When considering if rottweilers are good with other dogs, there are a few things to consider. They are one of the most popular dogs of all time, says the American Kennel Club. They are tough looking but can be friendly and are good for families.
However, there have been stories of rottweilers interacting poorly with other dogs. So, are rottweilers good with other dogs?What is their personality like? What could cause them to not get along? This article will tell you all you need to know.
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Do Rottweilers Get Along with Other Dogs?
It is a common question among owners wondering if rottweilers are good with other dogsif they get along with others. The answer is yes, as long as they are around other dogs and socialize with them early on in life.
Socialization is Key
Socialization is critical to your rottweiler’s well-being. These dogs are territorial, and failure to socialize them early on can result in aggression, especially with dogs of the same gender. If you have a rottweiler puppy and a cat, get them used to one another early on. Rottweilers are known to be predatory toward cats if not trained to be around them.
Personality of The Rottweiler
The rottweiler is described as a courageous, confident, and calm breed. It is also said the breed does not “lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.”
This is an active breed that enjoys walks, interaction with other people and dogs, and mental stimulation. This breed does well in agility classes and obedience school.
Despite their intelligence and pleasant personality, the rottweiler is geared toward dominance, and they will try to rank as the “alpha.” It’s important to be assertive with these dogs.
Choose the Right One
There is a wide range of personalities; you can end up with when you choose a rottweiler. The vast number of breeding lines is responsible for this.
Do not opt for the working lines if you are looking for a friendly family dog; chances are they won’t interact as well as a calmer line of rottweiler would.
Make sure to ask your breeder about the personality of the particular rottweiler you are interested in. Watch out for dogs bred to be “sharp.”
Rottweilers are already smart dogs, and a “sharp” one is not a protective animal; instead, they are quite unstable and more likely to attack a person or other dog/animal. Some Rottweilers are also nervous or skittish dogs, which also makes them a risk.
Why Might Your Rottweiler Not Get Along with Other Dogs?
Territory Issues
One mistake that owners make, according to expert Cesar Milan is that they introduce dogs from different packs by simply tossing them in together in one of the pack’s territories and hoping it all just works out.
By doing this, you run the risk of the resident pack becoming assertive or aggressive as a way to defend their territory. The dog may submit, or it could fight back.
Personality Differences
Male and female dogs are quite different in personality. Especially when it comes to intact male rottweilers, the differences are striking.
Males are known to be dominant, territorial, and distracted a bit more easily than their female counterparts. Males are also more playful and independent.
Even females that are spayed and those that are not spayed display personality differences, with the latter being territorial and dominant when they are in heat.
Also, some dogs may have been socialized early on, while others were not. Differences in how the dogs were raised can also have an impact on how they interact with one another.
(Check out the best companion dogs for rottweilers.)
How to Train Your Rottweiler To Get Along with Other Dogs?
One way to take the worry out of the question do rottweilers get along with other dogsis to begin the training process early, from the moment you bring home your pup from the adoption clinic/breeder.
The most important thing is to make your puppy feel welcome and right at home. After that, establish rules with your puppy and make sure your family follows through with them.
Here are some examples.
Establish His Crate
A doggy den or crate is a place for your pup to relax, regroup, and get away from family for a little while. It is a safe place where no other dogs or people should go; a space just for him. Make it comfortable with toys and blankets.
Keep Close Watch
During the first few days, you are together; keep a close watch on your pup to see how they are doing, how they are exploring, and how they interact with others.
Establish the Potty Spot
Having a place to go to the bathroom that is dedicated will bring relief to you and your dog. Take them out at regular times each day to the same spot.
It will be a familiar place to your dog, and he will know what to do if you take him out each day, use the same key phrase to get him to go, and ultimately cut down on accidents in the house.
While these may not seem like they have anything to do with the question of do rottweilers get along with other dogs, it is important that dogs have a good home life, so they know how to treat other dogs and people when it is time to socialize.
