In the world of dog breeds, it is hard to do better than the loyal Rottweiler. These traditionally territorial dogs are the descendants of mastiffs that once fought in the Roman Legions, but don’t be fooled, Rottweiler puppies are massive softies (literally), and a great choice for any family that needs a big teddy bear of a dog to protect and love. But, in caring for Rottweiler puppies, some owners have found that they do not like to be left alone. Rottweilers can experience severe separation anxiety if their owners spend time away, and unless you are planning on bringing your Rottweiler puppy to the office with you, something will need to be done to convince your Rottweiler puppy that you are not abandoning them any time they are left alone.
So, why do Rottweiler puppies experience separation anxiety? There are many reasons for this, but the biggest ones are life changes. Any time a schedule change happens, new people enter or leave your Rottweiler puppy's life, or you change homes, there is bound to be a little separation anxiety.
How Do You Tell if Your Rottweiler has Separation Anxiety?
Nervous Behavior
Your Rottweiler puppy is a big dog. A really big dog. Most people wouldn’t think of a Rottweiler as a lap dog, but no one told the Rottweiler that. If your Rottweiler puppy spends all its time sitting on your lap, crushing you like a twig while licking your face in loving adoration- well, that isn’t necessarily a sign of separation anxiety, and is probably just how your life is going to be from now on. However, if your dog is doing this often, whining a lot, and visibly nervous, these can be signs of separation anxiety.
Sometimes there can be other causes of nervous behavior in Rottweilers and these shouldn’t be immediately attributed to separation anxiety. Things like bulging eyes, lots of yawns, and panting aren’t obvious signs of stress but they are signs, nonetheless. Your Rottweiler puppy might just need to use the little boys' room or wants food. Be sure to maintain your Rottweiler puppies' strict feeding times and let them out to answer nature’s call regularly, and if that behavior drops off, things might be A-OK.
You might also notice changes in your Rottweiler puppy's health, such as diarrhea. He might tuck his tail more often and he might hide from you; all signs of stress and possible separation anxiety in Rottweiler puppies.
Visibly Upset When You Leave
When you're getting ready to leave the house, you may notice the whining and nervous behavior gets dialed up to eleven. If your Rottweiler puppy barks when you leave, starts leaning on your leg, starts running around like a caffeinated rabbit, or even gets aggressive towards you or your belongings, your favorite friend is probably trying to tell you something.
Tears Up The House
Probably the most noticeable way to tell your Rottweiler puppy is missing having you around is the verifiable destruction he is wreaking upon your home. Torn up furniture, trash cans knocked over and their contents strewn across the floor, large logs of excrement in places there shouldn’t be, puddles of urine in the exact spot you are most likely to miss until you find it with your foot; it’s really hard to miss signs like these, and your Rottweiler puppy knows it. Frustrating? Oh yes, but yelling and rubbing his face in it are unlikely to help matters. You are going to need to treat the underlying problem: Your dog is unhappy being left alone.
What Causes Separation Anxiety In My Rottweiler Puppy?
Change in Schedule
If you recently changed your work schedule, or have odd hours, this might make it difficult for your Rottweiler puppy, who doesn’t necessarily know that this is just a part of your normal routine. If you have just brought your dog home and he doesn’t know the schedule yet, this can also be a factor. As time goes on, he will hopefully acclimate, but if you aren’t ever going to keep consistent hours, your Rottweiler puppy might need additional time and training.
Change in People
Maybe you recently had a relative come stay with you, or you just got married (congratulations!) or combined houses, or had a death in the family. A change in the people staying at your home can cause your Rottweiler puppy to get nervous, and that can lead to separation anxiety. Maybe he equates more people with change and doesn’t know if that will lead to a change in home, or the old people leaving and not coming back. If there was recently a person leaving, he might not understand what that means.
Unfortunately, there isn't always a lot you can do to remedy this situation. You will just need to wait for your puppy to deal with this on his own. You might help matters with the Calming Spray, which is made for helping dogs who are having trouble calming down through normal methods. If your dog is feeling particularly alone, this might help him calm down. Of course, you can always get him a new furry friend, but that might not be something in your budget, or within your energy levels to do. That's fine!
Your Puppy is Still a Puppy
Rottweiler puppies are especially nervous at a young age. If your Rottweiler puppies are still just puppies, it might mean they just need to grow up a bit and will become better behaved as they get used to you and as you get the chance to train them. Rottweiler puppies can be a handful, especially when they are still puppies, but start training them early and acclimating them to their homes and they'll become that perfect family dog in no time at all.
Rottweiler Puppies Can Get Spoiled
Maybe you weren't as strict as you could have been. Maybe you are busy with work or chores and maybe your fellow housemates were a bit lax in their duties. Maybe you had a hard time saying no to those Rottweiler puppy dog eyes. Who can blame you? But it can get really easy to spoil a dog, especially Rottweiler puppies. You might think you are doing them a favor, and anything you do that causes them to love you more can feel good, but if your Rottweiler puppies are struggling with separation anxiety, sometimes having them spoiled doesn't help matters.
Even without considering separation anxiety, it is important to train your Rottweiler puppies, and train them early. You do not want them to stay spoiled and continue raising all manner of mischief as soon as you leave the house. Get started early by training them during feeding time, on walks, and, in general, around the house. Teaching them to sit is a good starting point, and reinforcing positive behavior with treats always helps as well. You might consider Calming Zen Chews as a great treat option for positive reinforcement, as these tasty snacks were designed specifically for dogs struggling with separation anxiety.
And none of this is to say you can't show affection to your Rottweiler puppies. You should! At every chance you get. There is a big difference between spoiling your puppies and just giving them a little love. As long as you temper that love with some stern guidance and positive reinforcement of good behaviors, you and your favorite friends will get along perfectly.
