aggressive puppy

[Lisa Marin]

My 10 week old puppy is sweet in every way except when picked up from playing outside. He does not want to come in and will actually growl and attack whoever is picking him up. Seems very aggressive and scares me that this is a sign of a "mean" dog. Was wondering if anyone has had he same problem.

[Carol Brand]

I don't see this as being aggressive as much as it is being "pissy".  This is the puppy version of a two year old's temper tantrum.  When puppies this young get all riled up and out of control, I like to hold them like a human baby until they settle.   I find that holding them firmly is almost like swaddling a baby.  It gives them an opportunity to take a minute and settle.   If they are mouthing you while you are holding them, you may have to hold the sides of their muzzle until they quiet down.  Once they are calm, I set them back on their feet and praise them quietly. (Don't want to get them riled up again with a big praise party!)

[Lisa Marin]

thank you for your advice. I am going to try this next time. He does get very nippy with his tantrum so will try to hold his muzzle as well. I feel better to think of this as a tantrum than as an aggressive puppy.

[Carol Brand]

If he fights you, DON'T GIVE IN!   Just calmly but firmly hold him.  If he is really ticked off and worked up, he may even scream and throw a hissy fit, but just keep holding him until he relaxes and settles.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Carol's advice is excellent. I just want to reiterate that she advised you to hold the sides of the puppy's muzzle. If you hold the top of his muzzle you would be cutting off his air supply so that would make him more anxious.

[Carol Brand]

Right.  I actually put my thumb on one side of the jaw and my fingers on the other so that I'm cupping the bottom of the puppy's muzzle and really holding the sides of the face.  Ideally, I'd like the puppy to settle and then look at me in the face but for some shy puppies this is a little too much.  Build up to it.