1. The key is to know exactly what you want the Rottweiler to do
You must be very clear about the behavior you expect. For example, when someone knocks at the door or when food is served, your Rottweiler may react very intensely. If you do not want it to display overexcited behavior in those situations, then you need targeted training for those exact moments.
In other words, you must first understand what behavior you actually want from the Rottweiler, especially when guests visit the house.
2. Use the theory of zero-compulsion training
Use positive reinforcement to shape the Rottweiler’s behavior and increase the probability that good behavior appears again. Punishment cannot teach the correct behavior. Instead, it often creates fear or even increases the Rottweiler’s aggressiveness.
3. Reinforce good behavior
Capture and reward good behavior whenever it appears. No matter when the behavior occurs, reinforce it immediately. If you do not have a clicker or treats at hand, use verbal praise such as “good!” The Rottweiler is always learning, so every moment is an opportunity to strengthen the behaviors you want.
4. Set things up properly to ensure training success
Break the learning of any new behavior into very small steps. This allows the Rottweiler to succeed more easily and increases the frequency of rewards. When training a new behavior or working in a noisy, distracting environment, make sure clicker signals and food rewards appear frequently. Even ten reward opportunities per minute is not excessive.
5. Teach the Rottweiler self-control
We also need to realize that a Rottweiler is capable of controlling its own behavior. Sometimes we can control the environment, and sometimes we can control the training process, but we must also teach the Rottweiler how to calm itself and manage its emotions.