Male Rottweiler puppy won’t walk on leash

by Nicole
(Toronto)

Growls , flips on his back and when I try to make him move.

Actually growls and shows teeth. Very embarrassing. He’s just about 10 weeks.

Please help.

Hi Nicole
Your puppy is clearly not enjoying his leash training – but this is perfectly normal. His reaction is just his way of trying to ‘warn you off’ in the hopes that you’ll forget all about the leash that he dislikes so much. You must not let him win this argument!

At 10 weeks old he’s just a baby, and you have to show him clearly, firmly but lovingly, that you are in charge and that any growling or nipping will NOT be tolerated. For advise on dealing with nipping and biting check out my Stop Puppy Biting page. This sort of behavior is normal but it is much easier to correct now when he’s small (and so are his teeth) than when he’s bigger, stronger and has already learned that it works!

I’d recommend that you read my Leash Training A Puppy page as it has lots of tips and advice to help you. I know it’s difficult when your pup is resisting, but try to make this a positive experience for him and reward him every time he is going forward with you. If he lies down and flips over on his back, you back up several steps then jog past him calling his name in a happy upbeat voice and show him a treat, or a favorite toy, as encouragement. Chances are good he’ll jump up and follow you… then you praise him and give him his treat or toy.

I’d also recommend enrolling your puppy in a basic puppy obedience class, it will help you to understand each other better and you’ll get hands-on help with problems such as these. The socialization aspect is also very valuable for your pup.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your puppy.

Comments for Male Rottweiler puppy won’t walk on leash

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 19, 2012

won’t walk on leash NEW
by: melissa

my 1 yr old rottie does the same thing! He never liked walking when he was little. Now after he goes potty sometimes he lays down and won’t get up. I used to pick him up and say “Let’s go” but now he is 106 lbs so that isn’t going to work. I have done the jogging thing you suggested, I have also dropped the leash and said “BYE BYE! That seems to work cause he picks up the leash and chases me. Treats and toys don’t work for me cause he could care less. Everyone says he will grow out of it and it can’t be soon enough for me! Good Luck!


Click here to add your own comments

Return to Your Rottweiler Questions.

About The Rotty lover 2159 Articles
My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone