introduce him to the people that he's barking at and let them pet him (or let him sniff the dogs he barks at).

Proper socialization or neutralization is an absolute must. I don't know if I'd go as far as to letting him sniff the dogs he barks at(you never know if a dog is carrying a disease.

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

Still, other people said there's nothing wrong and that he's doing what he's suppose to.

As I said above, he is protecting you, his "pack leader".

 Quote: jennifer wiseman

What needs to be done about Tank's barking? I don't want my neighbors to think he is dangerous when he gets older, in that he might attack without provocation. At the same time, I feel that a dog should warn you about anything out of the ordinary.

I want my dogs to warn me if something is going on and if there is an intruder, or whatever it may be. But if it's not a real situation, I want my dog to relax and stop barking. Tank is still at an age where you can teach him a command to stop barking if it's nothing and to actually bark on command. I have taught my GSD to do just this.
I would teach the "speak" and "stop"(use whatever word you want) to Tank, it may be a gradual thing, but once he gets it, you'll feel more at ease and don't worry about the people who think he'll become agressive, just make sure you have a leash on around them(if you can). Good luck and hope this helps!

"Have you ever had to stand in front of him because there was a threat to him?" -- Keleah Schmaltz

There was an instance where I did have to protect Tank. Perhaps 3 weeks ago, I was walking on my normal route with Tank and a stray dog was there. I paid him little attention and continued walking. Normally dogs would lose interest.

However, this dog made a bee-line for Tank and me. When I realized this, I stepped in front of Tank. The dog moved around me and tried to bite Tank.

I work around livestock all day, so naturally I had steel-toe shoes on. I kicked the dog as hard as I could. The dog didn't respond, so about the 5th or 6th kick, I felt I needed to take more drastic actions. While this was going on, Tank was yelping and the dog continued his unprovoked attack. I was steadily trying to move Tank and myself down the road.

A pocket knife is normally used for non-weapon based purposes like cutting ropes, butchering, or even as an occasional screw-driver. That day, I didn't want to lose my dog and felt the situation warranted the use of a knife. So, with anger and fear to help out, I used the knife on the dog. I got him behind the shoulder and in the meanest voice I could muster, I said "Go Home!" The dog eventually left, but kept a distance of about 20 ft. The entire time I went down the road, the dog followed. Ever so often, I'd stand in front of Tank and tell the other dog to "Go home." After a while, the dog gave up.

Tank was on his absolute best behavior that day. When we were far away from the dog and I felt it was safe, I babied Tank a little bit (perhaps to calm me down).

I've been worried that this would adversely affect Tank. Surprisingly enough, Tank wasn't bleeding. I took him to the Vet and aside from a few scratches, he wasn't hurt. The next day I had to take Tank to obedience classes. I told the trainer what had happened, and Tank had a chance to play with some pups he was familiar with (a few of which were bigger than him at the time).

Not long after that Tank started barking. I have worked really hard to teach Tank not to fear larger dogs. My sister-in-law has a Great Dane, and this seems to have helped very much.

I hope I acted the best I could and something good came of it. I don't want Tank to be a fearful dog.

Jennifer,

Both you and Tank are doing the right things. He, in showing protectiveness of you, and you for protecting him. The story of the stray REALLY had me worried! If this is likely to happen in your neck of the woods, you may want to take a can of pepper spray or some such along. While not the best of options, it may distract the stray enough for you and Tank to make your swift exit.

To those that try to discourage barking, I say "If you are socializing him enough, if he doesn't go on and on for no reason, then let the boy speak!" It does indeed sound that you and your husband are doing your job as pack leaders and dog owners. It does indeed sound that Tank does the required (in his mind) barking and no more.

Rotties are impressive animals that have received MUCH bad press. There is very little as intimidating as an unfamiliar Rottie barking at you (even if you can see his tail or stub wagging). Barking is very much like a rattlesnake rattle: It says "You may want to think twice about what you are doing." :-D

Luck!
-Jim

That is awesome! Glad to hear that you protected your boy. Just keep socializing him and try working on commands to have him stop and start barking when it's necessary. I'd start with the stop(barking) first, then the start.
I had a similar situation, but the dog had an owner and didn't call his dog back until I kicked it and said "get", while trying to stand inbetween the strange dog and mine. Then I had an angery dog owner telling me that just because the dog ran(more liked charged) up to me and my dogs(who were on leashes)doesn't mean that he's going to bite or do any harm. I told the guy to get a damn leash on his dog and that I dog know his dog from Adam and that he's lucky I didn't kick the dog harder. WIth that said, I've never kicked on dog, not out of anger or anything, but I'm glad I did that day.

Jennifer,
Congrats on having such a wonderful pup.I too have an intact male rott, and I loved those days when was a pup around Tank's age.Always inquisitive, never scared of anything, and willing to follow you anywhere for any reason.

A word of advice, be VERY VERY careful what type of behaviour you allow from him, especially at this age.My Rott Grizzly was sharp as nails as a pup.He barked at anyone approaching and would not back down at all.No matter how much socialisation I gave, once he got home he was on guard 24/7.He's two years old now.He is excercised regularly, fed well, he waits for his food, and is very loving and respectful to me, but ONLY ME.He wants absolutely nothing to do with anyone else, not my wife or kids or close family /friends.He is the ULTIMATE guard dog, so much that it is scaring me now.He is lean, muscular and very strong, and will bite(we had a lawn maintenance crew employee think he could walk into the fenced in back yard with treats in hand and do as he pleased).

My point is, what may seem cute as a 4 month old pup will not be so cute when he is 2 yrs old and 100+ pounds with no fear or regard for anyone other than his master.

Edited by MarkSeebran (03/20/2007 12:25 AM)
Edit reason: typo

Tank is a very sociable dog. He readily "sits" regardless of who says the command. However, I or my husband have always been present in such situations. I cannot say for certain if he would obey if we weren't there.

He plays well with my niece and once he gets to know someone new he'll play with them too. As before, I really do not know how he acts when I or my husband is not around.

I am starting to train him to "speak" and "hush." This is going well since he'll bark when someone's outside knocking at the door. Tank has been easier to train than other dogs I've had.

Besides, having a Rottweiler that can bark on command would probably be worth more as a deterrent from my stance. If the dog looks and sounds mean, few people would think to test the dog. Having the dog escalate into a habit of "bite first, ask questions later" would not be a good idea since this dog will be around friends, neighbors, and strangers who mean him no harm. If someone breaks into the house, we only need the dog to bark in the direction we should shoot (not necessarily attack).

My rotti was the same way at that age, very alert to everything around us. Neighbors have large family gatherings and after the initial barking to let us know there are new people around he is satisfied to just sit and watch. Well, he would be even happier if they would let him go join them.

He is 13 months now, a man came to read the meter the other day and after Buddy gave off a great sounding bark he ran over to the gate and all but invited the guy in. Fool did open the gate and come on in and being the great watch puppy that he is, Buddy welcomed him in with open arms :>()

I would think that as he matures, he will show a bit more protectiveness, "or at least pretend to" but for now he loves attention from anyone willing to give it -