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.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

He will 'outgrow' this with the proper training!  To start yourself now while you decide on whether or not you can afford a trainer go to youtube and search for Victoria Stilwell videos. They are short, 1 topic only at a time and work on that one. IMHO is sounds like  you need a different puppy class. If you are not happy with the trainer it's time to switch!

[Abby Christos]

Thanks for the tip! Her videos are very helpful!

[Donna K & Quincy]

The short answer is yes they do grow out of this. Next time he starts acting up, snap on his leash, break out the treats and do a little training. It refocuses the energy and resets that puppy brain. If that doesn't work put him in his crate to calm down, not as a punishment but as a chance to chill out. I had more clothes with holes in it when Quincy was a pup and at times I thought he was possessed. I can't remember at what point it went away but he is now just about perfect in my eyes and has been for a very long time. :>)

[Abby Christos]

Thanks Donna! We do put him in his x-pen when he gets too crazy. I start to feel bad though because I feel like I'm constantly putting him in there!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Come to think of it, I felt Monty was possessed as well. I look at the old videos and all I see is him snapping his teeth. I had so many ripped clothes from him jumping up and biting down on me. Scratches all over my arms and legs. Those puppy teeth are razor sharp! Can't remember when he stopped, but he is a therapy dog now. I would look for a different trainer, and I agree with Donna: refocus his energy every time he goes nuts. Get the treats out and do some simple training like sit, down, wait, come, etc. 

It will get better with proper training.

[Tammy and Violet]

how does you husband calm him down ?
I had this same thing with my baby (got tons of advice here ) she was awful until one years and it was like magic !!! it does get better ....go to a diff class and perhaps get a personal trainer one that is recommened...even that is hard too ..because I had a trainer once that someone recomened and it was not a good fit... keeps us posted ....I feel your pain ... literally ....

[Heather Martinez]

Teddy was like this and he stopped at ~4 months old. He used to attack and bite the back of my pajama pants! I would definitely get a private trainer to come to your house. This is the best money we've ever spent. It's so much better than puppy classes (which we did also for socialization) because you get individual help on the issues that your puppy has. Even if he will probably grow out of something, proper training can help that happen faster and avoid making the problem worse and you can address any other issues you have, like sleeping, barking, potty training, and learn how to best reinforce the basic commands for your puppy, so it is definitely worth the money.

[Miss Ellie]

Hang in there Abby...if I was closer I'd give you a hug...it is so normal...and yes they do grow out of it.  We are on our second dog and she is going through similar stages(chewing & barking) but I just keep telling myself she's a baby and the more consistent we are with our training will be worth all our time & effort.  Everyone who has ever had a puppy knows exactly the frustration you are feeling...but you are not alone...wishing you all the very best...and thinking of you!

[Christine & Shelby]

He's only 15 weeks old.... the behaviors you are describing are pretty normal based on my expriences.  I would suggest getting into a puppy Kindergarten class as soon as possible.  I had several puppy clothing casualites - and I just changed into those when I got home during this crazy time.   It wasn't the best fashion statement, but when I'm home... I didn't care.   It does get better - however, beginning training quickly will help.  Regardless of whether or not you've had dogs before - getting in a class with structure, guidance and some accountability helps tremendously.  The good news is... those razor sharp puppy teeth should start falling out really soon!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult time with your puppy. Some young dogs are just more difficult than others. Lucy was our spirited 'problem child', and she turned into the most wonderful, smart, playful dog ever. But like everyone else I can't remember when she changed (its funny how we all forget that). We went through none of that with our Oscar, and since Lucy had been our very first dog ever, we had no idea how easy it could be. We thought all puppies were difficult  like Lucy had been! Oscar has a very mellow, easy going, chill attitude/temperament. He has never given me a moment of frustration/exasperation. Just goes to show how different the 2 dogs are (and they complement each other perfectly!). I agree with getting the puppy trained with a trainer whose methods you agree with. That whole 'alpha dog' thing... I'm not so sure that's the best practice with a puppy. Treating them for doing something right, and giving a simple correction and redirecting has worked best for my 2. They get lots of confidence out of it too. Good luck... it DOES get better!

[Adina P]

I had JAWS for a puppy almost until he turned a year old.  It was around that time that we got serious with training.  I can't promise you that he will outgrow this on his own, without much input from you.  It will probably get better, but he could still be an out-of-control 2 year old dog without training.  He's still quite young, so it's hard to judge via descriptions how bad he is compared to other annoying nippy typical puppies.  I would say that good training is invaluable.  It shouldn't cost thousands of additional dollars though.  But I define "good" training as that which actually seeks results: reliable response to obedience commands in the house and out of the house.  You won't ever get that in puppy classes any more than you'll get a bachelor's degree in kindergarten.  Puppy classes are more for socialization and learning puppy management.  They are hardly obedience classes.  Ask your vet, groomers, and local obedience or dog clubs for referrals for a high quality training class.  I don't think you necessarily need a private trainer if the classes are taught well.  About 5 or 6 months is the ideal time to start in a more "serious" obedience class, of course a class is worthless unless you can put in daily time in training (training him in the same places you expect him to obey you).  Training is what you do with him between classes.  Classes are just instruction for you to know what it is you should be doing.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with all the responses and would add that you need to be POSITIVE with the training--when he is snappy, redirect him to a sit using a treat (always have some treats with you when with him) and hold the treat directly over his nose (hold on tight to it!) and move it back so that he sits --then give it to him and say Good Sit! And you can also lead him to the floor with the treat--or just move him in a circle and then give it to him--he is smart and playful and looking for FUN! (It is NOT aggression--he is treating you like a litter-mate) so this is the time to use that energy to train him to follow commands--they like to be tested and they love to be rewarded! Keep it positive!