So today my puppy has been given a meaty bone (not the first time he's had a meaty bone), he has been showing some signs of food/treat aggression which is normal for him and we are dealing with that but theres a new problem that happened today, after he was done with his bone and I moved it away for later he was still growling a bit at my friend (a friend he's used to) we when that friend game in through the door my pup ran to the baby gate growling and barking and showing his teeth to him, after we thought we calmed him down my friend came through the baby gate and my puppy jumped and tried to bite his arm... I'm unsure of what to do as this is the first time he has ever showen this much aggression. I really think it was triggered once he had his bone and he didn't snap out of the food aggression mentality I'm worried as he is normally a happy friendly pup and has never gone for a person or other before What do I do? P.s he has had a 20mintute walk earlier today and a 10 minute play with a big ball out the back so I'm not sure it's down to pent up energy
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression Hi , sorry to read this . Some dogs/pups do become possessive over bones , my last Lab was a culprit and would fight with my other bitch if bones were around, so she just didn't get them , period . She was fine with all other treats/food , so maybe your pup is the same . The other thing worth mentioning is that its better to not try to take food away from a dog , they are best left to eat in peace , left alone . Re the exercise , a 20 minute walk isn't that much really for an eight month old , try taking him for longer and also make the walks stimulating for him with training sessions incorporated so that he is mentally tired as well as physically , at his age he can easily have a 45 minute walk plus play in your garden, it might help .
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression Sorry, meant to add that it might be worth you buying Pippas book The Happy Puppy Handbook , masses of advice and support for puppy owners
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression It is worth saying that you have an adolescent dog. They have so much energy that sometimes they seem to lose control of themselves, and can seem agressive.
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression Cheers for the advice we have cats around the house so it's hard to find him a spot to eat it in peace :/.... Also it's 20 minute walk due to vet orders Which I forgot to mention lol
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression [quote author=Mollly link=topic=10544.msg156097#msg156097 date=1428856983] It is worth saying that you have an adolescent dog. They have so much energy that sometimes they seem to lose control of themselves, and can seem agressive. [/quote] That's a fair comment but what would one do to correct the growling and attempting to bite?
Re: 8month old puppy showing aggression Lots of over excited teenagers grab at clothing and nip - although that doesn't sound like it was the case here. I do agree with Kate that for a dog with a tendency to resource guard, giving a long lasting bone is a bad idea. Only give something that the dog can eat quickly, and completely and leave them alone to eat it. Apart from that, if you are worried - and you seem to be - how about an appointment with a behaviourist or trainer to assess your dog, and how you are handling him, and give you a plan. That might put your mind at rest as to whether or not this is normal behaviour, or something you need to deal with.
