How To Stop A Rottweiler Biting

Stopping a Rottweiler from biting is something that should be done in the puppy stages.  Rottweilers are extremely strong and powerful dogs and it is of great importance that they do not bite when they reach adulthood.  Teaching a Rottweiler not to bite can be achieved through game playing.

Teaching a Tug-Enough game to a Rottweiler puppy does many things for him.  It teaches him the word “enough”, it also teaches that the owner is the leader and controls the game.  The puppy will also understand that the owner is a fair leader, and the puppy is taught how to control play and bring toys to you.

The best toy to use for this teaching method is a soft toy such as a fleece chew-arm, or other easy-to-grip item.  You should sit on the floor and begin the game with the puppy.  Encourage the puppy to grab the toy by telling him to “get it”.  Do not let go of the toy yourself and gently pull against the puppy.

Once the puppy Rottweiler has started to pull on the toy, you should give the “enough” command in a firm tone.  This may startle some puppies immediately and they will let go of the object.  If this is the case, smile at the dog and praise them.  Hold the toy away from the puppy for a moment or two and prevent him from grabbing the toy by blocking him with your free hand at his chest.    You can then present to toy to the puppy again and repeat the entire procedure a few times in a row.

However, if the Rottweiler puppy does not let go of the toy on the “enough” command, immediately take the thumb and forefinger of your free hand and squeeze the bottom corners of his jaw, gently and steadily.  Press the gums against the teeth which will open the puppy’s mouth and the toy can be removed.  Praise the puppy and again keep the toy away from him for a moment or two.  You can then repeat the process.

This game should be played for approximately 5 minutes at any one time.  When you have finished playing you should get up and say “all done”, remove the toy, and give him a bone to chew, or you should allow the puppy to play alone with the toy for a few minutes without any interaction from you.   It is imperative that you remember that this is a leadership exercise, and since you are the leader, you make the decision as to when playtime if over.

Holding back a bite should be done by the entire family, including the children.  Each time the puppy bites a body, make a yelping sound like another puppy would.  At the same time you should stop all play and interaction with the dog.  This is the worst of all possible scenarios to a puppy.  This way your puppy Rottweiler will learn that biting is not acceptable and that biting softly allows him to continue playing with his littermates.

If the puppy’s biting is out of control and no amount of yelping is making him stop, then you should calmly take time out.  Quietly, but firmly, place the puppy in his crate for a brief time-out.

Placing a puppy in his crate will immediately inform the puppy that you will not play and interact with him if he is biting.  Never shout at the puppy when you do this.  Do not leave the puppy in his crate for a long period of time.  A few minutes of quiet time is enough to make him understand that he is behaving badly.  Once a few minutes have passed by, you should let him out of his crate and interact with him again.  The Rottweiler puppy will soon learn that biting results in no playing and will begin to stop biting.  This is not done as a form of punishment, rather as a form of communication without the emotion and frustrations.