Intelligence Helps
Rottweilers are considered to be one of the 10 most intelligent breeds in the world. They enjoy training, learn quickly and are very eager to please. This all makes it easy and fun for you and your Rottie.
Starting Early
It is important to start training your puppy from the very first day you bring him home. Just like a child, he is going through periods of psychological and physical development, only at a more accelerated pace.
Not all experts will agree, but it is probably safe to say your new Rottie at 8 weeks of age has about the intelligence of a 2 year old child (give or take a few months). This means he's ready for at least a little basic training.
Positive Reinforcement Training
It is a natural instinct for your puppy to please you. Using positive reinforcement training makes training your puppy easy. Giving your puppy good treats and physical affection will likely work much better than just saying "good boy". Mixing rewards with play time will keep your pup's attention level up. If you do not have experience in positive reinforcement puppy training, talk to your breeder for assistance or consider hiring a good dog trainer. There are also several good books available on the subject.
Knowing how to use positive reinforcement when your puppy starts bad habits like jumping on you will result in a happier relationship than using harsh discipline.
Pack Mentality
Within weeks of coming home, the Rottweiler puppy must learn his pack position within your family. As young puppies, they quickly learn their position within the litter and will do so with their new family also. You must learn how to control your puppy early. Rottweilers can be very dominant and may constantly challenge your authority during the early stages of puppyhood.
The First 2 Weeks In His New Home
Your puppy should have his house training almost completed by now. Within 2 weeks your pupply should also recognize his name. He should have some leash training but with minimal physical exertion on his rapidly growing bones. During these early weeks, start socializing your puppy. It is crucial in developing a happy, well tempered and fun loving personality.
Your new puppy will be chewing and biting everything he can sink his little teeth into. Try to focus him away from your hands. He must learn at an early age not to bite human skin.
The First 2 Months In His New Home
Before 4 months of age, your pup should already know basic commands such as sit, come, down, and stay. Rottweiler pups are extremely intelligent and will learn these basic commands within weeks. They are eager to please you but also easily bored. They may be more interested in their surroundings and become unfocused during training. Keep this in mind and hold lessons to short 5 minute sessions.
Your Rottie will probably become territorial at around 6months of age and may start barking. Fortunately Rottweilers are a very confident dog and are not likely to bark for no reason. Watch his behavior if excessive barking occurs and set the ground rules early with him.
Consistency
Do not use different commands for the same desired reaction. For instance, if you want your dog to come, don't use "come here" one time, "here boy" another and then simply call his name later. Dogs learn from repetition, so be consistent when using commands. Try using simple one syllable commands like "sit", "come", "stay" and "down". Do not repeat the commands twice but be patience, calm and assertive with them.
Structure
Dogs need rules and structure in their lives. Early training will give them this. They need to know what is expected of them in their daily lives. They need to be taught not to jump on people or to bark for attention. They should not be spoiled. Spoiled dogs will not be happy dogs. Not knowing what is expected of them can cause stress and health problems as well. As mentioned, Rottweilers want to please you so don't be afraid to continuously teach them. You and your dog will be happier for it.