Do Rottweillers have an aggressive attitude toward their owners with time You've had her for about three months and she's one year old - she's very aggressive with the neighbors but not us yet?

Answer 1

This is most likely due to a socialization issue. If she is not aggressive outside the home it may be due to her territory. Make sure you have her spayed. Work with the neighbor by interacting together in a positive manner and reward for good interaction. If that doesn't help then discuss with your veterinarian for a behavior consult.

11-10-08 UK. I fully agree with the above answer, do you know what has happened to her in her former home? I don't believe that any one breed is more aggressive than another, however, i do believe that the way an owner trains and treats a dog is paramount to how they behave in future. This breed, along with many other that are traditionally used to guard, can of course learn to be aggressive, but so can a Yorkshire terrier.

I think this is a territorial thing, as well as protection towards her new family, you, but you do need to see a professional because it could well be that old chestnut, fear agression and that's a tricky one to deal with because you have to understand what and why is making your dog afraid. However, don't be despondent because you have a young dog here, plenty of scope to change her behaviour.

I'm going to give you a few starters to practice with to see if you can improve this. When we bring a doggie home, particularly a rescue dog, we all coo over it and fuss, and its so easy to think "oh poor thing its had such a bad time, lets make it all better!" Actually, what better serves the dog, but goes against human nature, is to show the dog immediately that it is low in the pack and that all humans are above it. This means that the dog will wait before you go in and out of any door, the car, will walk to heel on the lead. The dog that pulls and pushes you around thinks it is top dog. You greet your family members when you come home, then you greet the dog, even if its has it paws on your shoulders when you come in. You have you meal with your family, then you feed the dog - in nature this is exactly what happens in a pack - the top dog eats first and has the best, the pack members accept this and wait their turn. If they don't they are bitten and threatened. Don't try to bite your rottweiller! Any unwanted behaviour can (with practice) be controlled by a low deep growl from you! The dog has to understand its place within its family and if not taught will assume leadership. It won't take any notice of you when youwant it to come to you, it won't stop what it is doing when you want it to, and all your property becomes its personal property. And I promise you, not all dogs wish to be top dog, and are very uncomfortable when they feel they have no choice but to take the lead - this in turns sparks aggressive behaviour as that is the only way the dog has off showing its authority and meaning it. It doesn't want your neighbours to come onto its property in case they harm its pack.

It is of course desireable to have a good guard dog to protect the home, but a very fine balance has to be achieved here. It is perfectly ok for your dog to warn you by barking that someone is at the door and you should teach him "thank you for telling me but I will deal with it." But, a dog that is going mental at the door because the postman has arrived has to be taught right from wrong. This is because when he is doing this he sees the postman as a threat - he barks goes mad posties walks way (because he has delivered the post) however, your dog thinks the postie has done a runner because of his actions - which teaches him to do it to anything he sees as a threat. I rather suspect this may be what is happening with your neighbours - especially if from time to time they cross the boundary on to your property.

Last tip then, invite the neighbours to your home for a drink one evening. Have someone holding the dogs collar. Let him warn you that someone is at the door, then hold the collar and make him lie down whilst someone opens the door. Make a hige delighted show of having your neighbours round, and tell the dog "Bob - friends". Everyone should be comfortably seated but should also have a doggie treat on them. Put the dog on his lead and allow him into the room. As he approaches the first stranger, if the reception is good, have that person give him his treat whilst telling him he is a good boy. Do this with each prson in the room that is a visitor, but ensure he is on the lead. It may take several visits for him to completely relax but he will get the message that if people are at your home socialising with you they are generally ok, and that youwill decide who comes in the house and who doesn't. Also, whoever is holding the lead during the exercise shuld ensure that they too are relaxed about this - if you are nervous your dog will know immediately and will try to take over in an effort to protect you from what you appear to be afraid of - or will learn Tobe afraid himself and here we go again - lets attack because that makes my fears go away!

Hope this helps - I know all this because of my border collie who is suffering fear aggression of other dogs because he's never been socialised (rescue dogs) but is the hero of the local cats because he was brought up with them and loves them!