Wild Behavior in a 9 week old!

[lawmnsuu]

My 9 week old female began to exhibit very aggressive behavior today. When she is held in my arms she will growl, bare her teeth and bite into my hand in a very aggressive fashion if she doesn't want to be held. In other words sometimes she'll go along with being held and other times she pulls an exorcist!

Loudly saying NO does nothing to alter this tantrum. Since I have only had her for one week I don't want to do anything to drastic until we have had a chance to bond (maybe I'm reading too many books).

She pulled the same stunt at some point today when I tried to put her leash on her. What is up with this early age aggression? Should I be concerned that this is some sign of a generally bad temperment? What happened to the gentle giant I was hoping for?

 

[Odri]

Hi Dean,
My male is the same age. He is much milder than what you describe, but with the (rare) aggressive nipping and growling, we give a scruff shake 'till he relaxes while staring into his eyes, usually accompanied by a "NO, that's what bad dogs do, and YOU'D better not do it!" in a really mean voice, then crate for 10. We don't do this for mouthing, just for the most major offenses. I think it's working well, but then again it has only recently become policy.
In your reading, have you read "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete? It's a great puppy book, my favorite, even though they raise GSDs. They have a hold in there that might help...they advise doing it for a couple minutes at a time every day for dominance (and bonding!). We've tried it once or twice and it works great. Basically, you sit with your knees forwardish, legs slightly apart, sitting on your shins with your feet pointing behind (does this make sense?) Put the dog between your legs, facing away from you. One hand on her chest, giving scritchies if she's good, one hand under her muzzle. She can squirm, but she can't squirm very far...your legs block her left and right, you block her going back, hand on her chest blocks her forward, and you have her muzzle so she can't bite. That might get her to accept being held.
Good luck, maybe she just had a bad day.
Audrey
Oh yeah, and I sent you a private msg.

[ 11-10-2002, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: Odri ]

 

[sarnewfie]

Another book is People Pooches and Problems written by one of the monks of new skete, glad to see someone else reads their books, much of what they teach is what i have done all along in my groom board and training of dogs!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Have you spoke to the breeder about this problem? I think this type of behavior is unusual for a newf (or any breed) at this age. Try putting her on her back and see what she does. If she squirms to get away and seems angry, then you have an alpha dog. It may give you a little more insite into her personality, if anything. It's good you are getting a handle on this problem early, since she will grow quickly. Another thing you should do when feeding her, is to pet her and stay close to her and take away her bowl then give it back. This way she will get comfortable with people around when she eats and will not feel threatened that her food will be taken away. This training is essential especially is you have children.

 

[lawmnsuu]

Hi All,
I spoke to the breeder to alert her to the problems. She denies any past aggression based issues. Also, I began using the techniques mentioned in the Skete's books regarding aggressive behavior. I have put Ashley into holds that I know will induce a serious Alpha response. Following the initial freak-out she slowly begins to calm down and then I profusely praise her. She seems to be getting better with the exercises. Thanks for your suggestions and concerns. Best to All, Dean