Can anyone tell me where I can find a rotweiller training class - specifically for rotties?? I am currently taking my rottie to a training class and she has passed the bronze good citizen award and is currently doing her silver.
She is 18weeks old and I would like some training by someone who has dealt with many rotties as I think our trainer uses the wrong methods for her, that just make her worse. I have heard that rotties need different training needs and I am concerened we are not training her right! She is still mouthing a lot and brusing my legs and arms. She is also still barking and nipping for attention!! I would llike some help ASAP!!
I am in the Manchester area near the Trafford Centre - if anyone can suggest anywhere that would be great!
Thanks Very Much
Sarah

I take my dog to a training club and ringcraft club where rottis outnumber any other breeds there. We all take the same training class. The problems you mention are common in most breeds. I have not heard of special training for this breed. However, if you contact the rotti breed club I know they do certain training days just for this breed.

Thanks
Where is the training club that you go too??
Its just that one of the methods our trainer said was to literally pick the dog up by its jowles and scream in its face when she was growling and trying to bite us - however when I mentioned this on another forum under behaviour I was told that this would make Rottie's worse and this should never be done!! - Hence we havent used this method and I am sligtly dubious about other things she tells us to do. Im happy with her training methods for getting them to stay, sit, down etc - but I dont think her advise is all that good for anything else. Hence was after an experienced Rottie handler!!
Sarah

Gosh! shouting at the dog's face doesn't sound like good advice at all. I think you are right in finding another trainer. I don't think you need a specialist breed trainer. All dog trainers would know how to handle the different breeds and the motivations of each. I think what you need to do is to change to a reward-based trainer.

Have a look at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for your nearest trainer:
www.apdt.co.uk

Remember this is a time to bond with your puppy and show her the guidelines of life, not to reprimand and domineer her.

All the best with your rottie,
Patty

A good trainer should understand guarding breeds - at all good training clubs, you will see breeds ranging from papillons to GSD and rotties to greyhounds and danes. Rotties need understanding but no more so than say, a GSD or a lurcher - they all have their potential problems! :P

The problem I have with "breed" clubs is that some (not all by any means) still seem to be in the dark ages as regards training.  I was phoned once by a lady whose GSD had been to a breed training club run by a lady very well known in the breed, and sadly had been so traumatised by robust use of the choke that she was very frightened :(
I had to recommend her to a non breed trainingclub near to her where both owner and dog could get their confidence back!

Just my thoughts - good luck in your training :)

Have just read your second post, and see where you are coming from now:

Try www.apdt.co.uk - I am not sure of the geography, but it may be that Helen R. or Lynn F. is near to you, if so they are good trainers with large dog experience.

Lindsay
x

II have not had to under go any different training with my two, just treat them the same as my GSD's that I have had.  They are however a bit more stubborn so you do have to bit a little firmer, by that I mean stick to your guns and get what you are asking for because they do tend to do things when they are good and ready.  All rotts seem to mouth but bruising is not the sort of mouthing you accept.  My lad gets excited and sometimes 'gently' puts your hand in his mouth but it certainly doesn't hurt, if I say leave he will do.

I would suggest using the 'leave' command very firmly with eye contact, she is still very young and if you are consistent she will soon learn it is not acceptable.  If on the other hand you have tried this to no avail I would simply cross my arms and walk away totally ignoring her, she will soon learn that mouthing does not get any attention what so ever.  If she mouths when excited, ignore her at first, and then calmly ask her to sit and give her attention 'without' the mouthing, if she starts to mouth stand up ignoring her and carry on.

I have to admit with very unruly dogs I have taken them with their jowls in my hands getting eye contact and said 'LEAVE' very firmly, just shows I mean business and it has had the correct effect however there are other ways around it too.

I am one of the rottie owners that 'over takes' the training and ring craft class :D

Feel free to PM me if you want a rottie chat ;)