Hi, i own a rottie, who i show. He recently turned 2 and ive noticed little changes in him. He has a wonderful temperament and is great with people and dogs. I was showing yesterday and when the judge came over he gave a little growl/grumble under his breath when the judge (lady) when to check his teeth and go over him. Now hes never done that before and he has always been so friendly with judges, kissing them, licking etc. I have noticed him reacting a little diff with one or 2 people too, just seems a little unsure and like with the judge giving a little grumble under his breath.
Has anyone any experience with rottweilers in the ring and if so whats the best way to handle this. Hes my first one and so far we have been doing great and hes never put a foot wrong. I went to ring craft and training classes since he was young and as i said, its only in the last couple of weeks sicne he turned 2 that hes like this.
Thanks

There could be many reasons, maybe unoticed by you a judge has been a bit heavy handed, or upset your dog in some way. Maybe he is off colour (infection of some kind Ears etc) It could be the judge was a bit too intense and eyeballed the dog which they can fing intimidating or challenging. Why not go back to your ringcraft, tell them what is happening and slowly try different things to diagnose the problem. As a quick tip, try using a good strong smelling titbit like cheese or liver cake, hold it in closed fist right under the nose as judge (or trainer) goes over your dog. Most dogs are so focused on your hand they totally ignore what the other person is doing (worth a try)

A friend of mine who has owned/shown Rotties for years has a couple of males who "talk" in the ring. They have the best temperaments (PAT dogs) I have met and I would trust them with my life. Years ago, when I first noticed it, I thought they were grumbling, but have now just learned to ignore it if they do it. Of course, it's being able to tell the difference between "talking" and "grumbling", which may not be easy? If I'm wrong, and it is a grumble your boy is doing, apologies.

Kay

Hi :-)
Your boy may well be a chatter & be talking like others have said, or be grumbling. If he is grumbling please dont tell him off , if you tell him off when someone approaches or is "going over him" he could end up assosiating being told off with the person going over him or approaching him, if that makes sense.
Personally i'd start with people he knows well who he likes and trusts and get them to approach & go over him & treat him for good manners not grumbling. I'd then move on to people he doesnt know & build that up too.  If he grumbles i'd personally remove him from them by briskly walking away with him on the lead. They're very clever as i'm sure you're aware & it wont take too much time for him to enjoy people approaching & going over him again.
Have you looked in his mouth he could have had a sore or something to make him a little "off" plus he's now 2 so some of it could well be hormones kicking in.
Hope this makes sense as just typing in a hurry.

I agree with stanley-I am a great believer in going back to basics.

I showed a dog of mine that on its first time in the ring when it was on the table and the judge went over her she made a low growl-now my heart was in my mouth-I was so shocked.

I then asked people-not at training as I am not a regular at Ring Craft-who came to my home-to go over her whilst on the table-she eventually got used to it-however she did have her moments-but I kept it simple/relaxed and did not tie myself in knots about it.

She was made up last year at the age of three.

So good look with your Rottweiler-both of you have fun with your showing.

Cheers