Being a dog parent requires you to be on your toes 24×7 to ensure your dog’s well-being. The job is not an easy one but is truly rewarding. My angry Rottweiler has shown aggressive behavior in many situations, and he tends to growl a lot.
I often find my little bundle of joy going through ups and downs. Dogs tend to react to the energy that surrounds them; sometimes, despite all my efforts at keeping my dog happy and content, he is to be found irritated and angry.
Over the years, I have learned how to deal with such situations. More importantly, I have learned to recognize the various signs that my dog exhibits when he is not feeling well.
If your dog is suddenly acting out of character, it could be an indication that something is wrong. For example, if your usual friendly dog is growling or snapping at you, it is definitely a cause for concern.
Whether you are a dog parent yourself or if you are planning on becoming one soon, keep reading to know more about the whys and hows of an angry rottweiler. Honestly, I have learned too many tricks over these years to pacify my dog; and I can assure you that these would be valid to most dog breeds. You’ll find tips and advice for taking care of your dog. I hope you will enjoy reading the blog and find it helpful!
Why Does My Rottweiler Get Angry?
There could be many reasons why your Rottweiler gets angry. It could be something as simple as being hungry or needing to go to the bathroom. It could also be something more serious, such as being mistreated or feeling threatened. If you’re not sure why your Rottweiler is angry, you need to keep track of his behavior to get to the root of the problem. It’s a long and tedious process to figure out a pattern to your dog’s behavior, but once you do that, you can work on training him to react differently in those situations.
How Can I Calm Down My Angry Rottweiler?
Anger is a normal emotion that all dogs experience. However, if your Rottweiler’s anger is out of control, it can lead to aggression. Here are some ways that you can use to help your Rottweiler relax.
#1. Keep Your Cool
Before trying to calm down your Rottweiler, try not to get yourself too worked up. Get into the habit of keeping yourself calm at all times when dealing with pets, especially when they are not in a great mood. This makes the entire process of you calming them down even easier.
#2. Avoid Punishing them
If you are the kind who feels that punishing your dog will make them behave better next time, then you are highly mistaken. Dogs who are punished more often tend to become fearless and more stubborn. Also, it develops in them the feeling of distrust against the person who punishes them.
Avoid any form of physical punishment as it can lead to long-term damage. Also, if possible, try not to yell or scream as it will only make your dog more upset.
#3. Using Positive Reinforcement
What you can actually do is try to reward them each time they become uncontrollable, instead of punishing them. This will serve two purposes: first, it will ensure that they actually listen to you, and second, they try not to repeat aggression with the same intensity. It is important to share happy moments with your dog.
#4. Physical Activity
Sometimes it can get really depressing for your dog to be cooped up all day, especially if you do not have open space for them to function. Taking your dog on a walk or run is a great way to get them some exercise and fresh air. Any form of physical activity can help them maintain a healthy weight, improve their mental state, and just generally make them happier and less aggressive.
Along with involving them in physical activities, try to keep them busy with interactive toys and games, obedience training, and puzzle toys to help keep their minds active as well.
#5. Avoid Triggers
You can take some precautionary measures to avoid the episodes of anger bouts and ensure that your dog’s peace is not at risk. If you have noticed a pattern with your dog and their aggressive responses, you can try to avoid certain situations that may prove to be triggers for your dog.
#6.Have Patience
Early years of training are crucial for your dogs, as it sets the tone for behavior in the years ahead. They thrive on routine and discipline. You need to give them time to learn to behave properly and get into a routine. Sometimes, things get hard for dogs, and when the pattern is not broken soon enough, they tend to lose their minds.
How to Identify Your Rottweiler’s Aggressive Behavior?
While sometimes Rottweilers can be aggressive; there are a few behaviors that will help you identify if your Rottweiler is feeling aggressive. These behaviors prepare you for what is to come. Each dog can react differently to a given situation. Some respond immediately, while others bottle up their anger and release it much later.
1. Excessive Barking or Growling
Some dogs tend to display their anger by excessive barking or growling. In the beginning, this barking may not seem to be a cause of concern, but slowly you would notice it becoming unnatural and unusual. There is no need to worry except that your dog might end up exhausting himself/herself.
