The application of human reasoning and behavior onto beloved pets is a very human habit. Who actually knows if a rottweiler, or any dog for that matter, actually feels “lonely” or is simply bored.
It would be lovely to take out canine BFF everywhere with us, but most of us need to work, shop for food, visit a relative in the hospital, or engage in a variety of activities where it is not possible to bring a dog.
Consider the Breed
Rottweilers have a reputation as guard dogs and are in the collective imaginary are considered to be powerful, loyal, and very protective.
This breed was originally bred to be “drovers” meaning their job was to protect and help to move livestock.
Even today, rottweilers participate in herding competitions. They were bred to be working dogs, so their genetic makeup indicates that they need to be occupied with a job.
Tireless, smart, and wanting to please, rottweilers are great candidates as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, carting dogs, customs or police dogs, or companion dogs.
Centuries ago this breed was known as the butcher’s dog because the rottweiler was charged with accompanying the butcher to market and protect the money from robbers.
Rottweilers Are Leaners
Rottweilers love to lean up against their family members. This physical need may be one of the reasons that we as humans, assume they get lonely when left to their own devices.
Actually, the American Kennel Club reports that this habit originates with the breed’s original purpose of herding cattle. They would lean against livestock to move the herd in the right direction.
Rotties are sensitive, intelligent dogs despite their imposing physical presence, and they will develop a close attachment to their human companions.
See also: How Much Attention Do Rottweilers Need?
How Long Can I Leave My Rottweiler Alone?
If you have trained your dog and he or she is well-behaved, your Rottweiler can most likely be left alone for an average of approximately six hours daily.
Once the six-hour mark passes, your dog will inevitably become restless. Your pooch will probably need to go for a walk for physiological reasons.
Even without the urge to urinate or eliminate, your dog may become bored, and boredom should not be confused with loneliness. Boredom can easily lead to destructive behavior.
Isn’t My Rottweiler a Guard Dog?
Rottweilers can be guard dogs for homes or businesses, but this is not automatic. They must be properly trained by professionals as guard dogs.
Having your Rottweiler as a guard dog can be a perfectly logical choice as Rottweilers are bred to be working dogs. Giving your dog a job to do satisfies to some extent their genetic need to work.
However, they need to be trained properly due to their powerful muscular build. Proper training will prevent errors on the dog’s part and accidents that can cause physical harm.
Guard dogs generally live outdoors, so some exercise and elimination needs will be taken care of, but the Rottweiler guard dog will need access to fresh water and shelter, as well as food.
Walks are still a crucial part of your dog’s care to meet exercise needs and to stimulate your dog mentally through the use of their olfactory talent.
I Feel Guilty Leaving My Rottweiler Alone Especially After the Covid-19 Pandemic
Covid-19 changed the lives of our family pets considerably. All of a sudden, human companions were home all day, often working from home. This meant that pets had company all day.
As life returns to pre-pandemic conditions, you’ll be leaving your rottweiler alone at home more often. This can potentially cause you more anxiety than your dog.
Rottweilers are often nicknamed “Velcro dogs” due to their leaning habit, so you may feel badly when you need to disconnect. Your dog may also develop separation anxiety if you suddenly disappear for long periods.
But you can help your Rottie get used to staying at home alone again. Follow these tips:
1. Start with Brief Absences
Canine anxiety revolves around the worry that if you leave you will not be returning, and dogs do not have a concept of time as we know it.
As a result, they will not discern a few minutes from hours. Begin by leaving the house as if you are leaving for work.
Dress as if you are going to work, taking your briefcase, umbrella, or whatever you generally do. Leave the house for ten minutes (don’t just stand outside).
When you return do not make a fuss as this can exacerbate anxiety attacks when you leave the next time. Give your dog a nice pat and go about your business.
If your Rottie is overly excited upon your return, avoid engagement until your dog has calmed down. This exercise will reinforce that when you leave, you will return, so your Rottweiler has no need to worry.
2. Avoid Making a Big Production of Leaving
Don’t fuss when you are ready to leave. Prepare your things, pet your dog casually and leave. Should you hear your dog bark, whine, or scratch, do not, under any circumstances, return. Returning will only positively reinforce undesirable behavior.
3. Take Your Dog for a Long Walk before Leaving
Taking your Rottie out for a long walk is one way to dissipate any excess energy and tire your pup out a bit before you leave. This will provide exercise and perhaps encourage your dog to nap once you’ve gone.
4. Keep Your Rottweiler Occupied
Boredom is one of the biggest challenges when leaving a Rottweiler alone. If they become bored, they can easily engage in destructive behavior so the time passes.
This typically involves chewing …your furniture, your clothing, or whatever happens to tweak their interest. Provide your dog with a puzzle toy with hidden treats inside.
Kongs are very popular with big breeds. This will keep your pooch occupied with a nice reward as well. Radios or TVs can be left on, and you can always set up a web cam to keep an eye on what your Rottie is up to.
5. Rottweilers Love Company
If you think you will be away longer than 6 hours, consider getting a pet sitter, dog walker, friend, or family member to visit your dog and take him or her for a short walk.
Another alternative is doggy daycare. In this situation, your dog will enjoy the company of other dogs and people during your absence and reinforce socialization capabilities.
While it’s not necessary to acquire a second dog, this is an option if the situation warrants it and your home or yard can host two dogs.
The success of an introduction of a second dog will depend on the socialization skills acquired during puppyhood of both dogs.
Is My Rottweiler Lonely?
If your dog is lonely or unhappy during your absence, you’ll know it. Separation anxiety can be a serious problem. Symptoms of separation anxiety include:
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- Constant barking or whining
- Scratching at doors
- Inappropriate territorial marking through undesirable urination or elimination
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Coprophagia (the ingestion of the dog’s own feces)
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If you notice any of these symptoms, try to retrain your dog with absences that gradually increase in length as described above.
If symptoms are severe, ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or professional dog trainer.
The Bottom Line
Before you get a Rottweiler, or any dog, consider your work schedule or commitments to evaluate if you have sufficient time to commit to a dog’s needs. With an honest evaluation, you’ll avoid stressing the dog and yourself.
