Leaning and sitting on feet?

[dipper]

Like I said before, every Rottweiler I ever owned did this --- that is lean into most people.
All my Rottweilers have been males and I have owned dogs that covered the temperament spectrum, from very soft laid back to very hard and dominant and they all did this.

ALL my dogs acted much like what FelicityJay has described.
I think that before we yell "dominate behavior!!", we should describe what we are seeing.
For instance, when I or my wife come home from work or a trip, our dog is of course very excited to see us.
He "leans" into us, puts his head back and raises his front paw in the air like he is shaking hands. We scratch him under his chin and he sits there with his eyes half closed and his tail beating the floor at 100 mph. To me, it appears to be very submissive behavior.
He then slides down to the floor, lies on his back, and gets a belly rub.
When we say "enough", he knows it's over and it is.

Look at your Rottweilers body posture. If your dog is in a standing position "leaning" on you and trying to stop you from entering or exiting a room--THAT is dominant behavior.
If he/she tries to get between you and your spouse when you are hugging for instance and tries to push you apart---THAT is dominant behavior.
If your dog tries to stop you from picking up your child---THAT is dominate behavior.
Every time your dog leans into you it does not always have to be an act of dominate behavior IMO.
Our neighbors on both sides of us are elderly couples, and they all have trouble walking.
It is funny to watch Benny greet them--He adores our neighbor Myra and she played with him and fussed over him since the day we brought him home.
He "leans" into Myra but does so so gently it's funny and she loves it---he is very gentle with her and the other elderly neighbors.
Many people also say that if your dog comes to you and wants petted and affection that is an act of dominance---"they're demanding attention!!" --"they're telling YOU what to do!!""
It NEVER bothered me or my dogs---we both always enjoyed the contact.

Rottweilers are a breed that crave close contact with those they love--It's one of the reasons we love the breed so much.
Use common sense--any adult should be able to recognize true dominant behavior.
The fact that your dog may lean into you while you're petting him is nothing to worry about---don't be afraid to enjoy your dog--that's why I own mine--for the companionship and love this breed gives by the truck load.


Rich

[lolasdad]

Thanks for explaining further. I too beleive that it is not a cut and dry show of dominance it depends how there body language is. I think my Lola is just looking for a belly rub. I wanted to have a better idea so as later I don't have a problem in a later age.
Thanks
Rick