2. Showing Teeth or Snapping
As weird as it sounds, some dogs will show their teeth or snap when they feel happy or excited. This is usually seen during playtime, or when they greet someone they know well. It’s important to note that it is not aggression, and should not be treated as such. But, when triggered by something that could irritate them, your dog with a happy tail may become aggressive.
3. Biting or Trying to Bite
Sometimes dogs can become so aggressive that they begin to bite anything around them or try to bite anyone they find around them as a sign of anger. It can become difficult to go near your dog when he/she is showing such signs.
Again, if you have observed a pattern and feel that your dog is doing this each time he/she is angry, you can get him toys or chewable sticks to play with. This can allow them to express their anger as well as keep their mind off from what was bothering them in the first place.
Also Read: 10 Dogs with the Strongest Bite (Measured by PSI Bite Force)
4. Threateningly Touching Someone With Their Paw or Nose
Rottweilers are great observers and have a natural protective instinct. If they feel threatened by someone around them, they may try to attack them with their paw or nose. This is an indication enough that something is bothering them.
However, this does not mean that all Rottweilers will automatically attack anyone they feel is a threat. Sometimes it is just their way of seeking attention and love.
5. Giving a Hard Stare
It may sometimes appear that your dog has zoned out, but on close inspection, you can realize that it is consciously staring hard at you.
Staring can also be a way of trying to get you to respond. If you are talking to yourself or another person, your dog may be trying to figure out why you are not talking to them. This staring is more of a “curious” stare, rather than a stare of aggression.
But this curiosity can slowly turn into an aggressive state where the dog is trying to communicate their feeling of discomfort to you.
6. Expressions of Caution
Ears pulled back or flattened against the head could also be a sign of an aggressive dog. Some dogs do not exhibit anger by being loud or making it apparent but avoiding these episodes can prove to be troublesome in the long run. Such dogs tend to withdraw from people around them and begin to lose confidence.
They could also be seen keeping their tail held high and wagging stiffly. At an advanced stage, you can observe this expression of anger in the form of a stiff and rigid body.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you’re having trouble managing your Rottweiler’s anger, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer or your dog’s vet. Sometimes your dog might be undergoing problems that may surface in the form of aggressive behavior. In such a case, it is crucial to seek professional help.
Reasons for Rottweiler Aggression Towards Strangers
While we consider dogs a “man’s best friend,” this sweet feeling is often questioned when they turn hostile! Whenever an outsider arrives, some dogs would scream to alert you.
This is the standard component of their duties as a part of your “family,”. Also, most dog lovers understand that barking is a component of their duty to be your pet and company.
Meanwhile, dogs go overboard with their cautious, alert behavior, acting aggressively toward strangers and sometimes even biting them.
The canine variety Rottweiler, also called “Rottie,” has a commanding appearance. These are lovely babies, but they develop into massive canines as they age.
This dog breed descended from a lengthy and honorable history of service dogs created to guard humans and cattle against various dangers. Knowing that you own such a personal security dog by your side can make you happier if you’re single or taking care of a family.
Can Rottweilers be Friendly Toward Strangers?
Although they have an image of being a distant and stern dog, Rottweilers seem to be not always as such. Sociability is not a natural trait.
The opportunity to be exposed to various places and individuals at an early age increases your dog’s likelihood of viewing outsiders as probable buddies instead of real hazards to family security.
Each dog is unique, even though the manner you nurture your dog will impact how it interacts with others. For example, your Rottie would have more vital defensive impulses when it originates from a lengthy history of guard dogs.
Although schooling can make a difference, certain Rottweilers are inherently extra apprehensive of outsiders over others. You may educate nearly every dog to be amiable among outsiders with persistence and compassion.
Why Are They Aggressive Toward Strangers?
Rottweilers get aggressive towards strangers because of this situation and the stranger’s behavior. Some of the common causes are given below.
They Need To Provide Proper Training
Inadequate training constitutes the most frequent cause of violent behavior in Rottweilers. Many people believe that a very affectionate dog won’t be capable of safeguarding them. But, a well-trained dog may typically distinguish between a companion and a threat.
Because Rottweilers tend to be a tiny bit edgy, proper training is necessary. They can assault if they detect danger and create better protectors. Like any other dog breed, it is best to begin training Rottweilers when they are young puppies.
