Puppy Training: Why You Need to Socialize Your Rottweiler
We often hear our clients express their lack of plans to socialize their Rottweilers. One of the most common reasons they cite is their fear that their dog would grow up to be ‘too friendly’ with people. After all, most of them get Rottweilers as a companion and protector of their family. Wouldn’t socializing them defeat this purpose?
Not really. You see, Rottweilers are naturally protective of their family. It’s an instinct they developed over years and years of breeding. So, if you properly care for your Rottweiler, it would automatically feel protective of you and your family.
The danger lies in the failure of an owner to effectively socialize their Rottweiler. It is this type of neglect which gives the breed its present negative image of being turbulent or dangerous. So, be sure to dedicate some time to socialize your new Rottweiler puppy once you get it. The process is surprisingly simple and wouldn’t take too much of your time.
The Dangers of an Un-Socialized Rottweiler
You’re probably already familiar with the stories of Rottweilers attacking people, even their own owners that has been making its rounds in various media outfits. The breed has even been branded as one of the most dangerous dog breeds together with the Pitbull.
While it is true that incidents like these do happen, it is unfair to vilify the entire Rottweiler breed based on a small sample of incidents. As long time Rottweiler breeders and owners, we can assure you with full confidence that Rottweilers are naturally good-nature and calm dogs. A quick look at the American Kennel Club’s official breed standard will tell you the same.
However, their temperament might diverge from what is natural. These undesirable behaviors like aggression and being overly-territorial are usually caused by abuse, neglect and lack of socialization and training.
Simple Ways You Can Socialize Your Rottweiler
Socializing your Rottweiler puppy doesn’t have to be a grand affair. Hiring a trainer won’t be necessary at all. It can be as simple as taking your new pup for a walk outside or letting it play with your kids.
At the age of 3 to 12 weeks old, your pup is at a stage when they are most accepting of new experiences and objects. So, it’s best if you start socializing them as soon as you get them. Just don’t forget about certain precautions to avoid your puppy from contracting Parvo. Even trips to the vet for vaccination can be part of your puppy’s socialization. As long as your puppy gets to experience and meet people and familiarize themselves to the outside world, it counts.
You can even invite your friends and family over to your place, so your puppy can meet new people. Driving around your neighborhood with your puppy in tow is also a great and easy way to get your puppy to get used to its new environment. You can also acquaint your puppy with other dogs so they can get used to interacting with them. However, remember to only let your puppy play with vaccinated dogs to avoid Parvo.
In conclusion…
Rottweilers surely don’t deserve the bad rap they get. They’re naturally-protective yes but they aren’t the dangerous dogs that some people think they are. A little bit of training and socializing will help your Rottweiler to be the well-behaved dog that it should be. Remember, there are no bad dogs, only unsocialized ones. Make your and your pet’s life easier and more enjoyable by investing time in properly socializing them.
