Got a new Rottweiler puppy, or thinking about getting one? Your first question might be if they need a lot of attention. Stated simply, the answer is yes Rottweilers do need considerable attention from their pet parents.
The Breed
Known to be great guard dogs, Rottweilers are considered to be loyal, and very protective. The Rottweiler breed was bred originally to work as “drovers”.
Their job was to help move and protect livestock. Rottweilers are still regarded as great herding dogs and continue to participate in herding competitions. Bred as working dogs, they need a job or a suitable substitute meaning lots of attention.
Desirous of pleasing, these tireless dogs perform well as therapy dogs, guide dogs, service dogs, customs or police dogs, carting dogs, or just as companions.
Historically, Rottweilers were referred to as the butcher’s dog. They would accompany the butcher to the market to protect the butcher’s money from theft.
What Kind of Attention Do Rottweilers Need?
1. Exercise and Play
To begin with, Rottweilers need tons of daily exercise for both their mental well-being and physical health.
They are large powerful canines, and extremely intelligent, so they need to stay occupied to prevent them from getting into trouble. They are exceptionally physical when playing which can be intimidating.
Ideally, your Rottweiler should get a couple of hours a day of exercise. One hour would be the bare minimum.
Taking long walks and scheduling playtime even in an enclosed yard will help this highly energetic dog to burn off the extra energy and keep in shape.
If your Rottweiler responds well to recall, you can even let them off leash if the environment is secure. Look for exercises that you can do together. Consistency is the key with a Rottie.
As athletic canines, they enjoy a number of sports including
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- Agility
- Barn hunting
- Carting
- Dock diving
- Herding
- Nose and Smell challenges
- Tracking
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2. Socialization and Training as a Form of Attention
Rotties are incredibly powerful physically and are often described as “willful”. In other words, they can be stubborn. So, they need to be trained and adequately socialized.
Socialization should begin very young so that they mature into calm, confident dogs. They should never be left alone unsupervised with kids, or people uncomfortable with canines.
Obedience training is a must for Rottweilers. Behavior training will contribute to keeping your dog safe as well as others in your dog’s path.
A Rottweiler should be able to perform commands like “stay”, “come”, “sit”, or “drop it”. Beginning at approximately eight weeks of age Rottie puppies can begin simple command training.
If you get a puppy, puppy training is a good place to begin to reinforce the socialization that Mother Rottweiler began.
Rottweilers have an excellent reputation as guard dogs and are naturally defensive of their pack members, hence it’s recommended to channel defensive instincts properly through socialization.
Rottweilers can grow to weigh more than a hundred pounds, so control of a potentially exuberant large dog is crucial to everyone’s well-being.
With a Rottweiler, positive reinforcement is the best method when training. Use treats, verbal praise, petting, or a favorite game or toy when your pup obeys or behaves.
As working dogs, they enjoy having a task to complete. They are thinking dogs that love to please their people.
3. Eye Contact
Rotties tend to be very observant. Unlike other dogs, they will not look away or behave submissively.
They will look directly into your eyes and enjoy having eye contact with you. The attention you dedicate to your Rottie should always include eye contact.
4. Grooming
Attention for your pup should include grooming. A regular grooming time can help your pup become accustomed to grooming needs and feel at ease.
Because Rotties have short hair, they require little maintenance and shed little hair. A weekly brushing may be sufficient, but a little extra grooming will enable you to bond with your pooch.
While not more prone to being destructive or noisy than other breeds, their physical power distinguishes them from many other breeds. As highly intelligent pets, they can become bored easily.
Rottweilers Are People Dogs
Even though they appear large and intimidating, Rottweilers are really people dogs. Many assume that due to their size they should be kept outside. In reality, Rotties enjoy being indoors with their families and feeling a part of the “family”.
When Rottweilers Suffer from a Lack of Attention
Appearances can be deceiving, and Rottweilers are no exception. Despite their tough exterior, Rotties are highly sensitive.
They are super smart and develop strong and lasting attachments to their pet parents. Often referred to as “Velcro dogs” due to their physical need to lean up against their humans, they require attention and care.
Rotties can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
They also can develop very destructive behavioral habits if suffering from a lack of attention such as obsessive chewing, jumping on furniture or people, dominant behavior, biting or nipping, excessive barking, scratching, or even urinating and defecating on floors.
Common causes include changes in schedules, a new family, a new home, or a change within the family or “pack”.
Good training, regular play and exercise time, and time and attention dedicated exclusively to your canine companion can mitigate any risks of these kinds of destructive undesirable behavior from developing.
If after your best efforts your dog shows symptoms of separation anxiety and develops destructive behavioral habits, it’s wise to ask for veterinary advice and an eventual referral for a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist depending on the severity of your dog’s behavior.
See also: How Do I Keep My Rottweiler Puppy Busy? (8 Ways)
A Final Thought
These big muscular canines need lots of human contact together with good training and socialization as well as proper and firm handling from puppyhood.
They are deeply devoted companion dogs who love their humans and as such Rottweilers can be highly protective and appear aggressive when tasked with protecting their human families.
Yet, they are highly social canines that thrive on spending time with pet parents and receiving attention.
If you have just adopted a Rottweiler or are planning on adopting one, make sure you schedule lots of time and attention to lavish on your Rottie BFF.
So, how much attention does your Rottweiler need? Tons. If you work or study, good training and scheduling can resolve any problems and meet your fur buddy’s need for attention.
