timid behaviour in Rottweiler pup

I have just purchased a 6 month old female who seems to be timid of everything. Especially stairs. But most things in general.

She was living outside at a farm and now will be inside my house. I bought her from a breeder who said he was going to keep her but his wife is ill.

Have I been taken?

Hi
It depends what you mean by ‘taken’! If you think that you’ve bought a pup who is genetically unsound in temperament – then I think that’s a huge jump and probably not accurate.

However, if you didn’t research the breeder; see their other dogs; determine which health checks they do on their breeding dogs; didn’t buy a puppy who has a solid pedigree with both working and conformation titles and so on but were expecting a show quality dog who is well bred and well socialized – then that was also unrealistic I’m afraid.

BUT – if you are simply looking for a pet then there’s no reason to think that this puppy isn’t going to be a great companion given time, effort and lots of love.

If she was kept outdoors and not socialized around other people, pets, situations and environments then obviously it’s not surprising that she will be timid and anxious at first! She won’t know much about anything that wasn’t within her own back yard and at 6 months old it will take her longer than an 8 week old puppy to adjust. That’s perfectly normal.

It’s very important that you realize this and take it slowly with her. You definitely need to introduce her to new people, animals and places – but take it one step at a time and don’t force her into confronting things head-on in too much of a hurry. That will simply scare her more and make the whole socialization process much harder.

Let her set the pace, and start off observing things from a distance while talking to her in a happy, up-beat voice and petting or giving her treats. This will help her to learn to associate good things with new experiences.

Also, if you’ve only just brought her home then she’s also got to adjust to a new home environment, new family members, maybe new pets etc. etc. Just let her do this at her own pace too. Give her lots of love and attention but also space and time to explore on her own and in her own way. This is all scary for her and she’ll need support and love in order to feel at home. It could take several weeks, even a couple of months for her to fully adjust.

It’s difficult to tell from your question what exactly you were expecting from her or why you feel you’ve been ‘taken’. If you bought a Rottweiler because you want a big, brave guard dog then that’s the wrong reason to own this breed! Guarding comes naturally as the dog matures but should never be encouraged and aggressive or defensive behavior isn’t desirable in a puppy.

Rottweilers SHOULD be calm and confident though, and providing your puppy is good tempered this will develop as she feels safe and secure in her new home and gradually learns to feel confident around new people and in new places. Just be patient with her and I don’t see any reason why she won’t be the perfect and loyal companion she was bred to be.

I’d also recommend getting her enrolled in a basic obedience class as soon as she is feeling more comfortable, it will help you both. Best of luck!

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Oct 08, 2012

Shy rottie NEW
by: Andy

I have brought a rottie after loosing my Germany shepard after 11 loyal years mine also is very shy. And timid but has become the best friend I have ever had with lots of love and long walks.she turns 1 year old this month and is already starting to protect the home and family but is also very playfully when out in the park.best dog I ever had good luck


Sep 13, 2012

5 month old puppy NEW
by: Sue

My 20 year old son purchased a rotti pup a few months ago. Although he doesn’t live with us I watch the dog a lot since he works evenings. The puppy is awesome but is extremely shy and timid around strangers. I’m not use to this behavior since our mutt is the most outgoing dog ever. I appreciate the helpful information since this breed is new to me and my son as well. I will continue our evening walks when I have her and hopefully she will relax and enjoy the neighborhood and neighbors.


Sep 13, 2012

5 month old puppy NEW
by: Sue

My 20 year old son purchased a rotti pup a few months ago. Although he doesn’t live with us I watch the dog a lot since he works evenings. The puppy is awesome but is extremely shy and timid around strangers. I’m not use to this behavior since our mutt is the most outgoing dog ever. I appreciate the helpful information since this breed is new to me and my son as well. I will continue our evening walks when I have her and hopefully she will relax and enjoy the neighborhood and neighbors.


Aug 15, 2011

love her to death !!!!
by: Judy & Angel

All I can recommend is that you love her to death..I feel it’s important to come to their level and make a bond..May sound silly but I stayed on an air mattress on the livingroom floor for the first while so she would bond..mind you we got her at 8 weeks..At 6 months I don’t think you’ve been “taken”..(whatever that means)..I think she is very lucky to have found you to come into her life..I wish you all the best in your new girl and with lots of love you’ll be fine..This site is an excellent source of info and I(we) would love to see some pics..


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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