How to Train a Rottweiler Puppy to Sit
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Introduction
Training a Rottweiler from puppyhood will create a well-trained successful adult dog. You can start training simple commands such as 'sit' with your Rottweiler puppy as early as six weeks of age. Some Rottweilers are trained to be guard dogs, but yours may simply be a pet at home. Either way, expect your dog to be affectionate and friendly with the people he knows. He will be easy to train because he's incredibly intelligent. However, your Rottweiler will want some rewards for learning new tasks. Training your Rottweiler to sit as a puppy sets him up for basic obedience training as well as advanced training in the months and years to come.
Basic obedience training is the foundation for all of the training your Rottweiler will receive over the course of his lifetime. One of the most common things you will ask your dog to do is to sit. This is often the first command dog owners teach their puppies, and each command moving forward will build on the foundation of basic obedience commands including 'sit'.
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Defining Tasks
When you begin to train your Rottweiler puppy, you are immediately establishing dominance within the pack. Your Rottweiler needs to know that you are the leader of the pack and you will be teaching him your expectations in the form of commands and expecting him to follow through with good behavior. Setting examples of good behavior will start with teaching your little guy easy tricks and rewarding him when he succeeds. Positive reinforcement training is a way to communicate to your puppy that he is doing a good job because he can earn a treat anytime he is successful. The command to sit is an easy command, but since your puppy is so young, it's a great place to start to show him how he can earn rewards for this training as well as training in the future.
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Getting Started
Because the command to sit is an easy command, be sure you have some treats on hand to give to your puppy when he is successful. Consider scheduling some distraction-free training time for your little guy to learn this command and keep your sessions short and rewarding.
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The Carrot on a Stick Method
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Treat
You might be surprised at just how much your pup will like carrots, raw or cooked, but you can use any high-value tasty treat as a lure to get your Rottweiler to sit. Get ready for a short training session with your pup by showing him a treat.
Stand
Put yourself in front of your pup by standing directly in front of his face.
Hold treat up
Hold the treat you’ve shown your dog and slowly move it over his head and back toward his tail.
Follow treat
Your dog will likely follow the trail of the treat back. As he does, he will sit back on his haunches.
When he sits
As soon as your pup sits down, say the command ‘sit,’ and give him the treat. Repeat this several times the same way until he is sitting as soon as he sees the treat.
Command only
When he is sitting on a consistent basis, start using only the command and stop luring him with the treat to sit. When you say the command, he should sit. Once he does, give him the treat.
Practice
Keep practicing. Sit is a command you will use often. It is the gateway command to 'down', which should be the next thing you teach your Rottweiler.
The Click and Sit Method
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Treat
Get ready for training by showing your pup a treat he can earn by sitting. Stand or sit in front of your little guy and entice him with energy and a treat.
Say name
Say your puppy’s name and give him the positive reward of a click and treat if he looks your way or acknowledges that you spoke to him.
Second treat
Get another treat ready and show it to your pup. Take this treat and hold it up over his head. He will tip his head back to look at it, hoping to catch it as it falls.
Move treat
Slowly move the treat toward the back of his head. He will slowly sit down as he tips his head further back.
Command
As he sits back, give your command to sit.
Click and treat
Be sure to give your little guy the reward of marking the behavior with a click and the tasty treat.
Practice
This is an easy trick, but be sure to practice it a bit before moving to only using the command and not showing your puppy a treat until he earns that click and treat reward. Give it time and practice, he will get it. Once your puppy knows the command to 'sit' well, move on to your next command. Keep your pup engaged with small training sessions.
The Stop and Wait Method
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Engage
Keep your puppy entertained while playing with him. Talk to him and use his name often.
Command
As you are playing, stop, hold the toy you are playing with up over his head and ask him to sit.
Stop
He might look at you with his cute puppy head tilt, but be patient. He will eventually sit down while waiting for you to hand over the toy.
Sitting
When he does this, say the command "sit" again and give him a reward for doing so.
Keep it going
Keep playing and engaging your Rottweiler puppy. Stop every now and then and hold the toy up, encouraging him to pause and sit. After your pup gets the hang of this using the 'stop and wait' method with the toy, begin to use the command to ask him to sit. If he’s comfortable in what’s he’s learned he’ll do it right away. If not, keep practicing.
Rewards
Be sure you are rewarding your puppy with some tasty treats each time he sits when asked.
By Stephanie Plummer
Published: 03/22/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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Training Questions and Answers
Nico
Rottweiler
3 Months
Question
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0 found helpful
When I open the front door when I come home late. Nico barks at me and he is my first dog EVER. And I'm a little scared of him now especially when he looks at me without whining or doing anything he just looks at me straight i dont know what to do to him
Dec. 9, 2020
Nico's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Abrianna, It sounds like pup is probably feeling nervous about someone coming in at night, and doesn't realize it's you at first. I recommend desensitizing pup to people coming to the door so he is less reactive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpzvqN9JNUA I also highly recommend joining a puppy class in your area with him as well to help build your confidence and overall relationship with him. Depending on where you are location, you may be able to find an outdoor one for a pup his age to social distance more. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/puppy-classes-when-to-start/ Finally, check out the free PDF e-book, AFTER You Get Your Puppy, I have linked below, since this is your first pup. www.lifedogtraining.com/freedownloads Practicing regular obedience with pup and being consistent can also help with trust and respect. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-doberman-to-listen-to-you Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Dec. 10, 2020