24 Most Useful Rottweiler Training Commands

Are you looking for some helpful Rottweiler training commands, if yes keep reading to find out more!

Training your Rottweiler is important for several reasons, and you should be able to train your Rottweiler with some commands.

These commands when properly given and taught will help your Rottweiler understand what you want from them at a particular time and place.

Keep in mind that Rottweilers are intelligent dogs, and teaching them these commands will be easier provided you reward them.

Let’s get started!

Rottweiler Training Commands

Consistency is essential when it comes to Rottweiler training commands.

Commence with fundamental directives such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” then provide incentives and affirmative reinforcement to promote appropriate conduct.

Introduce increasingly complex commands, such as “down,” “leave it,” and “heel,” as your Rottweiler gains confidence.

Just make sure that your Rottweiler understands each one before applying the next. Remember that good Rottweiler training requires perseverance and patience.

Here are some common Rottweiler training commands:

Come:

The “Come” command is crucial for your Rottweiler’s safety and will be used all through your Rottweiler’s lifetime.

This command allows you to call your Rottweiler back to you, especially in situations where they may be in danger or straying too far.

To train your Rottweiler to come when called, follow these steps:

  1. You can start training your Rottweiler on this command by using a leash in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
  2. To get your Rottweiler to come, say your Rottweiler’s name followed by the command “Come” in a clear and confident voice.
  3. If your Rottweiler doesn’t respond, gently pull the leash towards you to encourage your Rottweiler to move towards you.
  4. When your Rottweiler reaches you, reward them with praise, treats, or a combination of both.
  5. I recommend you repeat this process over and over again, you can gradually increase distractions and distance.

Stay:

The “Stay” command helps your Rottweiler learn self-control and patience.

If you properly teach your Rottweiler this command, it prevents them from running off or getting into potentially dangerous situations.

Here’s how you can train your Rottweiler to stay:

  1. To teach the stay command to your Rottweiler, you should begin with your Rottweiler in a sitting position.
  2. Once your Rottweiler sits, you should raise your hand, palm facing them, and say “Stay” in a firm yet gentle tone.
  3. After you say the command stay, you should immediately take a step back, maintaining eye contact with your Rottweiler.
  4. If your Rottweiler stays in place, reward them with praise and a treat, if they don’t, repeat the process until they stay in place.
  5. To make it sink in your Rottweiler’s brain, you should gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay command, ensuring they remain still before rewarding them.

Read more about Rottweiler training mistakes here.

Lay Down:

Rottweiler lying down

The “Lay Down” command teaches your Rottweiler to relax and settle down, and can be used in the future if your Rottweiler gets into a tense situation.

It’s particularly useful in situations where you want them to be calm or when they need to stay in one place for an extended period.

Follow these steps to train your Rottweiler to lay down:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler the lay-down command, you should start by having your Rottweiler in a sitting position.
  2. When your Rottweiler sits, you should hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it towards the ground, between their paws.
  3. Once you do this, your Rottweiler’s head will follow the treat, and their body should naturally lower into a lying position.
  4. Once they are fully down, reward them with praise and a treat, and if not, repeat the process until your Rottweiler lays down on your command.
  5. Practice this command over and over again, you should gradually reduce the need for treats and use only verbal praise as reinforcement.

Sit:

The “Sit” command is one of the foundational commands for your Rottweiler.

Trust me, this is one of the first and most important commands you should teach your Rottweiler.

The sit command helps you establish control over your Rottweiler and is useful in various situations.

Here’s how you can train your Rottweiler to sit:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler the sit command, you should hold a treat close to your Rottweiler’s nose, moving your hand upwards and slightly towards their head.
  2. As their head follows the treat, their bottom should naturally lower into a sitting position.
  3. Once your Rottweiler is in the sitting position, reward them with praise and a treat, if they don’t, you have to repeat the process until your Rottweiler is sitting.
  4. Practice this command regularly, gradually reducing the need for treats and using only verbal praise as reinforcement.

Shake Me:

The “Shake Me” command is a fun and interactive way to teach your Rottweiler to offer their paw for a handshake.

Aside from being a cute trick, there are a few benefits to training your Rottweiler to shake you:

  1. Bonding: It strengthens the bond between you and your Rottweiler through positive interaction.
  2. Socialization: It helps your Rottweiler become comfortable with physical contact and handling.
  3. Politeness: It teaches your Rottweiler to greet people politely by offering their paws.

