Puppy Aggression - So Frustrated!

[Abby Christos]

Bob is almost 15.5 weeks old and his aggression is starting to drive me crazy. I'm here looking for a little support or advice.

My husband has definitely asserted his dominance and Bob rarely, if ever, lashes out at him the way he does at me. He's just so jumpy and bite-y. He has ripped three of my shirts by jumping up and biting them. When I reprimand him, he gets an attitude, shows his teeth, gets snippy and barks. I'm just so frustrated because I waited 8 years until the time was right to get a dog, and I've never had any previous dog behave like this. I'm afraid he's going to be an a-hole poodle. He can be very sweet - like when I take him out of his crate in the morning or when I get home, but when I tell him to drop something or try to stop him from doing something, his first instinct is to snap his head back at me.

I'm sure I'm making it worse, too. I tried doing what my husband does, which is kind of like an alpha roll, but he either thinks I'm playing, or still thinks he's the boss and he tries to bite me. I'm not sure if it's something that will improve with time and neutering, or if we need to get a trainer to come to our house. He's in puppy school, but I'm incredibly disappointed in the teacher. When I try to get advice about biting, her advice is to spray him in the mouth with a bitter apple spray, which usually just gets him more riled up. After spending $200 on puppy classes, and thousands between the actual cost of Bob, vet visits, supplies (not to mention a car breaking down, unexpected tax bills, yada yada), I don't want to spend additional money on a trainer if he will grow out of it.

Sorry this is so long, I'm just so frustrated and on the verge of tears.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I agree with all the responses here.  Yes he will grow out of it, but you need to continue consistent positive training.  Several short training sessions a day, rather than one long one, and in different environments will keep him interested and lay the foundation that  good behavior is an ongoing expectation.  Tether him to you for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day and go about your business.  I will never forget how stunned I was the first time my adorable puppy thought for a second about a reprimand I had given him and barked in my face.  Not a playful bark either.  I paused the movie I was watching and we went right into a 10 minute training session running through all the puppy exercises we had learned.  Sometimes he'd just get wound up and I'd put him in his crate for 5- 15 minutes and he'd chill and come out more relaxed.  The time you put in now, will pay off in the long run.  You will survive this, we all do :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

PS my dog is a therapy dog now.  He's wonderful with elderly adults and children.  In 2 weeks we are going to start working with children with a special needs.

PSS I'd also find a new trainer.   

[Jennifer Tramell]

All good suggestions and I'll add another....,be careful about how you play with him.  If you play "rough" games like tug-of-war, make certain that you win every time.  Even with games of fetch or other toys, don't let him end the game - you decide when, how, and where the game ends.  Don't give in to his demands for certain games; if he brings a toy and has a demanding attitude, find a different toy to start a game on your terms. 

I would avoid play too rough - no wrestling - and possibly not tugging games.  Again, if you play tugging games you have to win and have the toy in your hands and put away. 

Kind, firm, consistent treatment will go a long way in developing a responsive dog.  Our new pup, Tessa, is 5 months old and the past couple weeks she has really settled down.  Puppyhood can be a wild ride but, if you are intentional and consistent in the boundaries you set, I think you'll see Bob start to respect the rules.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Im not sure what spitting on his food would do..But I would def look into a different trainer, or, if money is an issue, I would try the online videos.  We went through the same thing as you, biting, snarling..just pure frustration.  I can tell you that with consistent  training, he will grow out of it.  Good luck

[N Dozois]

AS hard as it it is sometimes you have to look at yourself as being the problem. When your dog is being bad put him in a position of stay then don't acknoledge him. watch and see it he moves. If he moves correct him and put him back in the same position. Make your puppy wait and listen. While he is in a stay/ down postion dont keep talking to him and saying his name... only if he gets up a quick NO, and Down... then back to ignoring. To start he may only be able to focus for 30 seconds but keep extending the time frame.... I don't beleive in throwing your puppy in its crate when he is being bad as this is a place of comfort for the pup and the pup will not learn. You have to get your pup to respect and listen to you. Don't reward your puppy with treats and patting, when your finished the release just a nice simple praise so the pup learns to listen to your voice and doesn't become food driven. 

 Also, is your pup getting enough exercise " a Tired pup is a good pup"

I think most people have experience frustrating moments with their pups it does get better!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think time outs, when the pup is overtired, can be very good. Of course they don't replace training.

[Deborah Brown]

My girl is a year now but this definitely describes her.  We called it "talking back".  I'd tell her to get down and she'd do it but give me a little snap on the way.  She wasn't overly aggressive about it but just couldn't comply without making sure I knew she didn't like it.  She is still independent and stubborn but she is growing into a wonderful dog.  We do short training sessions a few times a day.  This gets her focused and gives her positive instead of negative interaction.

I can tell you it has been a rough year but it gets better.