Help --- Rottie w/Attitude!

[GaryA]

I have a 4 mo old rottie female. We have had her since she was 10 weeks. She apparently was the dominant puppy in the pack. She has been through obediance training and is doing well with obediance however gets very growly, snarly and snappy and biting when we try to make her do something she doesn't want to do. We took her to petsmart and got her nails clipped, they had to muzzle her and they told us we have a very aggressive puppy. She did great when we had been there previously for the same thing. When we take her to the park she does great around the strangers and other dogs. When we crate her or take something away from her she doesn't want then she bites and growls. Most "professionals" such as the vets and groomers tell us she's way too aggressive. Our dog trainer said she was great and that she will grow out of it, she was having normal rottie behavior. Any ideas or experiences with rotties would be great. We have three kids and she is great with them however has started to show some aggression if they tell her to do something and she's not interested. There is a big difference between her teething and simply wanting to bite someones hand off. Is there a way to break her of this?

[Jaidann]

Well I have a couple questions and the answers may help you get better responses.

What current things are you doing to curb this behavior? List them so the knowledgeable folk can take a look.

Do you practice NILIF consistently and fairly each and every day? If not, do a search for it on these boards, read up on in and start it immediately.

Are you currently in obedience? You said she'd "been through" obedience and spoke of a trainer but I am unsure if this is "past tense" or current?

Answering these may help make it easier for the ones who deal with these questions on a daily basis help you better :)

[bliss7373]

One more question - what kind of exercise does she get on a daily basis?

Thanks!

[Nishasmom]

Just b/c your dog doesn't like his nails being cut does not make him aggressive. He doesn't know how to behave for it yet.

I think you are mistaking her FRUSTRATION for aggression. She is frustrated b/c she wants something she cannot have. Make sure she has adequate exercise and mental stimulation (training).

[AngelBunny]

Vets and groomers typically aren't professionals when it comes to dog behavior. They see a dog for specific purposes and just because the dog is unpleasant at the grooming salon and the vet's office doesn't make a puppy or dog aggressive. Groomers and vets typically don't study dog behavior and thus, aren't qualified to tell you your puppy is "way too aggressive."

Your trainer, on the other hand, whose business it is to know and understand dog behavior, said she's "great." I don't understand why you seem inclined to believe the groomer and vet about her behavior but not your trainer.

Rotties were bred to herd cattle and sheep while the Roman army marched around, conquering. The dogs did their job by force of character, determination, and will, not by size. Any self respecting Rottweiler is going to try to get his or her own way and boss others! That's what they were bred to do.

And, if you got the dominant puppy in the litter, why you are taken aback by her behavior? Of course she's going to try to tell everyone in your family what to do! Did you ask your puppy's breeder for suggestions or is the breeder not there to help?

How much mental and physical exercise is she getting? Is she still in class? Do you practice at home what you learn in class? Do you interact with her using NILIF?

[rytek1]

I don't think a puppy can really be aggresive at 4 months old. Sounds like she is just having some temper tantrums when not getting what she wants,like a 2 year old human baby would do. One thing to do every morning is to have your dog facing out sit between your legs and just stroke her from head to toe. Touch her paws, belly, ears, butt. When she doesnt fuss tell what a good girl she is.