Tendency To Be A Guard Dog
Rottweilers are generally dogs meant to provide a guard. They have the propensity to protect and safeguard themselves as a result. Additionally, they are fiercely devoted to their family. As a result, they can be hazardous to outsiders whenever their protecting instinct is combined with their possessive character.
This can be a fantastic illustration of engaging with a guest who may endanger you.
Don’t Go Into Despair About Your Rottweiler
Some other possible explanation for your dog’s strange behavior is panic. Being terrified, Rottweilers may assault individuals to protect themselves. When you’ve got strangers over, this might be hazardous.
A Rottweiler’s owners should model excellent conduct for him. There shouldn’t be much beating and frightening. But, unfortunately, this will also hurt how they behave toward outsiders.
Keeping Them Housebound
For a dog like a Rottweiler, which is meant to keep an eye on its owners, socializing is a distant thing. They are not very fond of other people, whom they can mark as threats, and dog breeds.
The owner must educate them about mingling with others from their puppy age. This will better prepare them to understand the difference between a friend and a foe.
Reasons For Rottweiler Aggression Towards Owner
One type of dog that has a somewhat shady image is the Rottweiler. But it is undeniable that they are one of the best guard dogs in the world. Unfortunately, many people’s sole interaction with individuals has been mainly on the negative impact of a bad encounter.
It is understandable why individuals have a fear of Rotties. It is because they may be frightful once they’re furious.
There is no denying that Rottweilers have quite a tendency toward aggression. Their Genetic material contains stuff!
Whether you have a Rottweiler or want to raise one, you need to comprehend what aggressive behavior looks like and how you should handle it. Without adequate knowledge, these varieties are capable of doing some harm.
It is your duty as the parent to train your dog to grow up to be a devoted member of your close ones instead of a threat to those around you.
Why Do Rottweilers Show Aggression Towards Their Owner?
No dog parent will like that his pet is growling at him or showing aggression. But this is quite a common scenario for a Rottweiler’s owner, especially at the beginning.
Mistreating The Dog
Undoubtedly, one of the most frequent reasons for hostility among dogs is because it has been mistreated before. Any unfavorable management of dog breeds like Rottweilers can be deemed mistreated. Most of the time, Rotties have been noticed to strike their owners or handlers out of terror.
This breed of dog may also display hostility toward its owner, especially if it is physically abused. So, never hit them or yelled at them.
We recommend you avoid training Rottweilers using slap-on-the-wrist methods. It will simply instill terror. So, one of the easiest approaches is to use verbal praise alternatively.
Resource Protection
Has your close relative or you removed anything your dog cherishes away? Perhaps you did remove some meal or a game. But, by doing so, you are teaching your beloved pet dog to guard the things it values under any conditions!
Hence, it may strike back at you whenever you reach out for any object the dog is trying to protect.
Problems with Leadership
Anthropologically speaking, dogs have been living in packs. When you own one, a Rottweiler realizes that you are typically the new ruler in these interactions between the owner and the dog. Needless to say that a Rottweiler is not very happy about such an arrangement.
Your dog may begin to garner a staunch belief that you have the upper hand. But remember that you need to maintain your dominant position irrespective of the love you gartner for it.
Your dog may begin to garner a staunch belief that you have the upper hand. But remember that you need to maintain your dominant position irrespective of the love you gartner for it.
Also, remember that any dog should not be beaten or punished, irrespective of its breed. It entails establishing limits and guidelines.
What NOT to do With an Aggressive Rottweiler
Have you ever considered adopting a Rottweiler for the very first time? Or do you already own one but are unsure of something like the cause of its violent behavior? Irrespective of the case, you must know a few things about this breed.
Rottweilers are mistaken as an aggressive dog breed. This is because they sometimes end up growling at their owner. But, this is not something they do when their owners educate them.
The Rottweiler will defend the family and house, which it will consider as its own since it is ingrained in its genetic makeup. Regrettably, if such a breed is left with a careless or unclear dog owner, its endurance and strength could make him scary to others.
Because Rottweilers follow instructions, educating them to be violent is simple, even if you are unaware.
