Not a Rottweiler trait... please advise

[gpadilla1071]

Hello all, I've just adopted a 1 1/2 year Rottie from a local shelter and the family is very pleased to have him home. However, I have questioned a little his attitude. First of all he is too friendly (I guess that's a good thing) even when strangers come to the house. I don't want him to be un-friendly like I want for to behave a little more cautious to people. When I walk him, his very afraid of vehicles passing by. If I raise my hand when playing he retreats. When I take him out to do his business, somehow he manges to do his business in the house 5 mins after being outside. In summary I think he has been abused and neglected. I need some help with his confidence, any advise? I got the potty training under control, but I need to train him to be confident. I have been trying to expose him to many scenarios so he can get used to it. Right now this is the only place I can count on for advise. Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Cherry Heart]

Thank you for adopting a rottie into your home. I can say that being overly friendly, is a good thing. My girl Arwen loves ALL people. Shes a little more weary of them at night, but I beleive that is her reading my behavior. As far as being afraid of cars and a raised hand these things will mend with time and training. As he gets use to you and your family, he will realise he is no longer in danger, and will calm down some.

Some things that may help with confidence is classes. Not just obedience class (which will help you bond) but also things like agility, just fun things to do with your dog. I have seen a very reserved dog grow and become much more confident with just taking a 4 week class with their owner. They learn their place, and when they do something right you praise/treat and they calm down alot once they know what they are to be doing. A set schedual will also help as they start to anticipate what is going to happen, and doing it without being asked and being praised for being so smart boosts their confidence. Good luck with your new rottie pal.

[excellrott]

Classes would help a whole lot....when I first took my younger girl to OB she acted like I was trying to kill her. Now three years later, she doesn't miss a beat around all the people and dogs and kids and noise, etc., etc. She's not even afraid of storms or lawnmowers anymore. That's probably cause on the weekends my girls go everywhere I go, especially in the cool weather.

[AngelBunny]

I've been involved in rescue for several years. If indeed your dog was abused yet he's "too friendly...even when strangers come to the house," you should count your lucky stars instead of lamenting.

You should be celebrating this behavior because it shows your dog has a stable temperament, one that was able to get over his abuse. Dogs with weak nerves and unstable temperaments often don't overcome abuse and this makes them unsafe dogs. You were lucky in acquiring your boy.

At 1-1/2 yo, your dog is still young--males typically don't mature mentally and physically until they're about 3 yo. Give him time to grow up and mature.

Taking him to obed class where the trainer has working dog experience and uses positive reinforcement is something I encourage you to do. If he's sound, try agility. Reward him for being confident and ignore him when he cowers or flinches. In other words, don't talk to him in a reassuring, soothing tone because being a dog, he'll interpret this as a reward for retiring behavior.

If you literally just got your dog, be careful about socializing him in public until you know him better. You want to make sure experiences he has are positive. And, since you don't know him well, you want to be sure you understand your dog and his limitations before you start letting people meet him.

[lovemypuppies]

I am so happy for you and your family. I will just dash off a few "just in case" items that you probably already know! Rottie are sensitive dogs. Never think you have to be harsh in any training. Dogs are very aware of all body language. If you use your hands to signal a sit and then to give him a treat, it will help teach him your hands are a good thing. Keep him on leash with you in the house for a few days and praise when he "goes" outside. (Totally ignore any puddles you find inside) If he does "go" inside--YOU slipped up.) He will be housetrained a lot quicker if you are fanatically vigilant the first few days. When outside on the street I try to keep my body between "threatening" things and the dog. Naturally, if you can spot "scary" things before he does, a sit and treat should help. Most importantly be joyful that he is a friendly puppy!!!! You will find that he will gain confidence and if he is treated kindly and is well trained he will be all the dog you could ever want. Thank you for reading my 2 cents. All the detailed expert advice will be found here at RDN by the experienced trainers, rescue people and breeders! I am just a Rott lover!

[gpadilla1071]

I would like to thank you all for taking the time in re-assuring me and my family. It is very obvious that our new member of the family has been abused and we are very careful with him. The whole family is involved in getting this guy a new attitude of confidence. I'm very glad to find people that still care about these beautiful dogs.

[fostermom]

Since your boy is 1 1/2 and not housebroken, it sounds as if he was a "backyard" dog and, as such, probably didn't receive much/any socialization or training. That might explain his fear reactions. We adopted our first rotti at about the same age and much of his behavior was very similar to your boy....not housebroken, clearly never been in a car, many fear responses. Leashing him to you is great advice to housetrain (and to let him understand what behaviors you want as they NEVER get to do undersired behaviors). Only give him freedoms when he is reliable...I would gradually let my dogs off leash when I felt they were trusworthy and would respond to my corrections...first only let off leash when you are with him in the same room, then gradually allow greater freedoms.
Lots of positive reinforcement builds confidence. Not rewarding fear behavior is also great advice...the absolute wrong thing to do is to pet (reward) him when he's fearful. Praise appropriate behavior. It does sound as if my boy was much more fearful than your boy as Reno was quite fearful of people...you could see that he WANTED to interact with us but was afraid to. Over time, Reno has grown into a confident dog who impresses all who meet him. I am sure your new boy will do the same. BTW, THANK YOU for adopting!! He sounds wonderful.

[gpadilla1071]

Thanks. He has been a blessing having around. Having a Rottie again is great as well! My last one past away a while back. The funny part is that my little chiwawa is the mini-pack leader

[bfiney]

Just wanted to add that in my experience being too friendly is a Rottweiler trait! And a valued one at that!

[gpadilla1071]

Hey thanks!! You're absolutly correct. Also, I want to let everyone know that Max has gain a lot of confidence and has gain a lot of wheight (17 lbs) in a month. However, I'm still working the car issue with him. He seems less of scare of them. Thanks all.