Dog Community

Need help with puppy aggression issue please

Posted : 4/16/2006 7:04:58 PM

Ok, my little guy is 9 weeks old. Today, we walked in the backyard (he on his leash) with my older 2 year old girl (both are pure beagles). He found some bugs, so I picked him up and carried him away. This turned into a battle of wills as he kept trying to walk or pull back to the bugs and I kept picking him up and carrying him away. The last few times he was very aggressive, biting at me while I carried him, and it got very bad, almost like he was "attacking" me. Now, I know he is a little 9 week old puppy but I sure don't want him to grow up like this when he doesn't get his way, he bites and is aggressive acting. I just carried him inside and put him in his crate. I did not know what else to do. What would everyone here do in this situation. I would appreciate some advice on this as this really bothered me. Thanks in advance.

glenmar

Posted : 4/16/2006 7:21:32 PM

What would I do? I would NOT pick him up...he has four feet and I only have two. I would tell him LEAVE IT and move him away...far away from the bugs and NOT let him pull me back to them. And if he got insistent, I'd take him right inside, but not into the crate. Crates really shouldn't be used as punishment.

rileygirl

Posted : 4/16/2006 8:50:11 PM

Yes, I remembered that about the crate and I was concerned that I blew that one, but he went into it to go to bed. I won't put him in the crate again. Is there a special type of collar that I should be using. I don't like pulling him because he is pulling also, and I am afraid for the neck area. Thanks for the help!

loveukaykay

Posted : 4/17/2006 11:41:17 AM

If you get him a harness it wont pull on his necK so much and it will be easier for you because you have control over more of his body. They also allow them to pull a little harder, but I find them much easier than collars.

christina

Posted : 4/17/2006 1:37:56 PM

I had major problems with my puppy pulling while we walk and a trainer suggested walking Winston (7 months old today) with treats so I've been doing that for a while now and I have found that he is so much more aware of what I want him to do because he knows that if he stays close to me and listens, he will get a treat. I actually buy those jerky sticks, and cut them up into tiny pieces with scissors so they really aren't getting too many treats. I will let him see them and smell them in my hand and then we walk together. If he gets into something I don't want him to get into, I call him and hold out my hand and he comes running towards me. Same goes with seeing people and other dogs while on our walks, he is without a doubt more interested in my treats than anything else. Sometimes when I run low on treats during our walk, I will call him over, praise him and keep the treat for later in the walk. He's getting really good at behaving while on leash. I hope this helps - good luck!

rileygirl

Posted : 4/17/2006 8:46:55 PM

Thanks so much for the tip. I have had to hold off on treats because he had a diarrhea problem. But, I will remember that when I can start the treats. I will also definitely get that harness! Thanks again.