People are always surprised when I talk about my Rottweiler, Maximus, playing with his best buddy, Oreo, who happens to be a kitten. Max weighs about 120 pounds, and Oreo weighs just over two pounds. This amazes my friends, and the first question is always, “Are Rottweilers Good with Cats and Other Animals?”
“YES! Rottweilers CAN BE Good with Cats and Other Animals!” As a responsible Rottie owner though, I always add the caveat, “IF”… Today I will address this caveat in detail so you can know how to train your Rottie to be other-animal friendly.
HELPFUL DEFINITION: Ca·ve·at noun
- a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
Training Your Rottweiler to be Sociable
Sociability training should begin at the same time as basic training; the day after you bring your Rottie Puppy home. Socializing is achieved by introducing your Rottie to as many new situations, people and animals as you can.
You’ll start small to not overwhelm him, and increase his exposure to all the things I mentioned over time. With proper socialization, by the time your Rottweiler is an adult, he will have a well-rounded personality and you will have little concern about him being skittish.
Where Does a Muzzle Fit In?
A muzzle is the mark of responsibility for the owner of a Large Breed dog. Remember, your fluffy and lovable Rottie Puppy is going to grow to weigh roughly 100 pounds! A muzzle shows that you take safety seriously, both your dog’s safety and the safety of everyone he comes into contact with, be it human or animal.
If the thought of a muzzle doesn’t sit well with you from old notions you may hold, please read Rottweilers and Muzzles; What you Must Know
Places Your Rottie can Socialize With Other Animals
Training a Rottie to be pleasantly social is a responsibility, not an option. The more new situations he faces and the more kinds of animals he is introduced to, the better your Rottie will get along with others, whether they have two feet or four! Here are 3 Great Places for Your Rottweiler to Meet Other Animals
- Your Local Dog Park: It’s free, and you are sure to encounter like-minded people out with their dogs doing the exact same thing. Your Rottie is sure to find a new friend there, and you might too!
- Doggie Day Care: With some careful shopping around, you’ll be able to find a Doggy Daycare for a reasonable price. My Maximus goes a couple of days a week, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how well he does there!
- Friends, Neighbors, or Family: If you have friends or family who own animals, make a play date for your pets!
How to Your Rottweiler to Other Animals
Whether you’re bringing a new animal into your home or taking your Rottie elsewhere to socialize, the first introduction to a new animal should be made with your Rottweiler’s muzzle in place and him at your side, restrained by a leash.
Bringing a New Animal Into Your Rottweiler’s Home
Bring your Rottweiler into the room the new animal is in, not the other way around. Your Rottweiler is territorial by nature and may interpret another animal’s entrance as a threat. Let me tell you about my experience with introducing my Maximus to a tiny kitten. I found it to be a gentle and effective method.
Act One: Big Dog Meets Tiny Kitten
When we brought our kitten, Oreo, into our home, we did NOT toss him in the room with our Rottie, Maximus. Rather, we brought Max over to Oreo and spoke gently to him while he had an “introductory sniffing”.
Act Two: Supervised Visitation
For a period of time, we only allowed the two to interact when we were there to supervise. Otherwise, we kept them separated. Little by little, we saw the two begin to relax around each other and it wasn’t long before they began exhibiting some playful body language.
Act Three: A Friendship is Born
Right before my eyes, a friendship was formed! My 120 pound Rottweiler and my Two Pound kitty have become inseparable at home. I enjoy watching my powerful dog playing gently with his little buddy, and I enjoy watching the tiny kitten think he has the upper hand!
When New Animals Visit
You can follow the gentle approach I explained when bringing a new animal into your home, too. If the new animal is only there for a visit, do much the same thing. Observe the body language of both animals upon the “introductory sniffing” and if no signs of aggression are exhibited, you may remove the leash and let your Rottie make a new friend!
I would recommend human supervision until you are positive your Rottweiler and a new animal are completely familiar with one another.
Taking Your Rottweiler OUT to Meet New Animals
When taking your Rottweiler to a different environment that will contain new animals, you will follow much the same procedure. You’ll want your Rottie properly restrained and wearing his muzzle.
