Hello, We have a 10 month old black lab who has been socialized with all types of dogs since he was 9-10 weeks old. He has grown up with my 19 month old toddler and he is amazing with her. Although he was generally a very submissive dog, about 2 months ago he started to become aggressive with puppies. Even those about 6-7 months, and even before they have a chance to jump or get "annoying" to him. We had him neutered about a month ago but it hasn't seemed to make a big difference. I'm looking for any advice because 95% of the time he is amazing ( great with other dogs, good behaviours apart from the regular teenage stuff based on age) and 5% of the time I hate being "that" dog owner with the aggressive dog. I haven't taken him away from dog parks but would love to know how to deal with it to help him and me! Thanks!
How agressive towards puppies is your dog? Homer has always given a warning growl to puppies and dogs younger than him but he's never taken it further, or I've not allowed it to go further. As puppies come close I warn the owner that he might growl, I let him have a short interaction depending on how bouncy the puppy is and how tolerant H is, then take him away. Once he's got a chance to interact with the younger dog for a few times he will become more accepting and has eventually got on well with a number of younger dogs. His training class is after the puppy class so all the puppies have to come past him while he waits. As they come past I keep his attention on me and if he doesn't respond he gets a treat.
He is aggressive enough that I have to put him on leash immediately if he is off leash or remove him from the situation. However, every so often if he has just had a good play or is mildly focused on something else he will sniff and walk away. I do treat him in those instances to show him how that's appreciated. And, he's hit and miss. He will play with a 6 month old puppy at the park he has known for 3 months but hates the 7 month old golden retriever and 8 month old black lab ( that looks identical to him!). I try not to be on guard so he doesn't pick up on my feelings but it's hard when I have no idea how he "might" react.
It sounds like you live in a pretty busy area. I take it there's no practical way of just avoiding puppies? In the same way that I don't like children and find them annoying, some dogs simply don't like being bounced on by pups. Firstly, I'd want to ensure that there is no physical reason your dog is reacting to puppies. It may be worth having him checked out to see if pups jumping on him could be causing any pain which would make him act out. If this isn't a problem, and if you really can't avoid puppies, then I'd consider getting a behaviourist to help out and see what's going on with him. I think we sometimes need to appreciate that, just as we have our preferences to the humans we choose to surround ourselves with, our dogs are also allowed to exhibit preferences. We shouldn't expect them to be absolutely friendly towards all other dogs all the time.
Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated. I have had him at the vet since it started as he has been neutered since and I spoke with the vet at that time for suggestions as well. He gets aggressive without a puppy jumping, so I feel it may be more of a scent issue( just my naive thoughts). I totally agree we all have our likes and dislikes which can totally be him. Could it be a bit of a dominance/territorial phase as he is still a puppy, but starting to find his place that he may outgrow as he matures more? ( Just as he will stop stealing my shoes too ).
They do have a peak in testosterone around this time, which can certainly affect behaviour, and behaviour of other dogs towards them. At about this age, my boy, Shadow, was picked on a lot by other male dogs. Yours might be a bit more bullish because of it. If it is that, then I'd say you want to make sure he doesn't have the chance to practice this behaviour, so simply putting him on lead and not allowing him to interact may help - but it might be necessary for a few months, until his testosterone surge is over. I introduced a puppy a few months ago and my two adult dogs really disliked her for a long time; even though she was very respectful of them, never bounced on them. As she turned into more of a dog and less a tiny puppy, their attitudes changed and they started to play with her. So it may be that he just doesn't understand "puppy" the same way that he understands "dog". It's very hard to tell what's going on over the internet, so I'd repeat that, if you're at all worried about it, it's worth getting a professional to cast an eye over the situation.
I also have a One year old LAB puppy . He's gets along well with MOST dog's but , lately he's been aggressive with younger puppies . There's no food involved or threats coming from the other dog's . But , he's been pouncing on & attacking them . I am VERY concerned about this !! He's currently NOT neutered but , I believe that I will have to do so soon . Anybody have any suggestions ?? I would appreciate any advice/ help with this .
My Twiglet hated puppies. There was only one thing I could do - keep her away from puppies. She did grow out of it at about 18 months old. She simply hated them jumping on her and then pre-emptied them jumping on her, not in a good way.
Dear Cori, We are currently going through the exact same problem with our 10 month old male dog (pretty much word for word). May I ask if these problems persisted or if things have improved for your dog?
I am really worried about my 9mth old puppy - he is showing aggression With puppies also- I phoned the vet about being neutered and they said you must determine whether it is hormonal or behavioural issues, as if it is hormonal and you get them neutered, the behaviour can sometimes remain - so I am going to phone a behaviourist ! Watch this space ..... Any tips would be very appreciated From a very worried beautiful lab owner
I would really love to know if this got better as my ten month old boy lab is being so aggressive - I am not keeping him ont he lead to try and desensitise him on advice form a behaviourist