To train your Rottweiler to shake hands, follow these steps:

  1. To train your Rottweiler to shake your hand, you should start by holding a treat in your hand, closed in a fist.
  2. Then you should present your closed fist to your Rottweiler at their nose level.
  3. When they show interest, say “Shake” or any other chosen command.
  4. To let this sink well in your Rottweiler’s brain, wait for them to paw at your hand, and as soon as they do, praise them and give them the treat.
  5. Repeat this process, gradually introducing the verbal command before offering your hand.

Heel:

The “Heel” command teaches your Rottweiler to walk politely beside you without pulling on the leash.

This command is particularly useful when you want your dog to stay close and focused during walks.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to heel:

  1. To train your Rottweiler to heel, you should start by holding the leash in your preferred hand, with your Rottweiler on your left side.
  2. Once this is done, you should begin walking and say “Heel” in a clear, confident voice.
  3. During the process, if your Rottweiler begins to pull or wander, gently change direction and guide them back to your side.
  4. Make sure to reward your Rottweiler with praise and treats when they maintain the desired position.

Leave it:

Training a Rottweiler

The “Leave it” command is essential for your Rottweiler’s safety, as it teaches them to ignore objects or food that could be harmful or not meant for them.

Training your Rottweiler to leave things alone can prevent them from ingesting harmful substances or getting into trouble.

Follow these steps to teach your Rottweiler to leave it:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler this command, you should start with a treat in your closed hand, making sure it’s visible to your Rottweiler.
  2. As soon as your Rottweiler shows interest, say “Leave it” in a firm yet gentle tone.
  3. Then you should close your hand and wait for them to stop trying to get the treat.
  4. Once your Rottweiler backs away or loses interest, reward them with praise and a different treat.
  5. Gradually increase the difficulty by using more tempting items or dropping treats on the ground.
  6. You should repeat the process if your Rottweiler fails to catch the command until they learn to leave it.

Drop it:

The “Drop it” command is crucial for when your Rottweiler has something they shouldn’t have in their mouth, you will definitely need this command in the future.

The drop it commands helps prevent them from swallowing dangerous objects or engaging in destructive chewing.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to drop it:

  1. To train your Rottweiler in the drop it command, you should offer your Rottweiler a toy or object they enjoy playing with.
  2. Once your Rottweiler have the toy in their mouth, show them a treat and say “Drop it” in a clear, commanding tone.
  3. Gently take hold of the toy or object without forcefully pulling it from their mouth.
  4. As soon as your Rottweiler releases their grip, reward them with praise and the treat.
  5. You should practice this command repeatedly, gradually using higher-value items and reinforcing with praise alone.

Wait:

The “Wait” command teaches your Rottweiler to pause or hold their position until given further instructions.

This command is particularly useful in situations where you want your Rottweiler to wait before moving or approaching something.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to wait:

  1. To train your Rottweiler with the wait command, you should start with your Rottweiler on a leash in a quiet and controlled environment.
  2. Once in position, begin walking forward and say “Wait” in a firm yet calm voice.
  3. If your Rottweiler starts moving, gently stop and give a slight tug on the leash to bring them back to its original position.
  4. Once they remain still, even for a moment, reward them with praise and a treat.
  5. Gradually increase the duration of the wait command, ensuring your Rottweiler, stays in place, before giving the release command.

Speak/Quiet

The “Speak” and “Quiet” commands teach your Rottweiler to bark on command and then stop barking when instructed.

It’s a fun and interactive way to engage with your dog while also having control over their vocalization.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to speak and be quiet:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on this command, choose a trigger word like “Speak” and use a treat to encourage your Rottweiler to bark naturally.
  2. Immediately after your Rottweiler bark, say the trigger word and reward them with praise and a treat.
  3. To train the “Quiet” command, wait for them to stop barking and then say “Quiet” in a calm yet firm tone.
  4. Make sure to reward your Rottweiler with praise and a treat when they stop barking.
  5. You should practice these commands separately, gradually increasing the duration of silence for the “Quiet” command.

Watch me

Rottweiler watching the owner

The “Watch me” command helps to redirect your Rottweiler’s attention towards you, especially in distracting or potentially dangerous situations.

Training your Rottweiler on this command establishes focus and reinforces your role as their leader.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to watch you:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler this command, you should hold a treat close to your eyes this will be to get your Rottweiler’s attention.
  2. Once you get your Rottweiler’s attention, you should say “Watch me” in a clear and engaging tone.
  3. As soon as your Rottweiler makes eye contact with you, reward them with praise and the treat.
  4. Gradually increase the duration of eye contact before giving the reward.
  5. I recommend you should practice this command in various environments with increasing distractions.

