Socialization camp? Growling but complaint, is that okay?

[MartyL]

We have a 2 year old neutured male Rottie. He has been with us since he was a puppy and has been pretty good all along. We have 3 kids who he interacts well with (11, 5, and 1 always supervised). He knows our friends and family and has known them since he came home at 8 weeks and has been fine with them, but we have no idea how he is with strangers, since if we are on a walk they run and hide their children as soon as they see us coming. I am afraid of people getting too close since he does sometimes growl and bark at strangers that pass by our window. So, is socialization camp the answer, or should I not even worry?
Now, the other issue is that he growls at us and snarls when he is told to do something he is not interested in doing, he still does it and has never bitten any of us, but he is growling and showing his teeth all through it. Is this a normal Rottweiler behavior, he is still complaint just complains all the way through like a teenager would. And is it true that rottie's "purr"? he does seem to purr when he is being petted and looks all dreamie eyed or does it mean he doesn't like it? He has never had any formal training as my husband feels he can do it himself. He takes great pride in it and Neo is doing well, and is obedient. So please give me your insight, thank you so much. My oldest is petting him right now and he is "purring", right?

[Mochasmom]

He is not doing well if he is growling at you!!!!!!!
Get into formal obedience class and you will get socialization, training, and establish leadership with your dog.

[2rotties2luv]

This dog is most certainly NOT obedient and is not under control if he is growling and showing teeth when given a command and if he is firing off at strangers. Through a lack of proper training, he does not respect either you or your husband. Since you have allowed him to take charge, he is "teaching" you to let him alone by growling and showing teeth. The next lesson could well be a bite. This dog needs to be in training with an experienced trainer (NOT PetSmart classes) yesterday. Please do not let your children interact with this dog until he has been evaluated and this behavior is under control.

[damp]

Originally Posted by MartyL

We have a 2 year old neutured male Rottie. He has been with us since he was a puppy and has been pretty good all along. We have 3 kids who he interacts well with (11, 5, and 1 always supervised). He knows our friends and family and has known them since he came home at 8 weeks and has been fine with them, but we have no idea how he is with strangers, since if we are on a walk they run and hide their children as soon as they see us coming. I am afraid of people getting too close since he does sometimes growl and bark at strangers that pass by our window. So, is socialization camp the answer, or should I not even worry?
Now, the other issue is that he growls at us and snarls when he is told to do something he is not interested in doing, he still does it and has never bitten any of us, but he is growling and showing his teeth all through it. Is this a normal Rottweiler behavior, he is still complaint just complains all the way through like a teenager would. And is it true that rottie's "purr"? he does seem to purr when he is being petted and looks all dreamie eyed or does it mean he doesn't like it? He has never had any formal training as my husband feels he can do it himself. He takes great pride in it and Neo is doing well, and is obedient. So please give me your insight, thank you so much. My oldest is petting him right now and he is "purring", right?

Felines purr!!! and ill behaved dogs growl!
If you husband is proud he has “raised/trained” a dog who growls, snarls and shows teeth when given a command, I would be very worried and keep my kids far away from the dog.

Sorry (no intension to be rude but HONEST) your dog is NOT obedient!!! You can fool your self, but you can't fool me!!!

In two years, the ONLY thing your dog has learned is…he is in charge and please don’t ignore growling AND showing teeth or you will soon (and not later) have and accident.

If your husband is toooooo proud to acknowledge he failed and tooooooooooo proud to take the dog to an experienced trainer to teach both him and the dog…. I know what I would do!!!

[MartyL]

Thank you all for all you comments, I will look into a trainer NOW!!!

[MartyL]

PS: When he is "purring" he does not show teeth or anything he just seems to be vocalizing.

[MartyL]

there is a school in my area called CES Dog Training Inc. is there anyone familiar with it? is it a good choice? it is in the manassas, virginia area? is this a good place to start? the website is cesdogtraining.com. Sorry I don't know how to do links. Thanks again for giving me your insight, sometimes we just need a good kick in the head. I was reading some threads were boot camp (at home)is recommended for some dogs, I might start with trying that until I put the classes together.

[MartyL]

oh, and he doesn't always growl when given a command. He does when he has been told to get down when he has done something wrong and he knows he is in trouble or in instances like that. Not on all commands like sit, stay, back, off and all those. I know, but still... I get it.

[RottiMomCT]

Well, I certainly would NOT do the socialization camp - you LEAVE the dog with them for 2 weeks?? Ay yay yay!! What do they DO when you are not there?? How does the dog learn that YOU are in charge if you drop the dog off and leave him there?

I am ALWAYS cautious of any training facility that boasts the following: "We can train ANY dog - fix ANY problem"

I would get an evaluation and probably start with the very basic class. Even though the dog has some understanding of commands, a class is a very new environment and stressful for everyone.

I've got a 3 yr old male who completed a level 2 beginner course (I was teaching the level 1 class at the time). Next month we will be taking a level 1 beginner course and then back up to level 2...he knows what I want, I just want my husband to work with him as well.

[damp]

Originally Posted by MartyL

PS: When he is "purring" he does not show teeth or anything he just seems to be vocalizing.

Again... "just" is fooling yourself...but not me. "Just" is bad excuse and "The Way To Hell Is Paved With Bad Excuses!"
In your first post, you discovered your hubby and your dog need more help than can be given online. My online advice is seeking an experienced trainer!!!

[Judi W]

I would not suggest that you attempt to put the muscle on a two year old dog that is issuing what sounds like meaningful threats to you unless you muzzle him first. It could get you badly bitten. Bootcamp work is for a dog that has a vestige of respect and a background of some training and this dog has neither. There is no such thing as socialization camp, socialization means to educate the dog to people, but no one is going to want to meet what appears to be a dangerous animal.

In threads especially with adult behavior issues, the recommendations are for that dog being discussed in that thread with its history and relationships. A full-sized Rottweiler that is issuing threats should not be taken lightly and recommendations given for another dog should not be construed to apply to yours.

This dog is who you raised him to be, and now is going to require serious professional work. You need private training in your home. When you contact a trainer you must ask if they are experienced in working with aggressive dogs. Many do not choose to do so.

[MartyL]

thank you all for your replies. I will take all suggestions into consideration and I will have my husband read these. Thank You again.

[pazzo]

MartyL,
I can only offer this. PLEASE heed the advice given here! Please do not be naieve, I can promise you this, if this dog does not undergo SERIOUS training by an EXPERIENCED trainer, you will be in for a BIG heartbreak. These members are not novices especially JUDYW, they know and understand our rotti's very well, you will be doing your dog a grave disservice if you and your husband do not take the advice. please keep us posted.