Socialize Early and Often
Socialization begins right at home with interaction that takes place with your family members and other dogs. Here are some other things you can do to help your rottweiler get along with other dogs.
Meet Lots of People
Get your rottweiler used to meeting lots of different people. Have him meet women, kids, men, and even allow him to see a baby. This will get your dog used to the wide variety of humans out there. If you and your family are your dog’s only friend, he may become suspicious of anybody that is NOT his family.
Take It Easy
Meeting new people is hard. Here’s what to do if your dog is feeling a bit stressed out.
If he is acting a bit skittish, don’t worry. Just don’t make a big deal, calmly talk him down and reassure him it’s OK.
Offer a treat, so they feel good about the situation, and you show you care.
Allow others to pet him, but only where hands can be seen.
Do It Early
One way it becomes easier for rottweilers to get along with other dogs is to socialize them between 3 and 12 weeks old. During this period, puppies should be exposed to the following things:
New people
Body touches like the touching of the ears, tail, and paws
Neighborhood items like signs, strollers, bikes, motorcycles and cars, benches, and so on
Cats and other dogs
Urban settings
Different types of floors and ground (e.g., a lawn, a parking lot, a beach, a brick street)
Places where people gather, like beaches, parks, and forests
After the age of 18 weeks old, it becomes markedly more difficult for dogs to socialize. If you have an older rottweiler, it is still possible to socialize.
Doggy Boot Camps or Classes
One great way to get your rottweiler used to other dogs is to take him or her to a class that can teach them something.
Rottweilers are quite smart, and mental stimulation is very good for them. Dog training classes are an excellent way for your dog to learn basic commands, and also to interact with other dogs in a safe and secure area.
Go to the Dog Park
Going around the dog park is a fun way to meet others, and it gives your rottweiler some exercise, too. If your rottweiler is ready, try a leash-off park and see how it goes.
You can also take your pet shopping for his essentials. Many pet stores are OK with dogs entering. It is an excellent place to meet other dogs for a quick hello while buying poop bags or delicious treats.
Be Size Smart
A rottweiler puppy weighing 20 lbs. versus a Bull Mastiff weighing much more than that is probably not the best socialization idea. Make sure you are aware of the other dog’s personality and your dog’s personality before putting dogs of different sizes together.
Most dogs are friendly, but you never can tell- and some dogs simply don’t know their own strength.
Watch for Discomfort
Is your dog feeling uncomfortable about hanging around other dogs? Look for signs that it is time to take a break and relax. Dogs that pant, slink away with tails between the legs, and yawning are all signs that your pet is in distress.
Understand that socialization is a process that takes time, and it must be done repeatedly to be effective.
Just like you get tired of hanging around with friends and family for too long, so does your dog. It’s best to leave when your dog is having fun and happy, so they walk away with a positive feeling about the next interaction.
Positive Reinforcement is Important
Positive reinforcement is a simple but effective method of getting your dog to be friendly with others that works! Put simply, if a behavior yields a good consequence, the dog is likely to repeat it.
Your job as their owner is to reward good behavior, so it is always repeated. Was your dog friendly and sweet to the kids at the park? Did they play nice with the other dogs at the dog park?
If so, it’s time to reinforce good behavior.
Offer A Treat
Most dogs will do just about anything to get a delicious treat, so make sure you have a stash of them ready to go. When you notice your pup having a friendly interaction with another dog, offer up a treat.
It will encourage your dog to be good in public, not only because it helps him make more friends, but because delicious treats will be offered.
Treats can be whatever you rottweiler loves; pieces of chicken, commercially made dog treats, or a string cheese cut into small pieces.
Offer Praise
Dogs love to be petted and told they are doing a good job, and owners love the chance to tell their dog he or she is a good boy/girl. Offering a pet and some hearty praise to your rottweiler when they are doing a good job socializing with other dogs and people is a way to help them understand the good in what they are doing.
