11 wk. old puppy showing aggression . How do i stop? ?

Question

my 11 week old golden retriever is showing early signs of aggression i think it's out of fear of small kids and when i try to fix his leash he starts to bite not nip and yelps not effective .

Answer 1

I am so glad I am not the only one my puppy is 15 weeks and is starting to show aggression with his food, toys, and treats. I just did not think puppies behaved in that way. You need to correct the behavior as soon as it happens and let him know it is not acceptable. Before fixing his leash make him sit and if he is clam and allows you to fix it reward him.

It might be a good idea to invest in some obedience classes also.

Answer 2

it might not be aggression...many puppies that young bite, it's how they explore their world, through their mouth and biting. is he trying to bite YOU when you fix the leash?

how is he acting aruond young kids that makes you think it's aggression?

low growls and ears back, are not friendly.

but growling, barking, even biting are all playful gestures dogs and puppies do for inviting play.

you might want to enroll in a group puppy obedience class? petco doesn't always have the most experienced trainers, but they're cheap (about $95 for 6 weeks) and they teach basic commands, plus build a bond between you and your dog and socialize your dog with other puppies.

add: he's reacting to you tightening his leash...always try to keep the leash loose...tension on the leash creates tension in the dog.

when you pull the leash tight, your dog believes he has to get ready for danger.

when you're walking your dog and you see children coming up, take out a treat and tell your dog "watch me". reward your dog the instant he makes eye contact with you.

Answer 3

At 11 weeks it's not aggression, it is called frightened. Small children need to be taught how to treat a puppy. Gentle is the key word here. He may be afraid of the leash. Loosen up, don't get tense, and talk to him soothingly when putting him on a leash. Put him in you lap  and pet him at first so he won't be afraid.  

Answer 4

Watch the show 'at the end of my leash'. You can really learn a lot from watching. Here's a link to the show's website:

http://www.slice.ca/Shows/ShowsPage.aspx...

Answer 5

Try looking here, www.so-easy-dog-training.com

Answer 6

Welcome to the world of puppies...

While I have not seen your puppy in action, I will venture some guesses...

1) Biting at the leash is VERY common among puppies. THey want to have the control so they try to take it from you

2) Why do you think it's fear of small children??? You were not specific about that....THE TIGHTER YOU MAKE THE LEASH, THE MORE THE DOG THINKS THERE IS SOMETHING TO FEAR!!!! LOOSEN UP THE LEASH...SHOW THE CHILDREN HOW TO APPROACH HIM WITH "PALMS UP" WITH A TREAT IN THE OPEN PALM...

He is old enough now for you to enrol him in a puppy class where he will meet other dogs and people. At  that young age, it is VERY (EXTREMELY) important to "socialize" him. The longer you leave it, the worse it becomes.

Puppy class is NOT really intended to teach the puppy. It is to TEACH YOU how to teach the puppy.

GOldens are a phenomenal breed and normally turn out to be great family dogs / therapy dogs / agility dogs / retrieving dogs.

Train young and they will be fit for life!!! I am serious....spend now and you will have a companion for life that you can trust.

Answer 7

Please ignore that comment before last - you should NEVER hit a dog on the face!!  Or traumatise it with water.   You will just produce a dog that is fearful of you and even more aggresive.

You can however show your displeasure by growling low in your throat, deeper and louder than him (like his mum would've done) and say NO!  And then lots of praise and a treat when pup sits quietly.  Young pups can be very excitable and chewy until they are at least a year old.  I would recommend obedience and socialization classes.

Answer 8

hit him on the nose

or take a squirt bottle and squirt him in the face.