All dogs have protective instincts, but some use them more than others. Rottweilers are known as family dogs and are meant for protection. Very few offenders would dare threaten a family with a Rottweiler.
Trained or untrained, a Rottweiler will protect its owner. The part that is hard to figure out is how they interpret real threats compared to false alarms. That is where the training comes into play.
Rottweilers are aggressive and can do a massive amount of damage to a person ready to harm. Once they attack, it cannot be taken back if it is a false alarm, and the owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes. The only way to get out of this kind of trouble is if the danger is imminent, and the only way to be sure is to get the dog trained.
Instinct and Aggression
It is essential to know that every Rottweiler is different and has a distinct personality. In that sense, they are no different from us as humans. Rottweilers are born with a good sense of telling real from fake.
If a threatening situation presents itself, the first thing the dog will do is protect its territory first. This means that when a threat is within its region, the first instinct is a warning by growling and showing its teeth. It is a warning to say, “Hey, if you come any closer, you will get these teeth sunk into some flesh.”
A good dog thinks of its owner as a leader of the pack and will give his life to its master. If the threat continues, then the aggressive side takes over. Once the aggression takes over, the Rottweiler will enter a zone considered the attack mode, where there is no turning back.
All this happens with trained and untrained Rottweilers, but the only way to control it is through professional dog trainers who know Rottweilers. The power of their protective instinct determines how aggressive they will be or when they will attack.
The Signs of Protectiveness In a Rottweiler
There are signs the owner can see if the aggression is for the dog to protect. From birth, Rottweilers have the instinct to be protective, but the friendlier the dog, the less protective it will be. In the animal world, friendliness is a sign of weakness.
It is not that the Rottweiler does not keep the trait. It means they will be friendly towards everyone, leaving an opportunity for imminent danger. The good news is that most friendly Rottweilers are still trainable to protect, and the bad news is that some are not.
So, what makes it so different? The Rottweilers with more aggression are more alert and in tune with what is happening around them. Friendly dogs are less alert to their surroundings because they think everyone is the owner’s friend or family, and these are the more challenging to train.
The best way to tell is if someone shows up on the property or at the door and the dog starts to bark, then it is a good indication that they are trainable. You may have a problem getting the dog trained if they act like they can care less if someone is at the door.
Intimidation is Another Form of Protection
One noticeable thing about a Rottweiler is that it will most likely wait for the person threatening to make a move before they make theirs. This comes from the intimidation of the dog’s appearance and exterior features. The muscular build, heavy set, big head, sharp teeth, size, and stamina, make this almost a monster of a dog.
Burglars and people meant to harm will think three or four times before attacking the owner of a Rottweiler. Once their eyes are locked on the target, not many people care if the dog is trained or not. They automatically get scared.
If the Rottweiler is adequately trained, they will hold back until the threat attacks. They will know the real from the fake, and the burglar or bad person will realize they made a grave mistake. So, the intimidation of the Rottweiler is more than enough to keep the wrong people away!
Training a Rottweiler to Protect
Among the many breeds, Rottweilers are noted as obedient dogs. When they are young, it is time to train them. As they get older, they get set in their ways, and it is hard to change them.
They are great dogs to train for home, military, and police work. It is through the training routines that it is found how good the Rottweiler is at directions and if they are protected through instincts. The last thing anyone wants is a dog that is off the wall or does not listen when using them for public service.
All dogs must pass a training course to continue with the armed forces or police K-9 unit. The dogs are to protect the owners in combat or arrests. They are also used in investigations.
The police force is to the people like the K-9 is to the cops. Protection, aggressiveness, and obedience are taught as top priorities, and the dog must pass with flying colors. Training is complex and takes several weeks to complete the rigorous course.
Rottweilers’ high intelligence makes them move through the training course quickly. They understand and react to specific commands that are necessary for the protection of the owner and others. They are taught how to read strangers and tell when threats are imminent but remain on the side of protection.
Protection With a Rottweiler
As mentioned earlier, few people would chance attacking an owner with a Rottweiler. They will warn the perpetrator first by growling or barking aggressively when they attack. They will watch and sense every move made as they remain alert.
Once the smell of fear is in the air, the dog will chase, hunt, and attack by biting the victim and bringing them to the ground. For a time, there may be a stare-down as to the first move and by which side. Any further threats, the dog will handle accordingly.
Once the Rottweiler is trained, getting the dog to warm up to strangers may take some time since their protection side is in overdrive. When the dog realizes the stranger is a family or friend, it will protect them like the rest of the family.
Different Types of Protection Rottweilers Deliver
We often think of burglars or murderers when considering protection from a Rottweiler. Though this is true, it is not always the situation. Rottweilers are very territorial dogs and will warn or attack violators such as:
- Snakes;
- Other dogs;
- Wild animals;
- Any creature or person that does not belong on the property.
The Importance of Socializing
Once you have your Rottweiler trained, following this last bit of advice is critical. You must socialize with other people around the Rottweiler and have the dog go around other dogs. If this is not done regularly, it will be a challenging ride because the dog will want to tear everything and everybody apart.
Socializing teaches the dog to be a friend and a foe, whether it be people or other pets. Socializing keeps the dog from going crazy and turning mean. You want to keep the protective side going but do not want an all-out mean and angry dog.
Related Questions
How do you find a trainer for a Rottweiler?
When the dog breeder has a litter of puppies to sell, go with the breeder first. They usually know someone reliable and a good dog trainer. Sometimes you may get lucky; the breeder is a dog trainer, and you can go with them and their rates.
Can I use my Rottweiler for Breeding after they are trained?
Of course, as long as they are not spayed or neutered. Remember that the dog’s temperament may be passed down, but not the training. The puppies will have to undergo training provided they are deemed worthy by the trainer.
What Type of Rottweiler is Easy to Train?
Many would say this is a common-sense question. No, not really, it’s not. Some dogs are naturally stubborn, and Rottweilers have an obedient temperament if they want to work, go for a walk, and do different things.
The temperament must have a balance between their instincts, which is to protect and to socialize. Aggressive dogs are easier to train than those with a friendly demeanor.
Why do Rottweilers show their teeth when they growl or bark aggressively?
The only weapon a dog has is its sharp teeth. Though they are now domestic creatures, they still carry their ancestors’ traits, such as long, sharp teeth. The bigger the teeth, the more threat they pose to their prey and enemies.
Consider them showing their teeth as a sign that they are ready to attack at a moment’s notice. Many will back down and slowly walk away. Others, well, will find out the hard way.
