Advice needed (Rottweiler) - DogForum.net

Tlm · 01-11-2011, 07:06 PM

Hi there,

Just wondered if I could get some advice off some of you? it's quite a long story but will try and keep it as short as possible.

basically one of my good friends got a dog she now around 10 months old and she is a rottweiler. I am not to fond of larger dogs, I think it has something to do with the fact that I got attacked by a dog when I was a child. so when my friend told me she was getting this dog I was a little unsure if it was a good idea as she has 2 young children and I have 4 children and we are around her house quite often.

the dog debate went on and on for months while she was quite excited about getting the dog me and other other friends were not to sure. she said if you know how to handle them you will be fine and she will train it right.

Anyway 10 months on I am not to sure she has control of this dog? but am I just over reacting because I don't like the breed?

Me and my husband was around her house (my husband does not go to the house often so the dog didn't know him) he was standing in the kitchen along with the rest of us and the dog was watching him talking and making hand gestures like you would normally when talking, when he caught the dog watching him out of the corner of his eye. he began to feel uncomfortable with the dog and decided to come out of the kitchen. (my husband is not/was not scared of the dog) as he stepped over the gate the dog went for his leg niped it not a bite but still he went for him.

my friend kept making excuses like the dog doesn't know him, she's in season, dogs can tell if they like someone or not. etc etc

but then the other day the same thing happened too a child again the dog didn't bite but he went like he was going to and tried to nip.

I really don't know if I am over reacting? I am unsure what to do? she has now admitted she hasn't been training the dog properly and she has started to reinforce new rules and training. is it possible or is it to late? should I be worried about having my children around the dog? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Redyre Rottweilers · 01-11-2011, 08:41 PM

You are not over reacting. This is not normal behavior. It needs to be addressed immediately before a terrible accident happens.

This person needs a good trainer to help her.

Bigboy · 01-11-2011, 08:51 PM

Hi Tlm Well where do I start. Do you know where your friend got the dog from, a breeder,shelter? if the dog is from a shelter is there any history on this dog? It does sound as though your friend has answered your question She hasn't been training the dog correctly and now she wants to which is good thing to do and no it's not too late to start at 10 months old

even though training should start as soon as you get home, No the dog has snapped twice so something is wrong. I personaly woud keep your children away as this will help avoid any accidents it only takes a few seconds. I would suggest to your friend to join up on this forum and seek a trainers advice You are right to be concerned! Please keep us
informed as to the next step your friend is taking. BTW in the right hands they are gentle giants! My friends dad's neighbour has one and it is as soft as a brush

ATB

Monkey · 01-12-2011, 01:54 AM

No its not normal and its not healthy...
It might be guard behavior, prey drive etc but the dog is not comfortable around all situations. My dog is half rottweiler, I have rescued and fostered several aggressive rotties and usually dogs that does this needs more basic training and a LOT more socialiation and basically learn to relate all these situation with positivity so he don't bother about anything.. Very often is this a sign of a combination with the protective nature of the rottweiler mixed with insecurity, a big body language is threatening to a dog, thus waving hands, big man, dark voice will be stressfull for a young not well socialised animal. The nipping is often a way for the dog to try to control the situation and mark that he's not comfortable with this, the person is too close to either him, the house or the family. Thus he needs a lot more work.. I am not saying that this is WHAT it is, but it is a very common situation.

My old lady has never nipped, nor never would unless it was serious, and she is part rottweiler and part shar pei that are infamously known for their nippyness...

Redyre is right, if things don't get corrected and worked with now, that dog will eventually likely create a headline..

Tlm · 01-12-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redyre Rottweilers

You are not over reacting. This is not normal behavior. It needs to be addressed immediately before a terrible accident happens.

This person needs a good trainer to help her.

I didn't think i was, she is getting advice from a family member who also has rottweilers.