Best of all, it costs nothing!
Don’t Leave Them Unattended
Even the friendliest of dogs can turn if the conditions are right. Things can change on a dime if you turn your back for even a few moments, so anytime your dog is with another person or pet, keep a watchful eye upon them.
Injury can occur if you are not watching your dog interact with others. The dogs may be territorial, or they may fight.
Even if your dogs are used to being around one another, it’s best not to leave them alone unless they’ve been highly socialized (e.g., two dogs that have coexisted in the same house without incident for a long time).
Inform Others About Your Dog
It’s best to talk to other people about what your dog is going through when you do go to the dog park, a family member’s house, or doggy classes.
Make sure you let them know that he or she is just learning how to socialize, and of any anxieties they have. This lets others know how to handle their own dogs around yours and helps everyone become acclimated at a pace that works for them.
Train Your Rottweiler
If you haven’t trained your Rottweiler properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your Rottie shows, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
With Brain Training For Dogs you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases it’s still going to be:
Cheaper than hiring a professional.
Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to have a calm, happy dog. You’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior, or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out a full review here, to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
How to Introduce the Two Dogs To Each Other?
There are steps to take to help your dogs to interact in a healthy and safe way. It’s best not to simply throw the dogs into the yard or dog park and let them have at it- this can lead to injury, aggression, or generally feeling overwhelmed.
Instead, follow these steps.
Take It Slow
Lots of new smells and sights are taking place when your dogs meet. Let them do this at their own pace. Keep a close eye on them as they do so.
Meet on Leashes
Keep the meeting spot neutral, like a basketball court, training center, or park. Dogs should both be on leashes. Dogs should go for a walk together but maintain ten feet between them so they cannot interact just yet. It gets them used to each other’s presence without tension rising.
Let Leashes Drag
Keep this in an open and neutral zone. Avoid confined places. The more room the dogs have to move around, the more they will feel at ease. Allow them two minutes to sniff at one another, and then retrieve them.
Keep it short and positive- if the dogs play and seem happy, allow it to go on for a few moments and then call them back. Keep it positive and end happily; this will make it easier for future sessions.
Meet at Home
Meet in the yard, and then work your way to the house afterward. Bring the resident dog to the yard, then bring in the new pup to the home.
Meeting inside can result in an unpleasant situation. Keep the initial interactions short and sweet. If you notice tension, separate the dogs ASAP and try later on.
What to Avoid Doing?
Here are some tips to keep you and your dog in good spirits as you help them get used to other canines.
Do NOT Keep Dogs Together While Away
Until your dogs are highly socialized with one another, don’t leave your pup with the dog you already owned. Separate crates and rooms will give each dog the peace they need and will prevent injury as well as negative behaviors like chewing and relieving himself in the house.
Do NOT Neglect the Need to Keep the Peace
Dogs are good at settling arguments with one another over small things, but they still need you to diffuse the situation at times.
Be mindful of your dog’s behaviors when they are stressed or upset. Make sure to pull them away and calm them down. Always make sure you reward behavior that is favorable.
Rottweilers and Kids
Kids and rottweilers go good together, but kids sometimes interact with dogs in a way that is less than appropriate. If you have kids, establish early on how to treat the dog and what to do if the dog does show signs of aggression. If you are around kids that aren’t your own, make sure you watch your dog to make sure you can remove them if the conditions are not right.
Find out more about keeping rottweilers with kids and babies!
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered your question about do rottweilers get along with other dogs. The answer is absolutely yes, but there is a lot of work that goes into it on the owner’s part.
Owners have to make sure that socialization takes place, but only after the dog has established a happy and comfortable home life. Make sure plenty of positive reinforcement is used, such as offering praise and treats when your dog behaves.
Most importantly, never leave your dog unattended.
Following these will help your pooch become a rottweiler everybody wants to be around and will help him make many friends both canine and human.