Encourage his “meet and greet” keeping your tone pleasant while keeping an eye on his body language (explained below), as well as on the body language of the other animals present. Remove neither muzzle nor leash (if appropriate) until you see calm and relaxed animal behaviors.
HELPFUL HINT: When dogs are at the dog park or other places designated for frolicking animals, it is best they are unleashed and not wearing Canine Clothing. The leash could pose a risk of strangulation, and Canine Clothing inhibits the body language dogs use to communicate with one another.
What NOT TO DO When Introducing Your Rottweiler to Other Animals
Remembering that dogs think differently than we do is key in all training. Keep in mind that your Rottweiler is territorial and protective toward you. Be sure your body language, as well as your voice, is setting a pleasant and encouraging “atmosphere”. When introducing your Rottweiler to new animals, DO NOT…
…force them into close proximity
…surprise either animal.
…remove any leashes involved too soon.
Body Language and Your Rottweiler
From the beginning of your relationship, commit to learning your Rottweiler’s body language. Be sure he will be learning yours! Dogs use body language to communicate with one another. When you “tune in” to what your Rottie’s body is “saying” you’ll know at a glance what behavior he is exhibiting.
Body Language When Your Rottweiler is Content and Relaxed
Paying attention to your Rottie as you bond and play together will “paint the picture” of him at his relaxed and content body language. It will look something like this:
- Relaxed posturing
- Tail-nub wagging
- Inquisitive
- Playful
- Gentle
- Goofy
DANGEROUS Body Language From Your Rottweiler
Your Rottie Will show signs of nervousness or agitation long before he issues a warning growl or bark. Avoid a potential tragedy by being aware of body language that waves a “Red Flag”. This includes:
- Raised Hackles
- Excessive Panting or Lip Licking
- Stiff Posturing
- Ears Laid Back
- “Whale Eyes” (This means the whites of his eyes are visible.)
What if Your Rottie Shows Aggression Around Other Animals?
Sometimes it happens. Your gentle and loving Rottie may surprise you by seeming to channel “Cujo” when he meets other animals, no matter how gently introductions are made. Don’t despair!
Getting along well with other animals may take some practice on your Rottie’s part and some patience on your part. Here are some DOs & DON’Ts if you see any sign of aggression from your Rottie that isn’t quieted at your command:
DON’T punish him.
DO simply remove your dog from the situation.
DON’T make a big deal of it.
DO try again at a different time.
The Benefits of Doggie Daycare
I am a big advocate of enrolling your Rottie into a Doggie Daycare. I don’t know about you, but my work-day is ten hours long by the time travel is considered. I do this five days a week.
I know that Rotties are highly intelligent, subject to boredom and affected by loneliness, and I simply can’t always schedule trips to the dog park in our week for proper socialization.
This is where Doggie Day Care comes in. My Maximus looks forward to his trips there a couple of days a week and thrives in an environment where he has human supervision and a plethora of playmates to keep him entertained.
Things to Look for in a Doggie Daycare
I would urge you to select your Doggie Daycare carefully! You’ll want a place your dog enjoys and where you feel he is safe and well-supervised. Shop around your area for different rates and policies, and be sure to tour the facility. A good Doggie Daycare Center will have these 5 qualities:
- You’ll be able to drop in at any time during the day.
- Dogs will be separated as needed by age, size, or sex.
- There will be one human present for every ten dogs in attendance.
- Water, meals and/or snacks will be available.
- The staff will meet your dog’s unique needs.
Without question, your Rottie may eventually encounter another animal that he simply doesn’t like. Hey, it happens with humans, too! But overall, with proper training and frequent exposure to other animals, your Rottie CAN BE friendly and well-socialized with other animals… even cats!
Related Question
Are Rottweilers Good With Kids?
You’ll be relieved to know that a properly trained Rottweiler is excellent with kids! However, it is equally important for the kid to be trained, as well. Kids must be taught to not jump on a Rottie, ride him, or startle him with shouting or abrupt and unexpected contact. No young child should be left unsupervised with ANY dog!
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
