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Dog Behavior Library
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Puppy Serious Biting (not from fear)
Some
dogs become bullies.
They want to control all of their
resources and they will growl
and bite to keep them. The puppy is
saying, "You can't do that, and
I'm going to
tell
you
with my teeth, because I
have learned this makes
humans stop." This typically
occurs in puppies who
were taken
away from Mom very
early, have not been
taught acceptable puppy
behaviors,
or were bred
to be guard dogs. This is a serious
symptom of a dog that may become
uncontrollably aggressive in the
future if steps are not taken
immediately. They are dangerous. The younger you
start with this type of symptom,
the easier it will be to
resolve. The best time to start
all puppy
training is the moment you bring
them home.
Remember,
If
you respond
aggressively
to any behavior your pet shows, you increase
the
likelyhood they will respond
with aggression toward you or
others. This
pup may be great 90% of the time
but at this time they are never completly
trustworthy.
As they get
older this personality
of dog
may protect you and your
house but
they could turn on you at any
time they don't like something
you did. If your dog is being
trained to guard (NOT
recommended for the average
household pet) the question becomes,
"Can you stop aggression when
you want to?" The goal is to be
able to control your own dog.
It takes a professional to train
these dogs and they will train
you how to handle them as well.
Start with
these non-physical methods:
-
Avoid all interactions that
cause growling or other
aggressive signals.
-
Start with hand
feeding, and
only giving food if it is
taken gently. (Close your
hand if the puppy acts
rough, open it if he's
gentle.) If they are not
intersted in food, it is okay to
withhold food in a healthy
pup for the purpose of
increasing motivation (up to
24 hours). Let
the pup know you provide the
food. Begin to exchange food
for the right to touch the
pup. Reward only
what you want: calm
acceptance of you.
-
Begin Leadership and
Gentling Exercises.
Instructions are available
from the same source as this
page.
-
Don't "play fight" (box)
with the dog. This gives the
message it is okay to growl
and bite your hands.
-
Avoid games that you can not
stop by saying the dog's
name or asking for a Sit.
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