herding pup

[dani542]

I have a nine week old male. He insists on herding me when we go for walks. I have heard that this is a sign of dominance. Any suggestions for stopping this.

[samanthac]

Originally Posted by dani542

I have a nine week old male. He insists on herding me when we go for walks. I have heard that this is a sign of dominance. Any suggestions for stopping this.

Herding is not a sign of dominance, it is a trait of the breed. Rottweilers were drover (herding) dogs back in the early origins of the breed. Some have a stronger inclination than others, but many Rottweiler owners cultivate this and competively herd with their Rottweilers. There are also working farm/ranch Rottweilers even today. You may want to take a look into this as he is displaying such strong tendencies towards it.

Perhaps you can curb this with OB training, but it would be very detrimental to the dog to try to squash a normal tendency such as this.

[Patty1231]

At this age I don't think you can contribute this to a dominance issue - he has no clue what that is. He's just a baby and learning how to walk on a leash. Be gentle (physically) but take control and have fun with him. If it's fun and rewarding for him he'll learn very quickly - and that goes for everything!

[samanthac]

He is way too young for structured walks. At this age the leash should be used for restraint only...so he does not run off.

[Patty1231]

Originally Posted by samanthac

He is way too young for structured walks. At this age the leash should be used for restraint only...so he does not run off.

Oh, yes, definitely! It feels like it's been so long since Rocco was that young I wasn't even thinking about that aspect! Sorry, I was thinking about being out in the back yard. I remember being told to not even put a collar and leash on him until he was 12 weeks but then read here that a collar was okay. Geez, they grow so fast!

[moondog]

The only thing you should do with a 9 week old baby puppy is to encourage him to beebop along with you on a leash. Pat your leg, squeek a toy, and only use the leash to keep him from wandering into danger. This is his time to explore!

If he has a natural tendency to herd, get him a big, soft ball and let him herd it! Instead of attempting to eliminate a trait, show him how he is allowed to use it. Trying to squash the natural instincts that a puppy has also squashes his character. I've found that if those natural tendencies are recognized and directed into constructive activities as a puppy grows up, they grow up happy, satisfied, and they understand when and when-not-to use those instincts.

Patience, supervision, redirection, consistency, a camera always at hand....and....enjoy him! :)

[dani542]

Thanks so much for some great advise. I appreciate it.