Rottie’s Barking At Strangers

by wanda
(Maryland)

Hello…my Rottie is 6 months old. When someone approaches the door he barks and the hair on his back stands up. What does this mean?

Also, sometimes when we are walking if he notices someone he doesn’t know he will do the same thing…does this mean anything serious?

thanks

Hi Wanda
Your Rottweiler pup is becoming an adolescent and it’s around this time that his very first ‘guarding instincts’ start to surface.

Most puppies don’t really know what to do with these feelings to begin with and if they think there’s a threat they may bark or growl, or back away… or do both simultaneously.

It’s important not to allow your pup to see every person who approaches your home, or every stranger (person or canine) on the street as a threat, or he may become hyper-protective and over react to everyday situations.

Repeated and ongoing socialization is very important for all puppies, and even more so for these large, guardian breeds who are by nature protective and perhaps a little suspicious. You can learn all about this aspect of raising your puppy on this webpage… Socialize Your Puppy.

Regular, positive socialization experiences help your pup to feel more confident and to accept new people, places and pets without feeling threatened. This is a huge benefit to his self-confidence and will stand him in good stead his whole life.

I also strongly recommend enrolling every puppy in a basic obedience class where he will get socialization experience within a controlled setting and you can both benefit from the hands-on help of a professional dog trainer so that a mutual respect and clear communication can develop. I think this would help both you and your Rottie puppy right now.

If your pup barks at strangers on the street, tell him ‘No, it’s okay’ in a happy, upbeat voice and walk on confidently. Try not to be worried about how your pup will react as that will make you tense as you approach and your pup will FEEL that, although he won’t understand it. He’s likely to think that you’re afraid of the stranger and that he/she is a threat and it will make things worse.

As pups mature as long as they’re properly trained and socialized they will learn to discern the difference between non-threating people and situations and threatening ones and will react accordingly. But it takes time and maturity.

Hope this helps, lots of luck with your pup.

Comments for Rottie’s Barking At Strangers

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 28, 2012 rott NEW
by: unknown The Rottweiler is a dog of many talents: he???s rough and tumble, ready for anything; easy to train, if treated with respect and consistency; loyal and protective, at times to a fault; strong, yet gentle; aloof and dignified with strangers and playful and loving to his family. In short, the Rottie is the typical ???tough guy with a heart of gold.???

This steadfast canine soldier developed from the Molossus dog of Italy, a Mastiff-type dog bred to fight lions in Roman amphitheaters and serve the army in its campaigns. The progenitors of the Rottie traveled with the conquerors, driving and protecting cattle that fed the warriors on their long and arduous treks through inhospitable terrain. Dogs often stayed behind as the armies pressed on, breeding with the native canines and producing working dogs suited to particular climates, conditions, and occupations.


Jan 24, 2012 Definitely Socialize NEW
by: Lisa Our rottie is almost 2 years old. And I couldn’t agree more. Socialize, socialize, socialize! I can take Delilah anywhere! She loves all people and other animals. She wants to sit on everyone’s lap. But if she senses that I am nervous about someone or a situation, she reacts. I greet someone that I know that is new to her with a very upbeat greeting and she is always pleasant. We had a pizza guy that didn’t wait on the porch and decided to walk into my house. I was shocked that he did this and nervous, Delilah sensed this and growled intensely until the pizza guy decided it was in his best interest to wait outside. Good idea! I did not stop her growl as I thought this was an appropriate reaction for her. Take your puppy everywhere! Let them know what is acceptable behavior and not acceptable behavior. Rotties by instinct are very protective, but typically they are provoked in some way. 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