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Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

I have a 3 month pitbull/boxer that is sometimes calm and playful, but within minutes becomes aggressive. He bites and growls. At times he bites and growls and I cannot get him calmed down. I tell him "no" firmly and hold his head to get him to stop biting. He doesn't respond to words and he bites my knees. I cannot gain control. I need help or I may have to look for a new home for him.

By stephaniec3 from NJ

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RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

It is also very important that your dog is getting lots of regular exercise, these two breeds are very high energy level and need alot of running around. sometimes dogs will misbehave if they are bored and not being stimulated. Work on the training after your dog has had lots of running around time as he might be abit calmer and easier to train

Post by S Singer

RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

One thing you have to realize is that he is only 3 months old and at that age ALL DOGS are aggressivve in their play. It's just the nature of the beast. But, especially with the breed you have, you do need to gain control over his play.
If you can't get control over him yourself, I would suggest going to the phone book or online and finding a dog trainer near you. It will cost a bit but in the end you will be much happier with your dog, and he will be much happier with you too.

Now is the time to start looking though, and talking to them. They may say to wait till he's 6 months old but if you ask they may give you some suggestions on what to do in the meantime. And don't just call one place. Call them all! Any that won't give you tips for in the meantime, don't even bother with.
Good luck with your dog.

Post by Cricketnc

RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

At 3 months old, it's imperative that a dangerous breed should have been trained already to 'NO BITE.'
I start with my German Shep. puppies from age 8 wks. When they bite me, I firmly say 'NO BITE.' As soon as she complies, she gets a tiny treat. This takes a while as puppies are natural biters, but it has to be done. My last German Shep is 2yrs now, and she has never bitten anyone or another dog. She goes to the park every day and plays roughly with other big dog, but she doesn't bite them.
If you start the 'NO BITE' routine with a tiny treat now, it's probably not too late at 3 months. Good luck to you and the dog.

Post by Stngray

RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

You need to look into the traits of the breeds before you acquire them. You cannot just give them back. You need to assert your dominance, be very strict but not aggressive. Putting them in the submissive position will certainly help when they start to get aggressive, but this is only easy when they are smaller and weaker than you.

Make sure you eat before the puppy eats and it is a good idea to pretend to eat some of their food before they get it as the pack leader always eats first. Most importantly go to classes and keep up the training and exercise at home. A tired dog is less likely to want to be aggressive.

Post by nikkib763

RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

Puppy classes are excellent start for obedience. Inexpensive where I live in Ontario.

Post by lorraina

RE: Puppy is Aggressive When Playing

I also advocate the yelping and turning away from them when you get bitten - but I would even go so far as to yelp when their teeth contact your skin. I grew up with malamutes and huskies, and my dad had a really strict NO TEETH rule for them, since they were big enough to take our hands off. That way, they didn't even try to test a gentle bite and risk underestimating their power.

If they're growling at you, then they're challenging your authority, and that's a MAJOR no no. When they're being snappy and wild, calmly flip them onto their backs and hold them down until they give up! You don't have to hurt them, but laying them on their back forces them to assume the 'submissive' pose. Sometimes you may have to do this for quite a while (my sister-in-law has a Jack Russell Terrier whose record is twenty minutes!), but they're learning that not only are you strong enough to be the boss, but you're patient enough, too.

I hope some of this helps while they're still small enough to wrangle!

Post by flinchonce

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