charging Rottweiler

by nelsa
(killeen, texas)

I have a 2 yr old Rottweiler and I don’t understand why she charges at other dogs. She’s growls and barks and charges even when she is on a leash. I can’t control her on walks.

Sometimes she takes off running and I can’t hold on. When I bring her back she will stop and won’t move when I tug at the leash. If I call her after charging she will not. Respond.

Please help.

HI Nelsa
You definitely shouldn’t be walking a dog that you can’t control, it’s dangerous for her, for you and for the other dogs/people around you.

Most people would have trouble physically controlling a full-grown Rottweiler, they’re extremely powerful dogs. However, when you train them properly from the time they’re pups, they respond to your verbal commands, and obey and respect you, rather than you having to try to use your physical power – which won’t work!

If your dog hasn’t been trained, or responds to others but not you, she needs a LOT more training and I’d strongly recommend dog training classes so that you can get some professional help.

Rotties are very intelligent, but they can be stubborn and strong-willed, they need to know ‘who’s boss’ but don’t respond well to harsh corrections, physical punishment, or nervous, insecure handling.

I can see how much you love your dog and that you’re trying to do the best for her and that’s great. But, I think you need some help. It sounds as though even though she barks and lunges, and runs off, she doesn’t actually ‘follow through’ and bite, snap or hurt any other dogs. However, you don’t want to take the chance of that changing, Rottweilers get enough ‘bad press’ as it is, and they’ll never get the benefit of the doubt.

To be a responsible Rottweiler owner you need to make sure that your dog is well socialized, well trained and fully under your control at all times. Get some help so that you can move towards that goal, and it will be better for everyone.

Best of luck with her.

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