For potential pet parents, the Rottweiler’s robust physical traits and strong-willed personality can be intimidating. You might have heard about these dogs attacking other people. But do Rottweilers attack their owners?
Any dog breed can attack its owners, and it’s no different for rottweilers. However, a well-trained and socialized rottweiler would never attack their owners. They are loving and affectionate dogs who loyal to their owners.
We will further understand why a rottweiler may attack their owner and look into how you can stop them from doing it.
Reasons Why Rottweilers Attack Their Owners
Many dog owners shy away from this breed because of misconceptions and media hype about past attacks. The truth is, Rottweilers are territorial dogs that are ferociously protective of things dear to them.
Once their fight-or-flight response kicks in, they choose to establish their dominance. Just as our instinct is to run or shout for help when we’re afraid, the Rottweiler’s instinct is to bite.
Also, if the Rottweiler is adopted, there’s a high chance of being abused and mistreated. This may cause any pet to behave threateningly towards its new owner.
It all boils down to how it’s treated. Without proper training and enough exercise, Rottweilers tend to become more belligerent and dangerous. After all, a dog’s temperament is both a product of nature and nurture.
How to Stop This
The responsibility for preventing a Rottweiler attack rests solely on its owner. As a pet parent, you need to separate myth from fact. Here are some tried-and-tested tips:
- Start by observing and identifying the source of aggression. Before trying to get at the root cause, make sure its behavior does not stem from injury or illness.
- Be intentional about training your Rottweiler. Enroll your dog in a basic obedience course if possible. The sooner you go through with the training, the fewer chances of your pet posing a risk to others.
- Rottweilers are social animals. Provide your pet with plenty of time to socialize by taking it to the park. Let it interact with other dogs and people.
- Make sure to use a muzzle until your rottweiler is trained. This will protect both the Rottweiler and anyone that comes in contact with him.
- Be encouraging. Praise and reward your Rottweiler for good behavior. This will ensure a positive response instead of hostility.
- Do not resort to physical punishment as a disciplinary measure as this could lead to negative outcomes.
What to Do if You Are Attacked
Getting bitten by your beloved pet is one of the most heart-breaking issues dog owners face. It not only breaks the trust but also lessens the chances of restoring that bond.
Knowing what to do in case of a dog attack can help you avoid serious injury. This knowledge can save your life and that of your pet.
- If you’re pushed to the ground, you’re more likely to have life-threatening injuries, so try to stay upright.
- Whatever you do, do not run. The Rottweiler will outrun you and, fueled by the chase, will likely be more vicious.
- Use a quiet, soothing voice. Yelling or screaming might provoke an even more savage response.
- Do not look in its eyes. That is an open invitation to fight.
- Remember to protect your face and throat. Ball your fingers into a fist to avoid any harm to the fingers.
- In case the Rottweiler has latched on to a body part, do not pull away. The more you struggle, the more severe your injuries will be.
- If you have a chance to get the upper hand, use it. Try to cover its eyes, hit the nose/muzzle, or punch its head. At this point, your only chance of survival might just be to hurt the dog enough for it to back off.
When Do You Need to Seek Professional Help?
Dogs sometimes interpret innocent actions as a threat, prompting them to bite. Before determining what caused your dog to snap, you need to calm yourself down. The adrenaline rush during an attack will not help you make wise decisions.
It is important to retrace your steps to figure out why the Rottweiler bit you.
- Did your dog give you any warning signs before attacking?
- Did you unknowingly startle it?
- Was it accidental?
- Did you get in the way of it fighting with another dog?
This is where a professional comes in. The professional will not only determine why your dog bit you but will also provide alternatives to ensure this does not happen again.
In case of an air bite or a nip, you do not need professional help. Professional help is required according to the seriousness of your wound.
Seek expert help in the following cases:
- The bite breaks the skin – If your dog draws blood, then it’s a cause for concern. If the puncture wounds are shallower than the length of the dog’s tooth, it’s an air bite gone wrong.
- Frequency – If the attack is not a one-time thing. Has it happened multiple times in a week or month?
- Fear – Most dogs bite when they’re threatened. Think back if you’ve somehow activated a defensive response. See a behavior consultant if it persists in uncovering the root cause.
If given a chance, a Rottweiler will bite again. Some dogs go through years of training and still tend to fight. You will have to work diligently with your dog to help tone down its aggressiveness. It is always wise to seek professional help when you’re uncertain.
Final Thoughts
The Rottweiler is a friendly and affectionate dog. Don’t strike it off your list of potential pets simply because it suffers from a bad rap. The Rottweiler is not inherently destructive but may be conditioned to react this way by owners who fail to understand this amazing dog.
If you do not have a lot of time on your hands, choose another breed as the Rottweiler requires a lot of hands-on training, exercise, and socializing. You can also enlist the help of a professional dog trainer if necessary.
This fierce and loving protector has the potential to become the perfect family dog. If properly trained and treated with care, the Rottweiler poses little to no risk.
