Afraid my puppy might be overly aggresive

**kfegarty** · 10-24-2011, 06:40 PM

My 10 week old lab-mix Moe seems to be relatively good natured but on occasion when picked up is really angry growls and tries to bite. He is going to be a big dog and I am worried this might escallate. Is this something to worry about or is he just going through a stage. I have been just holding him tighter firmly until he calms down.

**Tanya** · 10-24-2011, 07:05 PM

why are you picking him up?

**Sophiesmama** · 10-24-2011, 07:33 PM

He's a baby....he is playing. That is how he played with his littermates. If he bites, that too is normal. Just be consistant, put your hand on his muzzle and in a stern voice say "Don't Bite!" Those needle sharp teeth really hurt! My Sophie kept my arms torn up the first 3 months. Just be consistant and don't let him slide on it.

**kfegarty** · 10-24-2011, 09:49 PM

Funny after I wrote this I knew someone would ask "Why are you picking him up" - mainly when I know he needs to go out to pee and as he rather at this point just go inside I pick him up and lead him to the door and get him to follow me out.

**kfegarty** · 10-24-2011, 09:51 PM

Also it seems different from his growling puppy biting. More like lips curled angry snarling....

**Sophiesmama** · 10-24-2011, 09:54 PM

You just need to let him know you're the boss! That way when he's 80 lbs he's not bossing you around.

**Tanya** · 10-24-2011, 09:59 PM

he doesn't like being picked up. If you have to bring him outside by lifting him to avoid accidents fine but that should only last a short period - and I would ignore the behaviour. I wouldn't pin him to the ground (alpha roll - and I know you did not do this, I am just saying) and I would not "hold him tighter" (other than to ensure he doesn't wiggle out of my arms.

But, I would counter that with lots of training.

**BigBrownDog** · 10-24-2011, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Sophiesmama

You just need to let him know you're the boss! That way when he's 80 lbs he's not bossing you around.

Outside of being the one who controls the puppy's entire world (when and if he eats, when he goes out, where he can go) what do you suggest the OP do to show him who is boss?

**BigBrownDog** · 10-24-2011, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by kfegarty

Also it seems different from his growling puppy biting. More like lips curled angry snarling....

Can you explain what other tactics you are using with him? I see the "holding him tighter until he calms down" bit. Are you doing alpha rolls and holding him on his back? Many puppies respond to this by acting up MORE and becoming defiant. If you do this "holding him tighter" you may wind up with him associating your touch with negativity. May be why you are getting this kind of reaction from him.

Are you engaging him mentally with training and indoor play? He needs to be physically and mentally exercised.

**Baloo317** · 10-25-2011, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Tanya

he doesn't like being picked up. If you have to bring him outside by lifting him to avoid accidents fine but that should only last a short period - and I would ignore the behaviour. I wouldn't pin him to the ground (alpha roll - and I know you did not do this, I am just saying) and I would not "hold him tighter" (other than to ensure he doesn't wiggle out of my arms.

But, I would counter that with lots of training.

Ditto this. Ignore is definitely the way I would go with this. Sounds like he's being a bratty baby, kinda like a two year old that hits when they don't like something because they don't have the skills to deal with it another way (yet.)

So block and ignore. And then do LOTS of training to teach him that touch/manipulation/restraint/lifts are not bad/scary but come with a payout and are worth tolerating, if not enjoying.