Tlm · 01-12-2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigboy

Hi Tlm Well where do I start. Do you know where your friend got the dog from, a breeder,shelter? if the dog is from a shelter is there any history on this dog? It does sound as though your friend has answered your question She hasn't been training the dog correctly and now she wants to which is good thing to do and no it's not too late to start at 10 months old

even though training should start as soon as you get home, No the dog has snapped twice so something is wrong. I personaly woud keep your children away as this will help avoid any accidents it only takes a few seconds. I would suggest to your friend to join up on this forum and seek a trainers advice You are right to be concerned! Please keep us
informed as to the next step your friend is taking. BTW in the right hands they are gentle giants! My friends dad's neighbour has one and it is as soft as a brush

ATB

Hi there, she got the dog from a breeder and has had her from a small puppy (quite cute then as all puppys are lol)

And i am sure they can be gentle giants

thanks for your advice

Bigboy · 01-12-2011, 08:14 AM

Tlm It's important that any dog has boundaries and it knows what is expected from them! I do hope you friend is now serious about the problem and gets it corrected before it's too late for the dog. Good luck ATB

Tlm · 01-12-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkey

No its not normal and its not healthy...
It might be guard behavior, prey drive etc but the dog is not comfortable around all situations. My dog is half rottweiler, I have rescued and fostered several aggressive rotties and usually dogs that does this needs more basic training and a LOT more socialiation and basically learn to relate all these situation with positivity so he don't bother about anything.. Very often is this a sign of a combination with the protective nature of the rottweiler mixed with insecurity, a big body language is threatening to a dog, thus waving hands, big man, dark voice will be stressfull for a young not well socialised animal. The nipping is often a way for the dog to try to control the situation and mark that he's not comfortable with this, the person is too close to either him, the house or the family. Thus he needs a lot more work.. I am not saying that this is WHAT it is, but it is a very common situation.

My old lady has never nipped, nor never would unless it was serious, and she is part rottweiler and part shar pei that are infamously known for their nippyness...

Redyre is right, if things don't get corrected and worked with now, that dog will eventually likely create a headline..

I agree, i think the dog needs alot more training and socialiation (just not around me or my children lol)

I feel quite uncomfortable around the dog now and i am sure that don't help the situation eaither. i just want to try and give her some positive advice rather than just throwing negative comments at her about a breed of dog i don't know.

Monkey · 01-12-2011, 10:08 AM

you are smart, such things can come between friends.. I know for a fact... a friend of mine keep having dogs she can't control and it always get out of hand... what you can do is since he's still just nipping it's just in the starters... This will take some guts from you, but trust me on this..

1. around the dog teach your kids to not stare at him, take it calmly and no big body signals nor screaming. Same goes for you..
2. However approach the dog,s ide turned and feed him treats, don't pet him, just feed him treats and walk away..

This will help the dog to relate you and your kids with positive associsation and usually after a few times the dog will be way more relaxed around you guys no matter what you do around him.. cause he has now learned you are not a threat to him..

How to approach your friend about it all, that one is tougher... You can try to tell her well since he don't know us maybe he should have the chance to so he don't turn angry at us.. Or I know you say he don't know us, and it's making me uncomfortable can we (as in you hubby and your kids) get to give him some treats so he will like us better? (that way she will feel less threatened or pin pointed at since you put the problem with YOU). But I would say if she don't do anything about it I would probably not have my kids there, cause it is dangerous and that is not to be mean, she needs a trainer but till she will admit that anything can happen..

BUT If you get the dog to like you guys, you are pretty safe after that cause 99% of the time it all comes down to who the animal knows, trust and how he/she relates to them..

The rotties I take in has bit people including their own owners and been very reactive... I stuff them with hot dogs and rewards they quickly learn to enjoy my company and company before of situations where they would normally be reactive and aggressive... That is called counter conditioning. Example Midnight, he would lunge when on leash on cars, people, bikes etc... so when I saw something coming our way that would trigger him I'd make sure he saw it (but at such distance that he didn't react TOO much) and as soon as he spotted the thing Id start giving him hot dogs so he connects scary car = GOOOOODDIES!!!! and therefor WANTS to start seeing cars.. on top of that eating releases endorfines and helps to relax the animal... The same dog could 6 months later be handled by kids while on leash (I still held the leash) but my neighbors daughter could be all over him, hug him and cuddle him and he loved it.. same dog that was so insecure on leash that he 6 months earlier probably would have planted his teeth in her face.. but he was an extreme case.. hopefully you get like an idea on how you can help your friend..

You could just be like try possitive associssation since he don;t know your friends have them all give him treats so he likes them instead of nipping them (that might actually be all it takes in this states) rotties are smart and easy to work with most of the time...

