Is your rottweiler chewing on inappropriate items or being destructive? Does it happen when you're not home or when you are home but can't watch him? Is there a particular item your rottie is interested in, or does he choose random things? Is he a puppy and teething?

Chewing Basics

Chewing is normal for dogs, especially puppies. If your rottie is teething, then chewing is normal behavior. You'll have to provide acceptable chew items and crate him when you cannot watch him. If he is an adult, have your vet look into possible tooth problems, such as puppy teeth that haven't come out or adult teeth that haven't grown properly.

If the problem isn't biological, you need to put your rottweiler in a crate when you leave or when you can't watch him. The crate will keep your rottie from destroying your house. Give him an appropriate chew item for those times when you're home but are unable to watch him every second.

Curbing Destructiveness

You may want to consider tying, tethering, or umbilical cording — these are all different terms for the same type of training. Get a long line or rope (about ten feet) and fasten one end to your rottie's collar. Tie the other end to your belt loop. Now your rottweiler has no choice but to go where you go and follow your lead. This is a wonderful tool, and it works well in most problems involving house soiling and destructive chewing. Your rottie will be unable to run off and chew something up without your seeing it. This accomplishes two things. First, it helps prevent destructive behavior. Second, it helps bond your rottie to you. It makes him focus on what you're doing instead of what he wants to do.

Don't leave your rottie loose alone in the house all day. You're saying to him, “Here are your toys!” Naturally, your rottie is going to take advantage of that. When you do catch your rottie chewing something inappropriate, offer an appropriate item as a trade, such as a chew item or rawhide. This will help break the cycle in chewing, but it takes a while.