Rottweiler Puppies Can Get Injured
Unfortunately, Rottweiler Puppies can be especially prone to hip injuries. In cases like these, it's important to find out early. If you notice your Rottweiler puppy limping, or otherwise whining often, you need to take them to the vet early to find out if this might be the problem. If they do happen to get hurt, be sure to be gentle with your favorite friend and keep him off his feet as much as possible. If a normal doggy bed isn't quite doing the trick, you might try a Calming Cuddle Bed, which is specifically designed for dogs with health problems and dogs with anxiety.
Even if dear doggo isn't injured, it's important to have him remain that way. Working to keep your Rottweiler puppy happy and healthy is an honest and important goal, and keep an eye on him if you ever notice limping or whining. When it comes to the health of your best friend, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Mistreatment
In cases where your Rottweiler puppy came from a place or family that was negligent and didn't properly care for him, he probably still harbors the scars of that abuse. In this case, it can be much more difficult to make him understand that you aren't the sort to abandon him or hurt him. Being patient and kind with your Rottweiler puppy is a necessity at all times, but when the dog comes from a place of maltreatment, extra care is almost certainly needed.
Be kind to your Rottweiler puppy, and most certainly be gentle. You will still need to be strict when it comes to training and feeding, but it is important for your Rottweiler to feel wanted and loved. You need to show him that he is the whole world to you and that you aren't going to repeat the same sort of treatment he has felt in the past.
Newly Homed
If you just brought your Rottweiler puppy home, he probably hasn't figured out the flow of things yet. Rottweiler puppies are smart dogs, but they do need some acclimation, and this process might not be quick. Spending time with your Rottweiler puppy and working with them to get them acclimated will help take the stress out of their rehabilitation within your home.
If you recently moved, this might also cause Rottweiler puppies separation anxiety. The same steps still apply but the process of getting your Rottweiler puppy acclimated usually takes much less time.
Personality
Sometimes, Rottweiler puppies having anxiety and destructive behaviors is just part of their personalities. This is rare, and harder to treat, but not impossible. Just be ready to have extra patience with your Rottweiler puppy if you think this might be the case.
What To Do About Separation Anxiety
Spending Time and Socializing
Spending time with your Rottweiler puppy is one of the best things you can do for them. What you should NOT do is expect to never leave them alone, or leave them alone only for short amounts of time. That will only increase separation anxiety when you inevitably do need to leave them alone for longer periods. Acclimate your Rottweiler puppy to his surroundings, care for him when you are around, and don't let him feel unwanted. But do be prepared to leave him alone at times.
When you do leave your Rottweiler puppy alone, make sure not to give them a ton of attention as you leave. Do not make a big deal out of it and don't let them attract your attention as your leaving; this will just encourage your Rottweiler puppies to think they can keep you home.
Go for a Walk
A great way to get some exercise for both you and your Rottweiler puppy is to go for a nice long walk at least an hour before you need to go to work or out on the town. Go wander the neighborhood and let your Rottweiler puppy have free reign to chase wildlife, urinate in bushes, and generally enjoy that Rottweiler puppy lifestyle. This crazy free-roaming tires your Rottweiler puppy out and makes him ready for a nap when you get home, rather than reverting to his more destructive tendencies towards your possessions and home.
Walking your Rottweiler puppy is a great habit to get into for many reasons. Not only is this a great way to bond with Rottweiler puppies, but it is a great way for both you and your Rottweiler puppy to get some well-needed exercise. Make this into a tradition before you go off to work and your Rottweiler puppy will thank you for it!
Leave a Treat
Rottweiler puppies are smart and quick enough to calm down; if they are on a destructive tangent, most of the damage to your home and the things that you own will occur in the first 45 minutes after you leave the house. To counter this, you can leave your Rottweiler puppies a treat or something to play with, and by the time they have finished, they'll have calmed down.
Sometimes Rottweiler puppies don't take well to treats, particularly if they are feeling stressed or upset. If you are having trouble getting your Rottweiler puppy to take to peanut butter or traditional doggy chews, you might try giving your Rottweiler puppy some Calming Zen Chews, which are specially made for dogs struggling with stress and anxiety. These lovely chews are made with natural and pet-safe calming agents, such as Chamomile, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan, and are made for dogs of all shapes and sizes. These are also great for helping train your Rottweiler puppy, get your Rottweiler puppy through thunderstorms or fireworks, and if you are going on a long trip you can leave a bag with your pet-sitter, and your Rottweiler puppy will be all the happier.
Let Your Rottweiler Puppy Nap
Usually, after a long walk, Rottweiler puppies are ready to go down for a nap. If your puppy is still having trouble, you might try getting a Calming Cuddle Bed. These fluffy bad boys are specially made for dogs struggling with stress and anxiety and are great for Rottweiler puppies, specifically due to their tendency to be anxious. If your dog, in particular, is easily stressed, this is the bed for you.
Keep Rottweiler Puppies Well-Fed
Rottweiler puppies (all puppies, really) need to be well-fed and suffer from various health afflictions if malnourished or overfed. Keeping to a strict, scheduled diet following ASPCA health guidelines is incredibly important to maintaining the physical and mental health of your fine furry friends. It is recommended to feed twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, and to not allow your Rottweiler puppy to "snack" by leaving out a full bowl of dry food for him to eat whenever he wants. This technique gets you an overfed and overweight doggo, which is not good for your friend's long-term health.
Keep Separation Anxiety at Bay, and Have a Happy Dog!
Even if you didn't care for your Rottweiler puppies, they would still love you. That's just the kind of loyal dog they are. So, do care for them, and make sure they know that you love them back just the same. You would do this for any other family member, so you should do it for your Rottweiler puppy as well.