Monkey · 01-12-2011, 10:10 AM

oh and if you pet him dont pet him from the top leaning over him, crouch down on knee, turn your side to him and just rub his chest area.. This is a none threatening way of petting the dog to help him feel more secure of you and while turning away your body and your face you send calming signals to him that will help him relax more...

01-11-2011, 07:06 PM	#1
Tlm Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kent Posts: 20 Rep: 10 Unique Rep: 0	Advice needed (Rottweiler) Hi there, Just wondered if I could get some advice off some of you? it's quite a long story but will try and keep it as short as possible. basically one of my good friends got a dog she now around 10 months old and she is a rottweiler. I am not to fond of larger dogs, I think it has something to do with the fact that I got attacked by a dog when I was a child. so when my friend told me she was getting this dog I was a little unsure if it was a good idea as she has 2 young children and I have 4 children and we are around her house quite often. the dog debate went on and on for months while she was quite excited about getting the dog me and other other friends were not to sure. she said if you know how to handle them you will be fine and she will train it right. Anyway 10 months on I am not to sure she has control of this dog? but am I just over reacting because I don't like the breed? Me and my husband was around her house (my husband does not go to the house often so the dog didn't know him) he was standing in the kitchen along with the rest of us and the dog was watching him talking and making hand gestures like you would normally when talking, when he caught the dog watching him out of the corner of his eye. he began to feel uncomfortable with the dog and decided to come out of the kitchen. (my husband is not/was not scared of the dog) as he stepped over the gate the dog went for his leg niped it not a bite but still he went for him. my friend kept making excuses like the dog doesn't know him, she's in season, dogs can tell if they like someone or not. etc etc but then the other day the same thing happened too a child again the dog didn't bite but he went like he was going to and tried to nip. I really don't know if I am over reacting? I am unsure what to do? she has now admitted she hasn't been training the dog properly and she has started to reinforce new rules and training. is it possible or is it to late? should I be worried about having my children around the dog? any advice would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Tracy mummy to Alfie

01-11-2011, 08:41 PM	#2
Redyre Rottweilers Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NC, USA Posts: 174 Rep: 14 Unique Rep: 4	You are not over reacting. This is not normal behavior. It needs to be addressed immediately before a terrible accident happens. This person needs a good trainer to help her. __________________ Redyre Rottweilers Quality Companions and Show Dogs since 1988 All remarks are my opinion only The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause. ~Baltasar Gracian

01-11-2011, 08:51 PM	#3
Bigboy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK: Stoke on trent Posts: 10,475 Rep: 62 Unique Rep: 32	Hi Tlm Well where do I start. Do you know where your friend got the dog from, a breeder,shelter? if the dog is from a shelter is there any history on this dog? It does sound as though your friend has answered your question She hasn't been training the dog correctly and now she wants to which is good thing to do and no it's not too late to start at 10 months old even though training should start as soon as you get home, No the dog has snapped twice so something is wrong. I personaly woud keep your children away as this will help avoid any accidents it only takes a few seconds. I would suggest to your friend to join up on this forum and seek a trainers advice You are right to be concerned! Please keep us informed as to the next step your friend is taking. BTW in the right hands they are gentle giants! My friends dad's neighbour has one and it is as soft as a brush ATB __________________ " Iam chillin with the forum! " Thanks Monkey! I been fleeced Thanks Skunkstripe. Dave ATB!

01-12-2011, 01:54 AM	#4
Monkey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Massapequa Posts: 9,690 Blog Entries: 23 Rep: 130 Unique Rep: 64	No its not normal and its not healthy... It might be guard behavior, prey drive etc but the dog is not comfortable around all situations. My dog is half rottweiler, I have rescued and fostered several aggressive rotties and usually dogs that does this needs more basic training and a LOT more socialiation and basically learn to relate all these situation with positivity so he don't bother about anything.. Very often is this a sign of a combination with the protective nature of the rottweiler mixed with insecurity, a big body language is threatening to a dog, thus waving hands, big man, dark voice will be stressfull for a young not well socialised animal. The nipping is often a way for the dog to try to control the situation and mark that he's not comfortable with this, the person is too close to either him, the house or the family. Thus he needs a lot more work.. I am not saying that this is WHAT it is, but it is a very common situation. My old lady has never nipped, nor never would unless it was serious, and she is part rottweiler and part shar pei that are infamously known for their nippyness... Redyre is right, if things don't get corrected and worked with now, that dog will eventually likely create a headline.. __________________ I love dogs cause they do not lie. "I'm chillin' with the forum! "I've been fleeced by Draco!" "I've been fleeced by JGLI" Last edited by Monkey; 01-12-2011 at 01:56 AM..

