Signs of Aggression in Puppies

Identification

• Aggressive behavior in puppies has many manifestations. Some puppies will actually attack people around them. Others will simply threaten an attack with loud barking, lunging at the individual, growling, snarling, showing their teeth, or nipping. Aggression can also be shown towards other animals in the home. Aggressive puppies tend to be very possessive of the items they claim as their own, such as their toys and feeding dishes. Aggression is dangerous because the owner of the puppy does not know when threatening behavior will turn into dangerous behavior, such as an outright attack.

Theories/Speculation

• Experts believe that many instances of aggressive behavior, especially in puppies, arise out of fear. When the dog is threatened by something in his environment, usually another person or animal, he tries to defend himself through the aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior can also be a way for the dog to defend its territory, including the people in his "pack." Aggressive behavior is sometimes used as a way to show that he is the dominant one in the group.

Time Frame

• Most puppies do not start showing aggressive behavior at birth. Aggressive behavior often comes from lack of socialization or bad experiences in the past. However, some puppies that were well cared for will begin to show aggressive behavior when they reach maturity, which occurs between two and three years of age in most breeds. This could be because of their breeding. Dogs that have aggressive parents have a greater tendency to be aggressive as they mature. If you are thinking of adopting a puppy, do not take his personality at two or three months of age as an indication of what it will be as an adult. Meet the parent dogs if you can and observe them for signs of aggression.

Misconceptions

• Puppy owners often mistake signs of aggression in puppies as something that is cute. Some owners will encourage the aggressive behavior by provoking the puppy so that he continues to growl and nip. A small puppy that is protecting his food bowl with nips and growls may look cute, but that puppy will grow into a strong adult dog that can do significant damage if the behavior continues. Aggressive behavior needs to be dealt with as soon as it is noticed, because aggressive dogs can be very dangerous.

Prevention/Solution

• If you notice aggressive behavior in your puppy, do not encourage or ignore it. Seek professional help, starting with a trip to your vet. Make sure that there is not a physical problem that is causing the behavior. If not, seek the help of a professional dog trainer who has experience rehabilitating aggressive dogs. Never leave the aggressive puppy alone with other animals or small children, because you do not know when he might strike and injure someone.