Owning Rottweilers can be quite the task, especially when they have the tendency to growl and show teeth. This can leave the owner confused and worried, especially if they notice anger and aggression. So why do Rottweilers growl and show teeth?
A rottweiler may growl and show its teeth as a sign of psychological trauma, poor socialization, fear of aggression, and food aggression, or on a more positive note, as a sign of greeting its owner, being playful, showing excitement and affection, or communicating pain.
While a rottweiler’s growl and teeth showing may be of initial concern, it is crucial to understand why this behavior occurs and the best methods for addressing it.
This article explains in detail the many reasons why a Rottweiler growls and shows its teeth, along with a number of valuable tips to consider if you have any concerns.
Contents
Negative Reasons Why Rottweilers Growl and Show Teeth
Your rottweiler may growl and show its teeth due to many triggers, including territorial aggression, fear aggression, food aggression, poor socialization, or psychological trauma.
Territorial Aggression
Territorial aggression can occur when your rottweiler reacts to visitors coming by. This may include loud barking, growling, and an aggressive stance as they may see the visitor as a threat to themselves or their loved ones.
While this is considered an extension of their natural protective instincts, this type of behavior should not be ignored.
Guiding your rottweiler to face this fear positively is recommended. Adopting a firm and strict tone will help when this occurs, and reward your dog through praise and affection whenever they do not react aggressively to visitors.
A good tip is to allow your rottweiler to sniff the visitor’s hand in your presence when they first come into your home. This gives your dog a sense of comfort that the visitor isn’t a threat and they are more likely to accept the visitor into your home with this type of friendly introduction.
You should praise your dog after greeting your visitor in such a positive manner, as they are much more likely to continue to respond this way if this type of reward is expected.
Fear Aggression
Fear is considered one of the primary triggers for aggression with rottweilers. Along with the tendency to growl and show teeth, other signs of fear aggression may include lowering their body and hunching their back legs.
Other possible triggers include loud noises, encountering rough play, or dealing with an unfamiliar situation.
When you observe these signs, it is imperative to neutralize the situation quickly, positively, and calmly.
Remain Calm
Your rottweiler will watch your reaction very closely when it experiences fear. Your energy and body language will have a strong bearing on whether your dog escalates the aggression or starts to calm down.
By remaining calm during these situations and ignoring the problem (if nothing significant is occurring), your dog is likely to calm down too.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Responding to your rottweiler in a firm, but positive tone will tend to reassure them and keep them at ease, along with de-escalating the situation. Shouting or yelling in response to aggressive behavior will only increase their stress levels and most likely aggravate the situation.
Keeping in mind, that teaching your dog new behaviors can happen quickly and easily by utilizing some clever online training options.
The training listed below is what we highly recommend for quick and lasting results!
Food Aggression
Food aggression is a form of dominance that can occur when others confront your rottweiler during a meal. Often classified as a form of resource guarding, food aggression also occurs as a result of pack behavior tendencies of alpha dogs.
In dog packs, the alpha dog gets to eat first and is naturally protective of their food if they consider any threats nearby.
This type of behavior can occur towards either humans or other animals. It can occur during meals and also when issued treats. It is important to watch out for the different levels of food aggression which include:
- Mild reaction – the dog growls and shows its teeth
- Moderate reaction – the dog suddenly snaps when approached
- Major reaction – the dog bits when approached
Helpful Tips for Managing Food Aggression
Step 1: Accustom your dog to eating in your presence
This first step enables your dog to become comfortable eating meals or treats while you are close by. You can do this by simply standing a few feet away while your dog eats from the bowl placed on the floor.
Do this multiple times until your dog relaxes in this setting before progressing to the next stage.
Step 2: Add a Treat to Their Bowl
The second step is to come a little closer to the dog’s bowl while eating, adding a treat, and then stepping back.
Do this continuously until they become comfortable.
Step 3: Hand Feed Your Dog while Talking
The third step is to step closer to your dog and its bowl and offer them a treat while talking gently. This relaxed approach will demonstrate you are not posing a threat to them while eating.
When talking to your dog, wait for them to take the treat from your hand. Do this several times until your dog becomes comfortable.
Step 4: Touch their bowl while they are eating
The fourth step now involves touching your dog’s bowl while they are eating. Again, talk to them gently and hold the side of the bowl.
This builds trust with your dog that your close presence during mealtimes is safe for them and not deemed threatening. Do this several times until this becomes comfortable for your dog.
Step 5: Gently remove their bowl and offer a treat
This last step is most significant as you temporarily remove their food in exchange for a treat. It’s essential to speak calmly and assure your dog during this process.
Begin by gently lifting their bowl 2 feet from the ground, then provide them with a treat. Follow this by placing their bowl gently back on the floor.
Continue this exercise until you can walk away from the dog’s area with their bowl without any reaction, followed by returning with their bowl and placing it back on the ground.
Upon completing this final step, your dog should be completely comfortable and relaxed when eating in your presence.
Poor Socialization
Socialization is critical for rottweilers, especially in the early stages as puppies. Failing to socialize your rottweiler will cause them to automatically feel threatened in the presence of strangers and other animals. This can lead to displays of aggression and bad behavior.
It is essential to make a consistent effort to take your dog outside and socialize him with others. This includes children (under supervision) and adults. Please encourage others to pet your dog and spend time with him.
“Taking your dog to the dog park and allowing him to become familiar with all types of animals early will also reduce the likelihood of any aggressive tendencies.“
The key is to familiarise your Rottweiler with as many different surroundings as possible, so he becomes adaptable and comfortable when adjusting to unfamiliar environments.
Psychological Trauma
Rottweilers can display aggression if they are victims of psychological trauma. This is unfortunately not too uncommon with many rescue dogs.
Some of the symptoms of psychological trauma may include hiding, shaking, howling, pacing, growling, urination, or defecation.
“It is important to show your dog that home is a safe place.”
This can be achieved by providing his favorite toys, a piece of clothing he is familiar with, and a dedicated room for your dog, providing them with peace and quiet.
Ensuring your dog receives plenty of exercise and time to play will also help reduce the impact of previous trauma.
Keeping a steady routine will also assist in building trust with your dog and requires consistency, love, and patience.
Other Reasons Why Rottweilers Growl and Show Teeth
While there are many negative reasons why rottweilers growl and show teeth, there are also plenty of positive reasons.
A Rottie growling and showing teeth can also be any of the following:
Greeting Their Owner
Rottweilers may growl and show their teeth when greeting their owner. These growls are not aggressive; instead, they indicate excitement and a desire to play or engage in fun activities.
Displaying Affection
Similar to the growl when greeting their owner, rottweilers can also demonstrate this behavior when displaying affection. Some rottweilers will growl louder and be more animated when they are happiest.
This includes when they are petted and cuddled or playing with toys and other objects.
Communicating Pain
Rottweilers are genetically programmed to hide their pain and sometimes growl and show their teeth when experiencing severe pain. This could be due to growth spurts or something potentially more serious.
The key is to watch for the triggers, and if unsure, you may want to schedule a visit with your local veterinarian.
Final thoughts
While Rottweilers can be viewed as fierce and intimidating when they growl and show teeth, they are an extraordinarily lovable and obedient dog breed.
It’s vitally important to regularly observe your rottweiler’s behavior and watch out for the various signs and triggers that cause you concern.
Ensuring early socialization, regular training, exercise, affection, and positive reinforcement are the keys to reducing any aggression. Their growling and teeth showing are often easily explained and not necessarily a sign of aggression or bad behavior.