01-12-2011, 08:14 AM	#7
Bigboy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK: Stoke on trent Posts: 10,475 Rep: 62 Unique Rep: 32	Tlm It's important that any dog has boundaries and it knows what is expected from them! I do hope you friend is now serious about the problem and gets it corrected before it's too late for the dog. Good luck ATB __________________ " Iam chillin with the forum! " Thanks Monkey! I been fleeced Thanks Skunkstripe. Dave ATB!

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Advice needed (Rottweiler)

01-12-2011, 10:08 AM	#9
Monkey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Massapequa Posts: 9,690 Blog Entries: 23 Rep: 130 Unique Rep: 64	you are smart, such things can come between friends.. I know for a fact... a friend of mine keep having dogs she can't control and it always get out of hand... what you can do is since he's still just nipping it's just in the starters... This will take some guts from you, but trust me on this.. 1. around the dog teach your kids to not stare at him, take it calmly and no big body signals nor screaming. Same goes for you.. 2. However approach the dog,s ide turned and feed him treats, don't pet him, just feed him treats and walk away.. This will help the dog to relate you and your kids with positive associsation and usually after a few times the dog will be way more relaxed around you guys no matter what you do around him.. cause he has now learned you are not a threat to him.. How to approach your friend about it all, that one is tougher... You can try to tell her well since he don't know us maybe he should have the chance to so he don't turn angry at us.. Or I know you say he don't know us, and it's making me uncomfortable can we (as in you hubby and your kids) get to give him some treats so he will like us better? (that way she will feel less threatened or pin pointed at since you put the problem with YOU). But I would say if she don't do anything about it I would probably not have my kids there, cause it is dangerous and that is not to be mean, she needs a trainer but till she will admit that anything can happen.. BUT If you get the dog to like you guys, you are pretty safe after that cause 99% of the time it all comes down to who the animal knows, trust and how he/she relates to them.. The rotties I take in has bit people including their own owners and been very reactive... I stuff them with hot dogs and rewards they quickly learn to enjoy my company and company before of situations where they would normally be reactive and aggressive... That is called counter conditioning. Example Midnight, he would lunge when on leash on cars, people, bikes etc... so when I saw something coming our way that would trigger him I'd make sure he saw it (but at such distance that he didn't react TOO much) and as soon as he spotted the thing Id start giving him hot dogs so he connects scary car = GOOOOODDIES!!!! and therefor WANTS to start seeing cars.. on top of that eating releases endorfines and helps to relax the animal... The same dog could 6 months later be handled by kids while on leash (I still held the leash) but my neighbors daughter could be all over him, hug him and cuddle him and he loved it.. same dog that was so insecure on leash that he 6 months earlier probably would have planted his teeth in her face.. but he was an extreme case.. hopefully you get like an idea on how you can help your friend.. You could just be like try possitive associssation since he don;t know your friends have them all give him treats so he likes them instead of nipping them (that might actually be all it takes in this states) rotties are smart and easy to work with most of the time... __________________ I love dogs cause they do not lie. "I'm chillin' with the forum! "I've been fleeced by Draco!" "I've been fleeced by JGLI"

01-12-2011, 10:10 AM	#10
Monkey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Massapequa Posts: 9,690 Blog Entries: 23 Rep: 130 Unique Rep: 64	oh and if you pet him dont pet him from the top leaning over him, crouch down on knee, turn your side to him and just rub his chest area.. This is a none threatening way of petting the dog to help him feel more secure of you and while turning away your body and your face you send calming signals to him that will help him relax more... __________________ I love dogs cause they do not lie. "I'm chillin' with the forum! "I've been fleeced by Draco!" "I've been fleeced by JGLI"

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