Top Activities For Rottweilers

Introduction

The Rottweiler is a powerful dog that was developed to herd cattle and sheep in what is now Germany. In fact, the Rottweiler is so strong that one of their chief duties was pulling a cart loaded with meat straight from the butcher. The Rottweiler can also trace their history back to working with the Roman army when they were trained to take down the enemy on the battlefield. Today, the Rottweiler is chiefly a guard dog and a companion. Over time, they have been utilized as a police dog. During both World War I and World War II, the Rottweiler served as a messenger dog, among other jobs as a military dog.

Obstacle Course

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Couch cushions

small footstool

PVC pipes

Activity description

The Rottweiler is highly intelligent, and they are easily trainable. An obstacle course can be set up indoors or outdoors to tap into their propensity for agility. It will also promote energy-releasing activity. If you're indoors, you can use a variety of items to set up the obstacle course. You may move your furniture around, prop couch cushions up in the shape of a triangle, or you may even grab a small footstool in order to for your Rottie to practice stepping over an object. However, if you so choose, you can make a running pole obstacle with PVC pipe. You may also choose to move this activity outdoors, considering that the Rottweiler is a rather large dog. If so, you can utilize a variety of objects to create a similar obstacle course.

Step

1

Build the course

Gather items around the house - cushions from your couch, footstools, and books. Set them up in a wide location. Walk with your dog through these obstacles. After a few runs through with your assistance, your dog will likely understand what you expect and can master the course on their own.

Step

2

Make a special obstacle

While you can purchase agility poles, you can also make them. In order to make the poles, you will need a great deal of PVC pipe. Two poles will need to be at least two feet in length. One will need to be at least ten feet long. You will also need six four foot long PVC pipes. Most experts recommend beginning with three poles (attach these to your ten foot pole with pipe fitters). As your dog begins to understand what you expect of them, you can add more poles.

Step

3

Take it outside

You may also utilize outdoor furniture for an obstacle course. You may walk your pal up the steps of your deck. If there is a bench there, ask your dog to climb on to it. You can also have them walk around small flowerbeds in your yard. A little imagination is all that is required to find obstacle course materials outdoors.

Stairway Dash

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

15 min

Items needed

tennis ball or favorite toy

Activity description

Get ready for some heavy physical activity for both you and your dog! Provided you have a set of stairs in your home, you can play Stairway Dash indoors. If not, you can utilize some steps leading into your home or perhaps the stairs on an outdoor deck. This activity is great for working on commands with your Rottie. However, a word of caution is necessary. As the Rottweiler is prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, do not introduce this activity until your Rottie is at least fifteen months of age. Otherwise, you might damage their developing joints.

Step

1

Set the stage

Stand at the foot of the steps with your dog. At this point in time, work on commands such as "sit" and "stay." Let your dog see you throw a tennis ball up the stairs. Continue to ask them to sit and stay.

Step

2

Time to dash

After your dog has demonstrated that they can sit and stay successfully, get their attention. Tell them "Go Get it!" Watch them madly dash up the stairs for the ball. Once they have obtained the ball, command them to bring the ball back to you.

Step

3

Return and repeat

Command your dog to come back down the stairs with the ball in their mouth. Command them to give the ball to you. You might want to keep treats handy to give them so that they will exchange the ball with you. Be sure to give them plenty of praise for a job well done.

Go Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

15 - 30 min

Items needed

tennis ball

chew toy

Activity description

The Rottweiler is a very intelligent breed, and more often than not, they can become destructive if they feel that they aren't getting enough activity. Go Fetch is a very easy game for the Rottie to learn to play, but it has many physical benefits for both you and your Rottweiler. Because the Rottweiler is a large dog, take this activity outdoors. Choose a fairly large area in which to play. Remember, although your Rottie may bring you a huge tree limb to play fetch with, always swap the wood for a safer toy that is less likely to splinter in the mouth of your dog. Begin this game when the Rottweiler is young, and be sure to teach them "Give." Your Rottie may be prone to turning Go Fetch into a game of Tug of War. Although they won't intentionally bite, when they are worked up during play time, they might nip you if you have not worked on manners.

Step

1

Teach the game

Start when your Rottie is rather young. Present them with acceptable fetch toys - tennis balls or sturdy chew toys. You might even introduce a nylon rope toy if you'd like. Most dogs seem to innately know what you expect when you throw a toy and tell them to retrieve it. However, you will want to teach your pup some manners at this time as well. First, introduce the toy. Throw the toy a short distance. You may have to run to the toy and say, "Go get it!" Once the dog comes to you, allow them to take the toy. Praise them.

Step

2

Teach "give"

So, your dog has mastered getting the object. Don't be tempted to take it away from them immediately. Instead, offer them a treat and say, "Give." Take the object with one hand. Give them the treat with the other. A pat on the head and a "Good dog" is also appropriate at this time.

Step

3

Go fetch, and fetch again

Once your dog has mastered retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you, be sure to give them lots of praise for a job well done. Keep some treats in your pocket so that you can practice "Give" with them periodically. Always remember never to play during the hottest hours of the day, and provide your dog with plenty of water during play.

More Fun Ideas...

Tug of War

There is nothing like a good Tug of War game with your Rottweiler. You should choose a strong rope toy for this game. Be sure to begin training the Rottweiler at a young age as to how to play this game. The Rottweiler may get a little more excited when playing a game, and they may forget their manners if you do not reinforce them.

Laser Pointer

A small, inexpensive laser pointer is a great toy for your Rottie. Simply turn on the laser, get your dog's attention, and watch them go! However, with a dog the size of the Rottweiler, you will want to be sure to have ample room for the dog to run and chase the laser light.

Conclusion

The Rottweiler is an alert and energetic dog. Certainly, you can always take them on long walks or runs. The Rottie will also enjoy hiking in hilly areas (and they have the stamina to keep up with you). The Rottweiler is also a good swimming companion. However, if you are not interested in many outdoor activities, there are a wealth of activities indoors that provide your Rottie companion with physical benefits.