This simplifies the process of persuading the dog to behave. Or, when you don’t have to provide direction and gentle, constructive instruction, your Rottweiler may become a difficult companion because of a coaching shortage.
Keep an eye out for initial reports of violent behavior in your Rottweiler. The simpler you’ll find it to address the behavior and prevent something from developing into a greater situation in the future, the sooner you can detect the behavior.
Do not Get Anxious
It is recommended that you neutralize the issue of anxiety as promptly and quietly as you can. Do this once you notice that your Rottweiler is displaying aggression.
Whenever these things happen, in case you grow nervous and stressed, it will make them feel the same way, making their violent tendencies worse.
To assist your dog stop acting, expose them to the stimuli in a safe environment while keeping a close eye on how they respond. Such impulses will no longer function as a stimulus in the long term when you’re able to manage and negate the circumstance.
Please Do Not keep them Housebound
It is essential to foster social graces while walking your Rottweiler. First, introduce them to canines and humans. Once they’re at ease, compliment and pay close attention to them. It would help if you withdrew them from the environment as they exhibit anxiety symptoms.
Do not Get Angry with them
Refrain from inflicting any violence on the dog. Never engage your dog when he is violent; leave the room. Appreciation for proper behavior will brighten your Rottweiler’s life.
Praise-centered environments at your house will calm anxious Rottweilers. It will reassure them and perhaps even help them lose their aggression tendencies. They would understand that quiet behavior offers high returns once they are taught with admiration for it.
FAQs
How do you calm an aggressive Rottweiler?
The first thing you can do to tame an aggressive Rottweiler is to become passive when they are growling.
Your dog’s aggression can be changed by gently introducing them to the stimuli daily under sterile environments. Most aggressive behavior is motivated by apprehension. They may feel less anxious if you keep your cool and compliment them for being quiet.
The easiest way to correct your Rottweiler would be to teach him ‘no’ firmly and immediately, followed by complete disregard. However, your Rottweiler probably wants your affection more than anything else. So, withdrawing this should make it plain that you will not put up any misbehavior.
Alternatively, constructive feedback is quite powerful, so encourage their appropriate behaviors immediately.
As they grow, socializing pups and providing them with lots of affection, education, and attention is essential to producing and maintaining a non-aggressive dog. The more limitations and guidelines you would provide your Rottweiler, the less probable it is to expect him to behave aggressively.
Whenever their guardians mistreat them, Rottweilers will assault them; this is a fear-based reaction. Once you completely remove their supplies, for example, a ball or meal, they may engage in asset protection, which is another kind of this behavior.
In addition to that, since they perceive themselves as the guard dog, Rottweilers suffer authority troubles.
Several things can make a Rottweiler snarl. Although the growling of a Rottweiler could seem threatening, it is a way of communicating. When a Rottweiler is joyful, active, afraid, or in excruciating agony, it will grumble to make you aware of its mental condition.
In these conditions, the owner needs to be alert to realize the reason for the growling.
The typical duration of development for Rottweilers is two years old. By this time, they tend to be immensely safeguarding to their owners. As a result, they may be more energetic and adventurous than some other canines for an extended time.
While there is no absolute time, Rottweilers begin to tone it down near about 24 months of age. From this period, as they tend to grow, they start to get calmer. Again, plenty of activity and proper education is essential for maintaining Rotties calm.
Final Verdict
Soothing and calming down your dog may seem like a task, but in good time you will learn how to identify the signs exhibited by your dog to indicate his/her aggression. This will help you deal with your dog when he/she is not calm. Some signs of an aggressive dog may include barking, growling, showing teeth, staring, and snapping. If you see any of these signs, it is essential to try and calm your dog down. This can be done by speaking in a calm voice, offering treats, and petting your dog. If these methods do not work, you may need to consult a professional.
In the meantime, here are some tips and tricks that can help you deal with an aggressive dog:
- Try to keep your body language relaxed and composed.
- Do not approach the dog if it is showing symptoms of aggression.
- To restrict their movement you can use comfortable dog collars to secure them with a leash
- If the dog is growling or barking, do not make eye contact.
- Slowly move back from the dog and avoid doing any sudden movements.
- If the dog attacks, try to protect your head and neck and call for help.
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.