Barking, or lack of

[CAINSOWNER]

Hello everybody, I have Cain who is 12 weeks and he rarely barks. Lately, past week or so, he began barking a little bit. Once when a van pulled in our driveway and he hadn't seen the van before and let out a few barks... Then last night, when in the yard, he was playing with the kids and he looked towards the side of garage and we beleive he may have seen a racoon/skunk/rodent, or he was barking at the ball{daughter's}. I tell him "Good Boy" and lavish him with kisses and tell him how brilliant and smart he is to let us know a van was coming, or something was there...
Also, a few days ago he barked in the house, he was really excited and jumping around in our bedroom and I said "good boy"...Now I think he may have mistook it for rewarding him for jumping around...I imitate barking sounds and say "bark" or/ and "speak". He cocks his head and looks me so oddly.... and still no barking, speaking...I have to say also, I am really persistant on this too, it's not like I do it every now and again...The reason I would like him to bark is when he has to go potty...What he does now is does a little dance near the door, but if I am preoccupied I don't see the dance...He is good and holds his "duties" but still, a sound would be really nice....
Thanks for reading my post and I look forward to hearing some suggestions and also getting to know other rottie owners..I am relatively new here. Joy

[Oscarincali05]

Joy, your puppy will bark at the right times but give it time. I don't think you want to have your dog always barking. It not usually in the Rotti's genitic code to constantly bark. Rotts usually inspect first then act. Unlike most dogs that just start barking. For the bathroom my little Oscar started crying and scratching on the door when he has to go out. it is much better than barking and the neighbors won't complain about a loud dog. Plus teaching a Rott to bark at things might confuse people to thinking he is not a friendly dog. Unfortunally Rotts carry a bad rep. If you wanted a dog that constantly barks you should have got a doberman. They even bark at birds flying by.You could also train him to ring bells on the door. Alot of people use that one. Save the barking for when something is really wrong. And don't worry he will bark on his own. Mine started barking more at 3-4 months of age.