My 12-week old pit is showing early signs of aggression, he will growl and start to bite at me or my family members. The breeder I bought him from came over to give him a bath and he went off on her and scratched her arm and bit her neck. I have had a plenty of pits in my time and this is the first puppy to show me this type of behavior. Please contact me and give me an idea of what to do
What I did with my dog was to scruff her enough to raise her 2 front feet off the ground and give her a little shake. This is how mama dogs let their puppies know they are doing something wrong. My dog is fantastic now. (12/11/2006)
By Erin
It sounds as though your puppy has some dominance issues. I think the best thing to do is to consult a professional dog trainer before something serious happens. I know this isn't cheap, but I'd hate to think about the alternatives. (12/11/2006)
Hello,
I have worked for a Veterinarian for over 27 years. Your puppy is showing dominance. He can be neutered at 4 months old, that should help a little. I would get him in to puppy training ASAP. You cannot have a dog that will bite and put people at risk, especially a small child.
Good luck !! (12/11/2006)
By Sherri
Save yourself some grief, maybe the breeder can give you some kind of a refund, at least partial. No matter, get rid of it. I had a chihuahua I bought from a breeder with the aggressiveness you speak of. It bit, and was very mean, and unsociable. I kept thinking I could change it with training, and love, and attention. No such luck, I had to get rid of it. I have 5 chihuahuas now, I've raised for 5 years, and have had no aggression problems. There is just a bad apple that comes along at times, in any breed. (12/11/2006)
By Glinda
Have you ever heard of Caesar Milano? He has a TV show called The Dog Whisperer,
we get it on Sundays on the National Geographic channel. He has had everything from Chihuahuas to Pitbulls on his show with every kind of behavioral problem.
He shows the dog owners how to be the "pack leader" therefore gaining the respect of their dog. I've seen him take very aggressive dogs and in a matter of minutes the dog is submissive and respectful. It is an awesome show and very educational. Hope this helps. (12/11/2006)
By LEONA LABINE
I am a proud owner of 12 large dogs, I discovered my pit bull named Spotty was showing aggressive tendencies. I got rid of it painfully before she got me into trouble or grief of some sort. I still miss having the dog but I guess getting rid of the dog was a wise move. Please be wise and get a less aggressive dog as your family pet! (01/07/2007)
By Mark I.
Good advice to neuter him and take him to school. they will teach you how to train him. I have a half dobie half pit bull I brought him to school and put him in his place a few times, he loves me and my family and who ever I tell him to love. of course a dog is going to test who is the boss. keep that lovable dog! (02/01/2007)
By Holly
I am sorry to hear about the tenancies of your pup. I myself have had many pits and just acquired another. Have you been leaving your puppy alone for long hours during the day? Puppies who are left alone become withdrawn and some times aggressive. Don't play rough with him for example: no shaking, pushing, slapping, or hitting. This can turn any dog, not only a pit aggressive.
Show your dominance. When he bites be stern and if necessary punish how you feel necessary. One way to truly tell how aggressive your pup is going to be is to take his food away when he is eating. Or wake him up in mid slumber. It could be that you just have an over excited dog. They do explore the world through their mouths. Good luck and I wish the best. (09/25/2007)
By Cameron
I think you should take the puppy to a trainer, and see if that helps. If not u may need to get rid of it. Am sorry to hear that I love pitbullz, and if I could train him for you, I would because I train dogs. Good luck I hope ya don't have to get rid if him! (02/21/2008)
By missy
I am going through the exact same thing you are. I have a 7 week old pit lab boxer mix. She is very cute but very aggressive! I've tried everything. I've done the scruff shake. I've tried calm behavior and not so calm behavior. The only thing that temporarily works with her is if I spray her with a water bottle when she bites or barks or scratches or pees or poops, sigh. She will stop doing whatever she's doing until I have to squirt her again. I know shes got a lot of pent up energy or aggression, because if I just hold her tight against me not hurting her. She will scream and cry like I'm causing her pain until I release her. Maybe I should just hold her like that until she calms down. Good luck with your baby, I know I need it with mine! (06/12/2008)
By lori
By Mila
All I can say is petsmart training classes. My pit bull jack was mean since the day he was born, and i knew i needed to do something to turn him around. I enrolled him in classes @ petsmart when he was 1 y/o and he made a complete turn around. He loves people, children, and most other dogs now. It really does work. Also get your dog neutered! I got jack as soon as he turned 4 months, and he calmed down so much. (11/24/2008)
By Hayley
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!