Are Rottweilers Good With Cats? 5 Socialization Tips!

There is a common misconception that Rottweiler is a very aggressive breed. Well, it’s not true at all! This is an often misunderstood breed. The majority of Rottweilers are affectionate and social dogs. Rottweilers can be great with cats and other pets but it’s best if they have been thoroughly trained and socialized from an early age.

Rotties are large and powerful dogs. They are courageous, territorial, and protective of their owners. A well-trained Rottie is confident, loyal, self-assured, and calm. 

Ever wondered whether or not Rottweilers get along with cats?

Rottweilers love their territory. They will do everything to protect it. If Rotties are raised with cats, they will consider them as members of their family. So they will protect your felines and get along well with them.

If you own a grown-up Rottie, it will have a formed temper and habits. In such cases, it will be tough for them to make friends with cats. However, they can be trained to live peacefully with cats.

Related Reading: How to Handle and Improve Rottweiler Growling

Will a Rottweiler kill a cat?

Rottweilers have a history of herding and guard dogs. They possess high prey drives and have a natural desire to chase moving objects. A running cat can spark this predatory impulse.

Many Rottweilers live peacefully with the feline members, some are predatory toward cats. Their behavior is mainly shaped by their upbringing and training. Rottweilers require extensive socialization and training right from early puppyhood. 

Sometimes, your Rottie might nibble on your cat. Here are some reasons why your Rottie does it:

• They have a strong prey drive
• They have not learned not to bite people or other animals
• They are probably just trying to play
• They are dominating
• They need more attention and might be jealous of your cat
• They may feel uneasy about encountering them in certain settings

You need to get your Rottweiler to stop nibbling on your cat. You need to train your Rottie when it’s still young. Be consistent with the training and you will soon see better results. A well-socialized Rottweiler is less likely to attack a cat in their vicinity.

Until your Rottweiler is trained, you need to separate them to minimize the risk of something bad happening. It’s better to feed your dog and feline member separately.

Are Rottweilers Good with other pets?

When Rottweilers are raised with other pets, they generally get along well with them. However, they often have issues with strange dogs and other pets that are introduced into the home. 

Rotties are usually intolerant of other dogs of the same sex. 

They are not the best candidates for visiting off-leash dog parks. These intelligent and powerful dogs need guidance right from the start. With proper training and guidance, these dogs will accept new pets peacefully. 

Pro Tip: Keep your Rottweiler on the leash in parks and public places to prevent aggressiveness towards other pets. 

There are of course Rottweiler mixes, like the Great Dane Rottweiler Mix, but predicting behavior in mixed breeds is a little more difficult.

How to train and discipline your Rottweiler around cats

Rottweilers must be thoroughly trained and socialized at an early age. This will control their predatory impulse and territorial instincts.

1. Socialization of your dog

A Rottweiler’s socialization should start as soon as you bring them home. This breed is intelligent and highly trainable. 

To socialize your Rottie pup, you need to place your dog with cats and other pets:

• Dog Park: A dog park is a safe and great place for socialization. This will introduce your Rottweiler to novel environments, experiences, objects, and other animals. Well-socialized dogs develop far fewer behavior issues.
• Dog Day Care: If you have long working hours, find a dog daycare for your Rottweiler. Your dog can go a couple of days a week in dog daycare.
• Play Date: If you have friends or neighbors who own pets, consider a playdate for your pets.

2. Introduce them to new people

When people enter your house, introduce them to your Rottweiler right away. Don’t allow your dog to jump up or growl at anyone.

Using obedience commands like “down” and “sit” when visitors come over.

3. Use positive reinforcement training 

Rottweilers can fairly understand your commands and learn by positive reinforcement techniques. They can sense your frustration or anger. 

Keeping a good attitude will just help your Rottie learn faster. This will help them to enjoy and respect it. You can praise them or give treats as a reward.

Pro Tip: Physical punishment should never be used as a disciplinary measure against a Rottweiler or any other breed.

4. Provide love and affection 

Rotties crave love and affection from their owners. They enjoy being part of the family and become well-behaved dogs. Neglected Rottweilers can turn into aggressive and hostile dogs. 

5. Consider dog training classes

If you are unable to devote much time, it’s better to enroll your Rottweiler puppy in a puppy kindergarten. Your Rottie will learn how to socialize with cats and other pets. 

With proper training, love, positive reinforcement, and socialization, a Rottweiler can become a wonderful companion and get along well with cats and other pets.

Remember, that an untrained big dog can do a lot of damage. Your Rottweiler is going to grow to weigh roughly 100 pounds! 

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Which dogs are best with cats?

Cats and dogs have a long-standing reputation as enemies. However, many cats and dogs can happily live together and even become best buddies.

All dogs are individuals. Those who possess low prey drive, low energy, or easygoing temperaments typically mesh the best with felines. 

Let’s have a look at the top 10 dogs that can make great furry siblings!

1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Beagle
4. Boston Terrier
5. Basset Hound
6. Pug
7. Bichon Frise
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
9. Poodle
10. Maltese

The phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” doesn’t always have to be the case!

Wrapping up

While Rottweilers can learn to live with cats and other pets, always be careful with their interaction with small pets like cats. 

Rottweilers often walk a fine line between protectiveness and aggressiveness. As a responsible Rottweiler owner, you are responsible for the early socialization and training of your dog.