How to Make a Rottweiler Good With Children

With the right training, a Rottweiler is an excellent family dog. This is what the German breed standard says about the Rottweiler temperament: "He is descended from friendly and peaceable stock and by nature loves children, is affectionate, obedient, trainable and loves working." I have owned and trained Rottweilers since 1986 and every one of mine has been good with children. There are two parts to ensuring any dog is safe with kids. First is training and socializing your Rottweiler. Second is properly managing the dog. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, I strongly recommend group obedience classes as well as daily training.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Everyday buckle collar
• If necessary, a training collar
• Six foot leash
• Twenty foot leash
• Toys and treats

1. A five year old can walk 100lb Cooper safely. Teach your children how to treat the dog. Never allow them to tease any animal. If you have a Rottweiler puppy, do not allow roughousing or chasing games. It might be cute and safe now, but will not be safe when your dog is 100 lbs. Do not allow your puppy to do anything now that you don't want him doing as an adult. It is not fair to change the rules as he grows.
2. Have children help with the training. Your Rottweiler should sit on command whether a five year old kid or an adult asks him to. Teach your Rottweiler to take food gently from little hands.
3. Take your kids when you go to training classes, if they are old enough. You may even want to look into 4H or other classes for training children and dogs.
4. Make sure your dog has plenty of safe exposure to kids right from the start. Take him to parks, friends' houses, playgrounds. Praise him for being gentle and friendly, correct him for being rambunctious.
5. Use the 20 ft leash to practice coming when called. Always reward or praise the dog for coming even if you had to pull him to you. This is a good one for children to practice since it is easier to pull a dog on a long leash than a shorter one.

Tips & Warnings

• Always supervise your dog with children. Small children should never be left alone with a dog.
• Have your child help with brushing your Rottweiler.
• Teach your Rottweiler to take treats nicely by closing your hand around it and only letting him take it when he stops nudging or being grabby.
• When introducing your Rottweiler, ask children to pet him under the chin or on the chest instead of on top of his head.
• Never allow children to play tug of war or chasing games with a dog. Rottweilers have a high "prey" drive and can harm a child if they get too excited in playing and chasing.
• Don't let your child take the dog's leash on walks unless you are 100% sure there is nothing that will excite the dog and make him lunge or run.
• If your child wants to walk the dog, attach another leash to his collar so you and the child can both walk him safely.
• If there is any problem behavior like growling or being "protective," get the advice of a good dog trainer immediately.