So, your Rottweiler thinks they’re leading the pack? Classic Rottie behavior. If your big floof insists on strutting ahead like they’re on a mission, you’re probably wondering,
“Why does my dog do this, and is it a big deal?” Let me tell you, I’ve been there—holding the leash while my Rottie decided we were reenacting a sled dog race. :/
In this post, I’ll walk you through six reasons why your Rottie is playing trailblazer and what it might actually mean. Spoiler: It’s not always about dominance.
1. They’re Just Super Excited
You know that feeling when you finally get out of the office and can’t wait to stretch your legs? Yeah, your Rottie feels the same. Only they’re 90 pounds of pure muscle and way more dramatic about it.
Signs this is the cause:
- They lunge forward right out of the gate
- Their tail is wagging like crazy
- They start sniffing everything like it’s a buffet
Why it happens: Rottweilers are high-energy dogs. If they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, that first walk of the day becomes the event. Expect them to pull ahead just from sheer enthusiasm.
What to do:
- Try playing fetch or tug-of-war before walks to burn some energy
- Start training them to “heel” using treats and praise
Pro tip: A tired Rottie = a walk where your arm doesn’t get ripped out of its socket.
2. They Think They’re On Duty
Rottweilers were bred to herd and guard. It’s literally in their DNA to take charge and protect. So when your Rottie walks ahead of you, they might be thinking, “Don’t worry, hooman, I’ll clear the path.”
How to tell:
- They’re hyper-aware of their surroundings
- They tense up when strangers or other dogs approach
- They position themselves between you and anything “suspicious.”
What’s going on: Your pup might see themselves as your personal security detail. Cute? Maybe. Helpful? Sometimes. But it can lead to leash reactivity if not managed.
Fix it with:
- Obedience training that teaches them to look to you for direction
- Positive reinforcement when they stay by your side
- Slowly introducing them to neutral situations so they learn to chill
3. You Accidentally Trained Them To Do It
Yep, you read that right. You might have taught your Rottie to walk ahead. Unintentionally, of course. Don’t worry—we’ve all done it.
How this happens:
- You let them pull sometimes and don’t correct it
- You walk faster when they speed up
- You reward them with attention or treats after they pull
Why it matters: Dogs are simple: “If it works, I’ll keep doing it.” If they pull and still get where they want, they’ll assume it’s okay.
What you can try:
- Stop walking every time they pull ahead
- Only move forward when they return to your side
- Clicker training can be great here
FYI: It’ll take consistency, but they’ll catch on. They’re stubborn, not dumb 😉
4. They’re Curious About Everything (a.k.a. Nose-Driven Tour Guide)
Ever feel like your Rottie’s walk is more of a crime scene investigation? That nose knows things.
Signs this is the issue:
- They dart from one bush to another
- They sniff for 30 seconds straight, like it holds the secrets of the universe
- They act like you’re slowing down their “research.”
Why they do it: Rottweilers have strong noses and even stronger curiosity. They want to lead so they can sniff first.
Try this:
- Give them a “sniff zone” on walks
- Use a command like “Let’s go!” to signal it’s time to move
- Reward them when they respond quickly
IMO: Let them sniff a little. It’s like social media for dogs—they need to check the feed.
5. They’re Looking for Attention
Your Rottie might be pulling ahead just to make sure you notice them. Yes, even 100-pound beasts can have attention-seeking moments.
Telltale signs:
- They look back at you while walking ahead
- They slow down if you stop talking to them
- They perk up when you call their name or praise them
Why they do it: Sometimes your Rottie just wants to feel like they’re “part of the team.” Walking ahead might be their way of saying, “Hey! I’m here!”
What helps:
- Give regular cues and praise when they walk beside you
- Use treats to reinforce walking next to you
- Don’t engage when they walk ahead—let the silence be the lesson
6. You Haven’t Taught Them Otherwise
This one’s simple: They don’t know they shouldn’t.
If your Rottie is
- A puppy or rescue without training
- New to your home
- Never corrected for pulling
Then yeah, they’ll walk however they want. Not because they’re defiant—just because they don’t know any better.
How to fix it:
- Start with basic leash manners: “heel,” “sit,” “stay.”
- Practice in a quiet area before testing them in the wild
- Use short sessions with lots of praise
Bonus tip: Get a no-pull harness. It can save your shoulder and your sanity.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Walking Who?
So now you know: your Rottie walking ahead of you doesn’t mean they’re trying to dominate the world. It usually boils down to excitement, instinct, habit, or lack of training.
The good news? You can totally fix it. With a bit of patience, some tasty treats, and a sense of humor (trust me, you’ll need it), you and your Rottie can walk like a dream team.
TL;DR?
- Excitement: Burn off that energy first.
- Protection mode: Train them to trust you.
- Accidental training: Be mindful of what you reward.
- Sniffer mode: Let them explore, but with limits.
- Attention-seeking: Reward calm, close behavior.
- Lack of training: Teach leash manners from scratch.
Got a funny Rottie walking story or a trick that worked wonders? Share it in the comments! Or tag me in your next walk video so we can laugh (or cry) together. 🙂