Back up:

The “Back up” command teaches your Rottweiler to move backward, creating space between them and a specific object or person.

This command can be useful in situations where you need your Rottweiler to move away or create distance.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to back up:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler this command you should stand in front of your Rottweiler, facing them.
  2. Use a hand signal or a verbal command like “Back up” to indicate that you want your Rottweiler to move backward.
  3. You should take a step towards your Rottweiler, and if they take a step backward, reward them with praise and a treat, and if they don’t you repeat the process.
  4. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance they need to back up.

Stand:

The “Stand” command teaches your Rottweiler to assume a standing position on command.

This command can be useful for grooming, veterinary examinations, or simply for visual inspection.

Here’s how you can train your Rottweiler to stand:

  1. To train your Rottweiler with the stand command, you should start with your Rottweiler in a sitting position.
  2. To start you should hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it upwards, slightly away from their body.
  3. As they follow the treat with their head, their body should naturally shift into a standing position.
  4. Once they are standing, reward them with praise and a treat, if they don’t repeat the process.
  5. You should practice this command regularly, gradually reducing the need for treats and using only verbal praise as reinforcement.

Off:

The “Off” command teaches your Rottweiler to cease any jumping or climbing on people or furniture.

This command promotes good manners and prevents unwanted behavior.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to respond to the “Off” command:

  1. When your Rottweiler jumps or climbs on something they shouldn’t, turn away and ignore them.
  2. Say “Off” in a firm, assertive tone while stepping back or gently pushing them off.
  3. Once they are off, reward them with praise and attention.
  4. Consistently reinforce the command by redirecting them to an appropriate behavior or providing an alternative, like sitting or lying down.

Go:

Rottweiler lying down

The “Go” command is useful for directing your Rottweiler to move away from a specific area or to proceed forward.

This command can be helpful in situations where you want your dog to go to a designated spot or to create space.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to respond to the “Go” command:

  1. To train your Rottweiler with this command, you should choose a specific location or spot where you want your Rottweiler to go.
  2. Stand near that spot and encourage your Rottweiler to move towards it using either a hand signal or the verbal command “Go.”
  3. Once your Rottweiler reaches the designated spot, reward them with praise and a treat.
  4. You should practice this command regularly, gradually increasing the distance between you and the designated spot.

Fetch:

The “Fetch” command teaches your Rottweiler to retrieve and bring back an object on command. It is a fun and engaging activity that provides mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to fetch:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on this command, you should start with a toy or object that your Rottweiler is interested in and throw it away from both of you.
  2. Try to encourage your Rottweiler to take it in their mouth by using an enthusiastic tone and pointing at the object.
  3. Once your Rottweiler has the object, say “Fetch” and encourage them to bring it back to you.
  4. When they return with the object, reward them with praise and a treat, and if they don’t try again.
  5. Gradually increase the distance that they need to retrieve the object from and reinforce the command every time they successfully bring it back.

Roll Over:

The “Roll Over” command is a fun trick that teaches your Rottweiler to roll onto their back.

This command is a great way to engage their mind and body while strengthening the bond between you and your Rottweiler.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to roll over:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on the rollover command, you should start with your Rottweiler in a lying down position.
  2. Then hold a treat close to their nose and then move it slowly towards their shoulder.
  3. As they follow the treat with their head, their body should naturally roll onto their side and then onto their back.
  4. Once they complete the roll, reward them with praise and a treat, if they don’t try again until they get it right.
  5. You should regularly practice this command, then gradually reduce the need for treats and use only verbal praise as reinforcement.

Read more about Rottweiler training secrets here.

Release:

The “Release” command is essential for teaching your Rottweiler to let go of an item they have in their mouth.

The release command is particularly useful in situations where they may have picked up something they shouldn’t have or during playtime.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to release:

  1. To teach this command, you should offer your Rottweiler a toy or object that they enjoy playing with.
  2. Once your Rottweiler have it in their mouth, say “Release” in a firm yet gentle tone.
  3. Gently take hold of the toy or object without forcefully pulling it from their mouth.
  4. As soon as they release their grip, reward them with praise and a treat, and if they don’t try again.
  5. You should regularly practice this command then gradually use higher-value items and reinforce with praise alone.

Spin:

The “Spin” command teaches your Rottweiler to turn in a circle in response to a verbal or visual cue.

