I’ve always adored the Rottweiler dog breed for their outgoing and confident nature. But I have seen some Rottweilers act a little too rambunctious with their owners. This made me ask myself: are Rottweilers easy to train? I decided to do some digging. From my research, I found some fascinating information on the breed.
So, are Rottweilers easy to train? Rottweilers are relatively easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and are quite intelligent. In fact, they are ranked in the top 10 list of smartest dog breeds. Certain training, such as guard dog training, comes easier to them than others. Socializing your Rottweiler at a young age is important. This will prevent them from becoming fearful or aggressive when they are older.
Training your Rottweiler is not optional. But with some hard work and persistence, you can raise a well-behaved Rottweiler. Make sure you learn more about their personality and temperament as you prepare to welcome one into your home.
Rottweiler Intelligence
Can scientists really measure canine intelligence? One dog expert believes so.
Psychology professor Stanley Coren conducted a set of trials to test canine intelligence. For his research, 199 obedience trial judges evaluated and ranked different dog breeds. Professor Coren only tested AKC or CKC-recognized dogs.
Out of this group, only the breeds with at least 100 responses made the final cut.
Professor Coren based his intelligence test on two factors:
- One counted the number of repetitions it took for a dog to learn a command. The fewer repetitions needed, the more intelligent the dog was.
- He also tested the dogs on their obedience skills. The judges recorded the percentage at which a dog successfully obeyed a known command on his first attempt.
A higher success rate meant that the dog had a high level of obedience and intelligence. Based on this test, the Rottweiler performed extremely well.
According to his results, a Rottweiler can learn a new command in five repetitions or less. They also have a 95% success rate in obeying a known command on the first try.
Pretty impressive stuff!
3 Types of Rottweiler Intelligence
Rottweiler intelligence is too complex to rate on a scale from dumb to smart.
Just like humans, canine intelligence comes in a variety of dimensions. Most experts separate intelligence types into three different categories. Professor Coren studied instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence.
Let’s break each one down together.
1. Instinctive Intelligence
Instinctive intelligence measures a dog’s ability to perform its breed-specific duties. Different dog breeds have different types of instinctive intelligence.
While Rottweilers were bred to guard things, other breeds were bred to hunt or fetch. Because these abilities are so different from each other, it is impossible to compare them among different breeds.
You can’t judge a guard dog’s ability to track a scent. Nor can you judge a retriever’s attack skills.
2. Adaptive Intelligence
Adaptive intelligence measures a dog’s ability to learn new things and problem solve. This can vary among individuals of the same breed.
Some Rottweilers may be completely inept at learning a new obstacle. Others may prove to be quite skilled at it.
Most people don’t measure canine intelligence among different breeds using this metric.
3. Working and Obedience Intelligence
A dog with high working and obedience intelligence learns quickly under their human’s commands. This is one of the most important aspects of his intelligence. Humans rely on domesticated dogs and their ability to follow specific commands.
Out of the three categories, working and obedience intelligence is the easiest to compare among different breeds. In Professor Coren’s survey, AKC judges listed Rottweilers as one of the top ten breeds for working and obedience intelligence.
This doesn’t mean that you should adopt a Rottweiler based on this information alone.
While they are skilled at learning tricks, they are also smart enough to learn anything they can get away with. That’s why you need to socialize and train your Rottweiler starting from a young age.
Rottweiler Obedience Training
Rottweilers are known for being obedient. But that doesn’t mean they can train themselves!
You should start training your Rottweiler when they are between six weeks to six months old. Make sure you teach them the basic commands, including:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down
- Speak
Make sure you arm yourself with plenty of treats before starting your training session. You will need to practice a great amount of patience as your Rottweiler starts to learn new commands.
As they start to get a firmer grasp on the training, challenge them. Just because your Rottweiler knows how to obey your commands in the living room, that does not mean they will remember them at the park or outside. Rottweilers have short-term memory.
When you train your Rottweiler, you are establishing yourself as the leader of the relationship. This is important. A Rottweiler that doesn’t accept your leadership could be a danger to you and others.
Training Your Rottweiler to Protect You
Have you covered all of the basic commands? Is your Rottweiler properly socialized?
If so, you may be ready to train your Rottweiler for protection.
Rottweilers are naturally protective.
When you train them for protection, you are teaching them when it is and isn’t okay to act on this instinct. Most owners hire a dog trainer or attend a special class with their Rottweilers. This ensures they are properly and safely training them.
Socializing Your Rottweiler
Don’t forget to socialize your Rottweiler. Once your puppy has the proper vaccinations, it is time for him to make some new friends.
Take him out on walks. Bring him to a friend’s house. Encourage others to pet your dog. Let your dog sniff and investigate new people. But don’t let him jump on anyone. If your dog growls at anyone, make sure you say “no” immediately.
Rottweiler Training and Temperament
Rottweilers are intelligent canines who live to please their owners. Unfortunately, they suffer from a bad reputation. Many people consider them aggressive and downright mean. However, this image does not apply to most Rottweilers.
When raised correctly, a Rottweiler’s true personality shines through. Loyalty and steadfastness are key traits of this breed. Many people also admire them for their confidence and dignity.
However, Rottweilers can be quite cautious.
Some people misinterpret this caution as hostility. This trait is rooted in their past as guard dogs. Rottweilers also tend to be needy and sensitive. They require owners that have enough time to watch over them. Busy professionals and people who travel often may not do well with this breed.
Related Questions
A Rottweiler that has been trained and socialized properly should not display any aggression toward its owner. Sometimes an owner may mistake a Rottweiler’s affectionate grumble as a growl. If you notice your Rottweiler make a deep, rumbling purr when you pet it, it is simply enjoying your attention. But if your Rottweiler pulls its ears back or stiffens its back, he is displaying aggressive tendencies. Contact a dog trainer or veterinarian if your Rottweiler starts to act out. You will need to work together to reshape your Rottweiler’s behavior.
Most people do not recommend Rottweilers for first-time owners. But responsible owners who do their research will have an easier time with their Rottweiler than someone who is unprepared. Prepare to invest a lot of time in training and socializing your Rottweilers. If you feel that you do not have the time to properly look after a large breed dog like the Rottweiler, you might want to look into a different breed.
