How do I get my 7 week old puppy to stop biting and growling at me?

Question

I have a 7 week old rottweiler puppy does any one have any idea on how to stop her aggressive behavior towards me?

I play with her all the time, she has plenty of toys and chew things to keep her occupied when I can not play with her, but the last few days whenever I go to play with her she growls and snarls at me and eventually bites me...

I have had two rotty pups previously and none of them were like this and Im fairly sure that I treated them all the same at this age.

I dont keep her locked in a crate when I cant play with her, or I go out....I have the laundry set up for her with her bedding, which is in her crate but I took the door off. I have toys in there for her.

Does any one have any ideas about how to stop this aggressive behavior?

ps...no smart comments please about how rottweilers are aggressive or dangerous dogs!

I have every intention of stopping the behavior now, I am fully aware that this could be a HUGE problem in the future...

Answer 1

I swat my puppy on the nose and always repeat "no Bite"
she is getting better but we are still working on it... hope you find something that works...

Answer 2

OK it is true you have to get this done asap.
Rottys are wonderful dogs, but they are guard dogs and have to have a dominant leader.HAVE TO!!! There is no but she is a puppy and so cute. she will grow and it could get dangerous.

When she is 8 weeks old take her to obedience school. this will help you teach her manners, and to socialize her.

You need to establish dominance and to do it when they are young takes something different than older pups and adult dogs. Make sure you go first at everything, going out the door first, eating first( feed your two other rots before you feed her), and when you play be the first to initiate it. When she bites you must correct her like a mother or other adult do would. Bite her. OK not actually bite her grab her by her scruff and say no, with a firm voice.( that doesn't hurt her at all) and take the toy away until she calms down. This has worked on my dogs.( i have one rotty and a mastiff)

All dogs have different personalities and need different treatment. This pup is starting to establish dominance very early and so you should tell her it is not her or you could end up with one very mean dog. Remember that since she is a young pup her attention span is very short, you must enforce the law immediately don't wait or do it five minutes after she misbehaves. she wont know what your talking about.

good luck, dominant dogs are usually smart dogs if you can prove your boss you may have one great dog in the future.

Madison

Answer 3

Hi. Love Rotties!!! First have her checked by your vet to make sure she isn't sick. Agressive behavior is usually brought on by overexcitment in a pup so young. But if she is still desplaying this behavior when she gets a few weeks older then you are dealing with a alpha female. If you play tug of war with her then she should not always win. You are supposed to be the leader and not the follower. Rotties as you know can be stuborn so keeping on top of her behavior is #1 on your list. Obedience classes should be begin now. Just because you have owned Rotties in the past doesn't mean that this new one is just like them. They have wonderful classes now and the training for dogs has improved so much. Look for a good class! :)

Answer 4

Other people seem to have covered it pretty well. I just want to say that I really hope for both of your sakes that this is just a possesive or playing behavior. If she seems to be literally attacking you for no reason at this age, be aware that there may be something wrong with her. Every dog that I have heard about viciously attacking at that age (not playing, or possesive, or even in response to corrections), has gone on to have severe temperament problems and had to be put to sleep eventually. Puppies usually have not developed a true aggression at that age. Good luck, and I hope all turns out well.

Answer 5

You always try the most positive method first:
Some ideas for discouraging finger chewing: when your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 10 minutes. With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a bit. The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior.

That should do the trick, unless she is prey driven, however, if it doesn't fix the problem this will work:

To introduce an element of "natural discipline", grasp the recalcitrant pup with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, gently pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, "No BITE". If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they "give in" and "say uncle" (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.

Your Rottweiler needs to learn that NO bite is tolerated. he can't be allowed to just play 'gently biting', but no bites can be tolerated unless directed at his toys.

Note to answer below.. DO NOT slap a Rottweiler's nose. You NEVER use threat of pain to train a Rotty..

Answer 6

Consider the fact that you may have to physically hurt your puppy in order to establish dominance over it..... that sucks, I know. What kind of a sick bastard hurts a cute little puppy?!? But if you can do it in a way that doesn't really harm the pup in the long term, you can effectively teach the dog who is boss at a young age and not have to worry about having a full grown aggressive animal in your house. Watch "The Dog Whisperer" and check out how the Spanish guy does it! He Rocks!

Answer 7

If a puppy is being aggressive the way I solve it is flip the puppy on it's back and hold them down. I star at them in the eyes and say "NO BITE!" . I hold them there for a second until I think they've calmed down, after that I let them up. When the are on their back that is a submissive position for dogs and that's showing them that you are the boss.

Answer 8

maybe she's not as playful as you want her to be. i know it's so fun when the puppy is new and you just want to hold it and snuggle it all the time, but maybe she is more independent than you other two dogs were. just a thought--i'm not a pet shrink or anything. i have a 4 year old shih tzu and she sometimes growls when you get close to her or touch her when she has a favortie toy. she's by no means aggressive, but she doesn't want to give up the toy/bone!

Answer 9

I fully aware that the dog will grow out of it.

Answer 10

there a stray you put on your hands & let it smell it & it will not bite u