Puppy Aggression


Your puppy showing aggression is a different matter from play-biting.
In the litter, puppies show aggression to gain dominance over their siblings, and thus get more milk from their mother and more food when solids are introduced.
Hence, the biggest puppy in the litter is usually the most dominant. (But not always. One of our Rotties was born the smallest pup in the litter; she was the only girl and had 9 brothers! She got her way by throwing tantrums when she couldn't reach the food - they were all scared of her. She grew up into the nicest dog you could ever meet, and is sitting on my feet at this moment. 

An aggressive puppy must be dealt with as soon as the problem starts to manifest; an 8 week old pup snarling at you may not seem much of an issue to get upset about, but what about in a years' time when he is the size of a donkey and weighs130 lbs? He won't be cute then, will he?! 

Aggressive, dominant behaviour can manifest as any or all of the following:-
  • Snarling, lifting lips off teeth, raising hackles and staring you in the eye are all signs of imminent aggression - he's warning you off, whether its over food or who gets to sit in your favourite chair.     
  • Guarding of his food bowl. I do not advocate making a puppy wait and slaver longingly while you hold his bowl of food up, but you must be able to approach him and pick the bowl up without him snapping at you - you may have dropped your medication or a $50 note into his dinner by mistake.     
  • Guarding of his toys, and biting anyone who tries to touch them.     
  • Snapping at visitors when they arrive or leave.
Any of the above will grow into real problems, if not quickly sorted out. The solution starts right at the beginning of your quest for a puppy:- 
  • Always go to a reputable breeder - never buy from a puppy farm, pet shop, or Mrs Jones down the road.     
  • Check up on the temperament of the puppy's parents. You should always be allowed to see the mother for yourself - be extremely wary if you can't, as the litter may have been "bought" in. Any reputable breeder will be pleased to discuss temperament with you.     
  • Never be blinded by the puppy's beauty to the extent that you ignore the fact it is bad-tempered and buy it anyway; sweet nature should always be at the top of the puppy shopping list.     
  • Do not buy a puppy less than 8 weeks old.     
  • Never tease your puppy or allow children to do so.     
  • Take your puppy to dog-training classes the minute he's old enough. No excuses!    
If he shows signs of real aggression, contact the breeder for advice, or a reputable dog-trainer. 

Above all, spend time with your puppy. Walk him, handle him, encourage him to play nice, teach him what he needs to know, and love him. Be kind, patient, consistent and firm at all times.

He will thank you for it, look up to you as pack leader, and worship the ground that you walk on all the days of his life.