Rottweilers are a powerful breed, well-known for their guarding abilities. One of the things that makes these dogs stand out is their ability to take down predators quickly. There are good reasons for these dogs to have been livestock guardians for so long.
Do Rottweilers have lockjaw?
No, and dogs of any breed having locking jaws is a myth. This myth likely came from opposition to certain dogs commonly considered “bully breeds.” Rotties may have a powerful bite, but they will be let go eventually.
This video effectively demonstrates Rottie’s biting strength relative to Pit Bulls and German Shepherds. One of the things that we learn from this is how powerful this breed is.
How Strong Are Rottweilers’ Jaws?
According to Wag!, Rottweilers are among the ten breeds with the most robust jaws, with a bite strength of 328 psi. This bite strength can inflict severe damage.
These dogs are generally gentle with family members and other pets. Someone behaving in a hostile way towards a family member may get bitten. However, perceived threats make Rotties ready to go on the defensive with little warning.
Because the bite strength is so robust, proper training and socialization are necessary. Rottweilers are active dogs who love being involved with their families’ lives. A well-trained dog is a better family member and overall companion.
Younger Rotties, in particular, need extra socialization to help ensure that they understand proper boundaries. Puppies and young adult dogs are often unaware of their strength, potentially injuring children or elderly family members.
When your Rottweiler learns appropriate boundaries for nipping and biting behavior, it will be a more active part of your family that everyone enjoys. You will also be less likely to have your dog involved in a bite incident.
How Are Locking Jaws in Rotties a Myth?
According to Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, dogs regarded as bully breeds lack differences in their jaw structures that make locking possible.
Many stories of Rottie biting power are highly exaggerated. To put things into perspective, the 328 psi that Rottweilers bit with pales compared to a great white shark. The pressure that the sharks bite with equals 600 psi.
How have Rottweilers come to have a reputation for being such ferocious biters? One unfortunate effect of Rotties being so powerful is that they have caught the attention of dogfighters. The dogfighting world has created a bad reputation for some breeds.
Despite Rotties having a different type of ancestry from Pit Bulls, their solid guarding instincts and muscular build appeal to fighters. Knowing that this beautiful breed has been used for such a purpose has caused needless fears.
These dogs have also been featured as villains in a few horror movies. Even though such storylines are fiction, these movies can leave viewers with a lasting impression. The way these dogs are often portrayed has no basis in reality.
The unwarranted bad reputation these dogs often get is usually easily disproven through interaction with one of them. Most people who have the chance to meet one of these dogs will gain a positive impression.
What’s the Best Way to Keep my Rottweiler from Biting?
According to Orvis, Rottweilers can be a bit stubborn. This trait has benefited them as guard dogs but can lead to difficulties in regular family life. Finding a proper balance is essential.
Early training and socializing can keep a dog’s dominant streak at bay. A dog with a dominant streak is more likely to act aggressively, including engaging in behavior like biting. Calm, assertive owner leadership is necessary for these dogs.
Supervision around children is essential because they are likely to do things that may trigger a dog’s prey drive or irritate it. Running around while screaming, poking the dog with sticks, and ear or tail-pulling may encourage aggression.
Rotties can be prone to aggression toward other dogs of the same sex. Dogs from outside the household may also be an issue. These dogs should have careful introductions to new pets and have supervision in public.
Allowing your Rottweiler to live as an indoor pet will also help decrease the biting risk. Dogs who live outdoors often regard everything as a potential threat. When a dog lives indoors, it has a more balanced view of other people.
Many biting cases are easily preventable. The right balance of socialization, training and a suitable indoor environment will keep your Rottweiler happier. A dog that is more content with its living circumstances is not as likely to bite.
If your dog shows discontent, consider using a trainer or trying obedience classes. Sometimes, a trainer will help you see how you can improve things to make your dog’s life easier.
What Role Does Exercise Play in Reducing Rottweiler Aggression?
Rottweilers are a high-energy breed. They know how to help your dog channel this energy properly will prevent many behavior problems.
Rotties are at the peak of their energy levels when they are still growing. Although the breed is high-energy because of its working background, most will settle somewhat after reaching their full size around two years old.
Although crates are helpful training tools for housebreaking, they should not be used as punishment. The longer a dog is in a crate, the more pent-up energy it will have. Dogs put in crates as a time-out may also resist biting or nipping.
Avoid yelling or using corporal punishment, both of which may backfire. Rottweilers subjected to harsh treatment may bite. If too much of their interaction with people involves harsh punishment, these dogs may become aggressive toward people in general.
When your dog gets too rowdy and is not minding, ignoring it until it calms down is a better strategy. The dog will associate attention with good behavior and know it has done something wrong if you miss it.
Are There Toys or Games Helpful for Controlling Rottweiler Biting?
Toys and taking part in activities that provide mental stimulation can help prevent annoying behavior like biting. When a dog’s mind is kept occupied, it is less likely to act out. The sufficient activity makes a happier dog.
Big Dog Den cites play activities as necessary for bonding with your dog. Because Rotties are working dogs, they are responsive to indications that you are pleased.
If your dog plays with you and gets positive responses, they see themselves as having done an excellent job. The more your dog has opportunities to play with you, the stronger your bond will be, and the better behaved your Rottweiler will be.
Teaching your dog to play fetch is a great way to provide stimulation. The ball or frisbee will be an essential aid in you helping to teach your dog when to let go. Commands such as “give” or “drop it” can prevent bite incidents.
Flirt poles or sticks are also great tools for teaching your dog to release its jaws. These toys also help you reinforce commands to drop something while providing playtime that will keep your dog occupied.
These games can teach appropriate Rottweiler boundaries that will reduce the chances of inappropriate biting. A well-adjusted dog is less likely to end up involved in bite incidents.
Rottweilers Do Not Have Lockjaw
Rotties and other breeds do not have locking jaws, despite common myths. However, these dogs have strong bites that you will need to discourage. Socialization and training will make the most significant difference.
