Worrying aggression or puppy play?

Question

We have had a 16 week old staffie for 3 days, he is the most placid and docile dog. However, our 4 year old is over excited and the pupp has started to get a little too playful with him for me. He jumps on his back and uses his mouth to tug at his clothes. I am a newbie to this and this sudden change in behaviour looked aggressive to me and has scared me. I sternly told the dog NO and removed him from my son, which worked no problem but I feel worried now. Any advice please

Answer 1

The dog has to get used to your dog. Also i would try to play with your dog to tire him out.

Answer 2

That sounds like normal puppy play to me. If you've ever watched 2 dogs play together, they use their mouth and pull on each other's legs, ears, skin, lips, etc. There are a couple of things that you should do. First, never leave your child alone with a dog, no matter what kind it is. Secondly, you should sit down with your son and show him how to properly treat the dog. For example, he shouldn't tug on the dog's ears or tail, he shouldn't hit or kick the dog, he should pet the dog gently, etc. This is a good way to show your child how to treat not only this dog, but all animals. And be sure to properly discipline the dog when he's doing something you don't want him to do. It would also be a good idea to get him into obedience classes as soon as possible. It's never too early to start training your puppy on what behaviors are acceptable or not. Good luck!

Answer 3

This is pretty normal puppy behavior. He's settled in a little now, and is feeling at home, so he's behaving more like himself. He's only 4 months old, just a baby. This is the kind of stuff you can expect him to do. And you say your son is overexcited, so you need to work on him, too. Just as the puppy needs to behave, so does your son. He needs to start to understand acceptable behavior around a puppy. If you would be upset if another child was playing with your son in the same way that he is playing with the puppy, put the brakes on that behavior. That said, make sure your puppy is getting plenty of exercise, outdoors, with you. Chasing a ball, going for walks, using up some of his energy. If you don't have a crate for him, get one now, and start getting him accustomed to it. When he gets wild, if you can honestly say to yourself that you've given him lots of exercise, put him in it until he cools down. You've got about 6 more months of this, with it getting a little better every day. And, you bought a staffie. The name ends in "terrier". That is not a laid back, mellow dog! Sweet, non-aggressive to people, but energetic! I highly recommend getting some training books and reading them. They will help you with the everday "puppy stuff" and help you turn your puppy into the dog you want! I know it's hard right now, and with 2 little ones, you've got your hands full. But one day this puppy is going to be a GREAT dog, and you'll be happy you put the time into him.

Answer 4

The puppy needs to learn discipline (what's acceptable to you and what is not). Be firm when telling the dog "no" (and don't allow certain behaviors some times and not at other times; confusing). You should also explain to your son to refrain from over-exciting the dog and teach him to help train the dog by having the boy firmly tell the dog "no" when it tugs at the boy's clothes, for example. I don't believe the dog will intentionally harm your son; more likely he sees the boy as a playmate, but both of them are very young and do need some training.

Answer 5

That's normal puppy play. He's playing rough like he would with his litter mates but you need to teach him that your son is not another pup and nip this behavior now. Puppies have very sharp little teeth and may hurt your son without realizing so. You did good by removing the pup and giving him a "timeout". Don't worry, he'll calm down as he gets older. Keep on his training and discipline and you'll have a fine dog. Also, no matter how well trained, never leave your child unattended with any dog and please, have the pup neutered! Good luck :)

Answer 6

When I brought one of my pups home at 4 months she would jump on my back while I was bending down to garden or pull on my sweater - YIKES. She'd also make growling sounds when she was playing with the older dog (not aggressive growls - I know the difference I've had 7 dogs), she still does at 4 yrs. old. She's a very sweet, happy dog, and what you're describing sounds like a high energy pup. Get him enrolled in puppy training classes.

Answer 7

Your pup is playing with your child like he is another pup. You don't want to allow this! It isn't that you have a mean dog. You have a normal one but it is very important that you train your dog what is okay to play with like this. His toys, other pups, but not your child or any people. When he does this, tell him NO while at the same time pulling him off and putting him in a Down position. REPEAT "NO" and then as he calms, give him a toy to play with and encourage him, praise, play with him so he learns what is okay to put in his mouth and what is NEVER okay to.
This is good to do with any dog of any breed.
Your dog needs to look up to you as the boss and needs to know this behavior is not okay at all even though he is playing.
My three dogs can play pretty rough together. If your dog relates to the child like another pup, he could hurt him with the sole intention of "just playing". I'd suggest working with a trainer on basic obedience and on this issue. APBT's are great dogs for children but they HAVE TO BE TRAINED properly or they, or any other breed could be dangerous to children.

Answer 8

It sounds like typical puppy over-exuberance (my dog's vet said that true aggression is rare in young puppies)- especially if your son was also excited. It sounds like you handled the situation well. Just make sure that your son and the dog are never left together unsupervised. And try to teach your son to be calm around the dog, which will probably help the situation. Good luck!

Answer 9

its normal. I have 3 pit bulls with my two kids and if u keep reinforcing the dog with a direct removal and say no eventually it will get better but make sure u have playtime and plenty of toys. I noticed pigs ear, hoofs, or knuckles works best and they are available at Walmart of pet supply stores. Give him something to take its teething habits out on and it should cut back on the problem also.. good luck