Rottweilers And Children

Rottweiler dogs are okay with children when they are trained correctly and well socialised.

The following training points should be considered when bringing up puppies and children together:

Do not let a small child pick up or carry a Rottweiler puppy. Puppies, like babies, are afraid of falling. They will often squirm and fight to free themselves. If successful, they may break a leg. (Vet bills are not cheap). If panicked they may even bite. Remember, in this case, it is not the puppy’s fault, but yours for allowing the situation to progress to the point where the puppy can no longer cope with it.

Encourage children to get down on the puppies level on the floor for fun and games. They can play all they like without either one getting hurt and the puppy is free to move away when he has had enough. A child may not realise the fact that he has inadvertently cornered the pup and set in motion a series of instinctive behavior mechanisms.

Do not expect the puppy to absorb endless punishment in the form of constant noise or teasing. He will learn to defend himself unless he has some place to go such as a crate, bed, corner or run where he can go when he does not want to be disturbed. Make certain that everyone understands that he is not to be disturbed there – and then make sure that he is not. He will come back out when he is ready.

Do not leave your dog unattended in the garden with small children no matter how trustworthy you may think your pet dog is. Although Rottweilers do enjoy children more so than many other breeds, they are not a miracle dog and must be treated the same as any other large dog when around children.

Do enlist the help of your child in the training of the dog. It will increase his sense of self importance, his concern and knowledge of animal behaviour. “If Bruno wakes then please take him outside right away so he won’t make a mistake in the house”.  ”Watch him please in  case I don’t notice, okay?”

Do insist that other children who come to play abide by the same rules that you expect of your own.

Do teach the dog to sit before he is given food or a treat, and to wait for an “okay” to take it. Your Rottweiler puppy will grow quicker than your toddler. If the sit stay becomes automatic they will sit before a child with food, hoping but never touching.

Never allow a small child to take the puppy’s food or bone as this could create a problem later when the puppy has grown into an adult dog.

Do give your Rottweiler simple obedience training so that he will be spared random scolding and confusion. Let children use the words “DOWN” and “SIT” as pleasant commands to a puppy and make sure the puppy is rewarded with a brushing or a tummy rub by their young master.

Do not expose an innocent passerby to your dog’s protective tendencies. Do not leave your Rottweiler and your small child outside a shop and expect them to take care of each other. Some well intentioned stranger may be bitten.

Do increase your child’s sense of responsibility and pride of achievement by letting him help as much as he can. Do not expect him to know what to do. Guide him.