The spin command can be a fun trick and a great mental exercise for your dog.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to spin:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on the spin command, you should start with your Rottweiler standing in front of you.
  2. Then hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it in a circular motion, leading them in a full circle.
  3. As they complete the circle, say “Spin” in an enthusiastic tone.
  4. Once they finish the rotation, reward them with praise and a treat, you should try it again if they fail until they get it right.
  5. You should gradually reduce the need for treats and use only verbal praise as reinforcement.

Go to Bed:

The “Go to Bed” command is useful for teaching your Rottweiler to go to a designated spot or bed on command.

This command can be helpful during mealtime when guests arrive, or when you want your dog to have a safe and comfortable place to relax.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to go to bed:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler the go-to-bed command, you should choose a specific location or spot where you want your Rottweiler to go.
  2. Then guide your Rottweiler towards that spot using either a hand signal or the verbal command “Go to Bed.”
  3. Once they reach the designated spot, reward them with praise and a treat, and if they fail start again.
  4. Gradually increase the distance between you and the designated spot while still using the go-to-bed command.
  5. For your Rottweiler to learn this properly you should practice this command regularly, reinforcing it during different times of the day.

Read more about fun things to do with your dog here.

Find It:

The “Find It” command is a great way to engage your Rottweiler’s natural sense of smell and provide mental stimulation.

This command can also be a fun game to play with your dog.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to “Find It”:

  1. To teach your Rottweiler this command, you should start with a treat or a favorite toy that your Rottweiler is interested in.
  2. Then allow your Rottweiler to see and smell the treat or toy.
  3. Then hide the treat or toy in an obvious location at first, and then gradually make it more challenging to find.
  4. Encourage your Rottweiler to search for the hidden item by saying “Find It” in an excited voice.
  5. Once your Rottweiler locates the item, reward them with praise and the treat or playtime with the toy, if they fail, start again.
  6. You should practice this command regularly and increase the difficulty of the hiding spots to keep it challenging and engaging for your Rottweiler.

Freeze:

Rottweiler standing

The “Freeze” command teaches your Rottweiler to stop and remain still in their current position.

The freeze command can be useful in situations where you want your dog to pause and stay calm.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to “Freeze”:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on this command, you should start with your Rottweiler in a standing or sitting position.
  2. Then say “Freeze” in a firm, commanding tone while they are standing or sitting.
  3. You should take a step back and hold your hand up in a stop gesture.
  4. Encourage your Rottweiler to remain still for a few seconds.
  5. Reward them with praise and a treat for staying in the frozen position.
  6. Gradually increase the duration of the freeze command before giving the release command.

Jump:

The “Jump” command teaches your Rottweiler to leap over an obstacle or onto a specific spot.

The jump can be a fun and engaging exercise for your dog, promoting physical activity and coordination.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to “Jump”:

  1. To train your Rottweiler to jump you should start with a low obstacle, such as a small hurdle or a raised platform.
  2. Then encourage your Rottweiler to approach the obstacle using a verbal command like “Jump.”
  3. Once your Rottweiler tries to jump over or onto the obstacle, reward them with praise and a treat.
  4. Gradually increase the height or difficulty of the obstacle, ensuring your Rottweiler is comfortable and capable of jumping safely.
  5. Practice this command regularly, keeping the jumping sessions short to avoid excessive strain on your dog’s joints.

Read more about exercising your Rottweiler here.

Hide:

The “Hide” command teaches your Rottweiler to find a designated hiding spot or take cover in a safe area.

This command can be useful during times of loud noises, fireworks, or thunderstorms, providing your dog with a sense of security.

Here’s how to train your Rottweiler to “Hide”:

  1. To train your Rottweiler on the hide command, you should choose a specific location or spot where you want your Rottweiler to hide or take cover.
  2. Then guide your Rottweiler towards that spot using either a hand signal or the verbal command “Hide.”
  3. Once they reach the designated hiding spot, reward them with praise and a treat.
  4. Gradually increase the distance between you and the hiding spot.
  5. You should regularly practice this command, reinforcing it during different situations that may cause anxiety or stress.

Read more about socializing your Rottweiler here.

Conclusion

To sum up, mastering the commands of Rottweiler training is necessary to have a well-mannered and submissive dog. These commands, which range from “sit” to “stay” and “heel,” build a solid basis for successful communication and a happy bond with your Rottweiler. Now go get some rewards, have patience, and watch your Rottweiler grow as they learn each command!