Activities For Greater Swiss Rottweilers

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Activities For Greater Swiss Rottweilers

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Introduction

The Greater Swiss Rottweiler is a beautiful hybrid dog; the parents of this strong and capable canine are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Rottweiler. With a storied history, the lineage of both dogs goes back thousands of years and in this lineage is a propensity toward tasks like guarding and carting. If you have adopted a Greater Swiss Rottweiler, be prepared to work! If you leave this dog to their own devices, you may have a destructive tyrant on your hands. Very lovable, but nonetheless, rather rambunctious!

Carting

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

60 min

Items needed

Cart

Harness

Activity description

Being a large dog, the Greater Swiss Rottweiler was born to cart. Both parent breeds excelled at the activity in days of old. Your dog may never have experienced this type of work before but we are pretty sure they will love it when given the chance! Your dog should be at least 18 months of age before they attempt this sport; growing bones can be injured if carting is started too early in life. Puppies can start in an orientation class at a younger age but will not learn to pull the cart until they are grown. Getting involved in carting does mean spending money on training but because classes are typically held in just about any weather, your dog will have an outlet for their energy just about any day of the year!

Step

Research the class

You can easily research a class for carting courses in your area by perusing the internet. Visit the class so that you can see what the trainers are like and ask questions about the requirements for learning to cart. Remember, this is a learning experience for both of you, so it is best to be informed! Classes may be given in both hobby-type carting and competitive carting (sometimes called draft-dog competition) which will involve tests. Visiting the class will let you see just how much fun carting can be for your dog.

Step

Learning stages

Club members and instructors will be able to advise you on the rules as you and your Greater Swiss Rottweiller begin to train. Leash length, weight loads in the cart and distance to pull are just a few of the many areas that are closely monitored in competitive carting. Novice dogs like yours will learn obedience, focus, maneuvering the cart over smooth and rough terrain, backing up, field work and more.

Step

Moving up

As your companion gets further into the sport of carting, they can work toward more advanced tests like being hitched to the cart with ease and with no touching of the dog by the handler, hauling freight while negotiating obstacles like snow banks and trees, carrying a backpack filled with supplies while pulling the cart, and more!

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Focus Time

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

60 min

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

Both the Rottweiler and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog parents tend toward stubbornness. They are also very alert, almost to a fault. Is your Greater Swiss Rottweiler finding it hard to focus when they are supposed to be listening to you? Do they sometimes forget their manners when in the midst of people and other dogs? Take your busy, watchful dog to a class specifically designed for learning focus and manners. Moderately expensive hour-long classes are typical and are usually held outside so that dogs can learn while faced with many distractions.

Step

Decision time

Before you approach a trainer, decide what you want to work on and take notes on the instances where you find that you Greater Swiss Rottweiler strays from focus and listening to you. Make sure that your pup’s vaccinations are all up to date and head out for some observation visits to training classes. This will give you an insight as to how the trainer works and will also give you a chance to see your dog in the environment.

Step

Class in session

Based on your needs, choose the trainer that you feel can help your Greater Swiss Rottweiler succeed and move forward in learning. Focusing and manners classes will typically include exercises that will teach your dog to come no matter what the distraction, how to walk without pulling and how to heel beside you when requested. Remember, this training will require participation and patience on your part. Teach your dog with a firm, kind hand.

Step

Follow up

Your dog’s trainer will stress how important follow up at home is! In order to build upon what has been taught week by week, you as the dog owner and handler (and your pup’s best friend) need to practice daily the lessons that have been taught. Doing so will give your dog confidence and reinforce the lessons. Classes that you may want to enroll your Greater Swiss Rottweiler in next time may be agility, scent training and advanced focus. Move forward with your dog and enjoy the process!

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Socialization

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

60 min

Items needed

Treats

Leash

Waste Bags

Activity description

In order for your Greater Swiss Rottweiler to succeed at any activity or to just be a great all-around dog for you to own, they must be socialized. Remember, the Rottweiler parent was once a guardian and the instinct to take care of you will still be there. In reality, socialization can start at a very young age and should be continued throughout your dog’s lifetime. Socialization can take place at many venues with no cost to you - the benefits are enormous because you will have a dog that is comfortable and well behaved in all situations. Choose a sunny day to head to the park, or a cold day to play in the snow. Whatever your weather preference, socialization fits!

Step

Dog park

One of the best places to socialize your dog is the dog park. You need to be able to handle your dog confidently in this type of an environment, however, as aggression, fear, and dominance are all behaviors that may be seen at the park. It may be your Greater Swiss Rottweiler displaying these tendencies or you may be facing a scenario involving a strange dog with these behaviors. Be aware and be in tune with your dog’s body language as soon as you enter the dog park enclosure. Does your pup seem intimidated? Or is your dog acting dominant?

Step

Walkabout

How does your dog behave when on a walk? Do they show aggression toward approaching dogs? Walking socialization is important, too. To begin, make sure that your companion has a good leash and collar. Your pup will be happier if this is the case (think comfort and safety). Other etiquette related factors are length of leash so that they cannot chase wildlife, interaction with other dogs (always ask permission before approaching other dogs on the street and expect the same from other dog owners), and of course, picking up after your dog. It’s a sign of respect for your neighborhood!

Step

Friends and family

Not only is socialization important when it comes to dogs that your pup encounters, but people count too! Invite friends and extended family to interact with your dog every time they come to your house. The Greater Swiss Rottweiler can be rather intrusive and forward, so start with friends that are comfortable around dogs while your pup is in the early stages of training. Teach your companion to sit nicely when people arrive, allowing them to say hello in a calm manner. This will take time and you may have to redirect your dog’s attention from the guests to a treat until they learn manners and can maintain a calm demeanor. Don’t be impatient; it will come!

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More Fun Ideas...

Hiking Partner

Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Rottweiler were bred for stamina. They also love to explore. These traits make them the perfect hiking partner, eager to go whenever the opportunity arises.

Fetch

Your Greater Swiss Rottweiler will typically love balls and toys. Use this to your advantage by engaging them in a long game of fetch. Tire them out as they run and retrieve the ball and they will be more than content to take a rest after your arm wears out!

Conclusion

You will find that the Greater Swiss Rottweiler is one of the best companion dogs out there. Yes, they may have a bit of an independent, stubborn streak that has to be monitored but as far as companionship and affection go, they have more than enough to go around. Keep them busy, stimulate and challenge them, and include them in your day to day activities - the rewards will be endless!