The Alpha

Rottweiler's are ranked in the top 10 smartest domestic dogs in the world. Not only are they smart, they are very instinctive. Like wolves, Rottweiler's need a chain of command, it is in their blood to have a formulated pack. The alpha is the leader, it is the one who calls the shots. The alpha gets the best of everything; food, toy, time, affection, the alpha is the leader. 

 

This information is to briefly explain why it is so important to signify the alpha leader in your pack. "You said pack?". Yes, I said pack. A Rottweiler does not see your family as "mom and dad, brother and sister", they see all of you as a structured pack. Everyone has a place in this pack and everyone needs to stand firmly above your Rottweiler in this pack. Many owners have expressed a dog snapping at you when its eating, or taking up the bed or couch and giving you attitude when you want more room. Moody dog? Is this dog vicious? No, its more than likely giving the owner this attitude because the dog is taking over the alpha spot. To have a well-behaved dog, you need a dog to listen to its owner. You should not be listening to the dog.

 

Is this mean? Absolutely not. All dogs are born different, some are born natural leaders, others will do what they can to climb their way to the top, but most will fall into their spot without a ripple in the water. Distinguishing these traits of your Rottweiler is a great advantage in training it. Correcting rebellious behavior is necessary. These dogs don't have a problem correcting you while they're at the top, you should not have a problem correcting them when you're there.

 

I said training. If you aren't ready to go through basic obedience training with your dog, then maybe rethink about getting a dog. You, as a owner, of any breed need to have knowledge about being the alpha. Basic obedience is a great way of showing you these skills. IT DOESN'T STOP THERE. Basic obedience is a life time thing. No matter what you're doing with your dog, obedience is an everyday occurrence that needs to be performed in your home.

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If you aren't an owner of a Rottweiler, just reading up on our website to gain more information and you own a small breed, this still applies to you. Even if you have a French Bulldog or a Chihuahua, big or small, all dogs need an alpha. Actually, smaller breeds tend to be smothered more by their owners, thinking their size makes them harmless. The owners don't correct the bad behavior and this results in your dog taking over. Big or small, a dog will take over the alpha spot. Set yourself as the alpha, protect your Rottweiler, your family, friends and anyone around your Rottweiler.