Hi all, I was just wondering if any of you had experience or could give advice on what to do when a puppy suddenly becomes aggressive? Charlie is 9weeks and has been very good at not biting properly until now. All of a sudden he is 'going for' my children even when they are sitting still watching tv and even my husband is finding that every time he plays with him Charlie bites (and hard). He doesn't do it with me as I tend to growl at him (I know it's weird but it works!) and I am the only one he will stop when chewing stuff or when giving up a toy or something else he shouldn't have. I haven't experienced the bite but it must hurt and I am concerned the children will become more afraid to be around him.
Re: Sudden aggressive behaviour Hi Emma, your puppy's behaviour is most definitely not aggression. This is normal puppy play. Please read this article and let us know if you have any questions Pippa
Re: Sudden aggressive behaviour Thanks Pippa, reassuring to know this is normal! It was just such a sudden change in how gentle he had been that it was quite a shock. My youngest children were just beginning to want to be in the same room as him too! My eldest is a little more hardy but still it's hard watching him get bitten.
Re: Sudden aggressive behaviour Don't worry, I too was really worried as a novice dog owner, my other half has grown up around dogs and was reassuring me (along with this site and it's members) that he wasn't being aggressive. Bloomin' felt like it though when he barked and lunged at me baring his teeth! Cosmo is nearly 6 months now and has calmed down a lot! He still has crazy moments and wants a game, but we redirect his play to a toy. If that doesn't work and he'd rather eat us, we stand up, fold our arms and say 'Uh-uh, no biting'. This usually works and he knows its a no-go. If he's still intent on a game, we leave the room for about 15 seconds then re-enter and don't make a fuss of him. The kids know when to cuddle him and when not to! Your pup will calm down, I didn't believe Cosmo would but he has and I'm sure he will even more as time goes on . Kate x
Re: Sudden aggressive behaviour It's just me I expect! I was afraid of dogs and so the barking and biting plus the lunging just evoked memories for me. I'm making myself stay calm and not panic. Takes willpower but already I'm seeing the benefits and he calms down quicker.
