How to Make a Rottweiler Good With Children

By MacDonald

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step 1:
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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

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