Rottweiler training myths - Family - Pets

There are a number of myths surrounding Rottweiler training that are totally unfounded and have their origins in misunderstanding of dogs in general and the Rottweiler breed in particular. The breed has received some negative publicity. In the US, in a 1997 report by the CDC, the Rottweiler was listed as the second most likely breed of dog named in fatal human attacks, following Pit Bulls, although at approximately half the rate of the Pit Bull. Breed-specific bite rates are not known, and less responsible owners being drawn to certain breeds may be a factor. Dog related human fatalities need to be considered in the context that there are fewer than 30 dog related fatalities in the United States each year out of approximately 4.7 million bite incidents, from a total dog population estimated by the American Pet Products Association at 77.5 million dogs. A 2008 study surveying breed club members found that while Rottweilers were average in aggressiveness (bites or bite attem pts) towards owners and other dogs, it indicated they tend to be more aggressive than average towards strangers. This aggression appears unrelated to the fear of the dog, but is correlated with watchdog and territorial instincts. (Wikipedia)Myth: Rottweiler training needs to be undertaken by specialised dog training schools that understand the breed.Training a Rottweiler puppy or adult dog can be done at home or in a training class together with all other breeds. It is only when attack or aggression training is done that specialisation sets in and trained professionals should be used.Myth: When training Rottweilers in a mixed breed environment, muzzle training is a pre-requisite for the Rottweiler and other aggressive breeds such as German Shepherds.Although it is true that some breeds are by nature more aggressive than others, the owner and the training applied determines how this aggression is channelled. Labradors are for example not known as aggressive dogs, but if they are ill trained or abused, they will bite when threatened. This in fact applies to any breed. Myth: Rottweilers will attack without provocation.It is interesting to observe that when aggression or protection training is done with dogs, the first step is to threaten and taunt the dog deliberately. This is done specifically to bring out their natural capacity for aggression. Without this threatening and taunting the aggression stays dormant...Other articles on this site that might be of interest include: Rottweiler training