My New Dogs Aggressive, sometimes scary behavior.

**catnapper** · 11-27-2007, 07:07 AM

Holding his mouth shut when he snaps is only effective when you want him to snap at you more. It's going to frustrate him and the behavior will worsen instead of better. NO! is not a good choice of words either. He wants attention, and he doesn't care if its yelling or cooing. IGNORE HIM. No talking, no touching, no looking. As soon as he behaves properly quietly give him soothing attention.

As for the food, not surprised. If he had to fight for food, then thats what he thinks thats just something to do at mealtime, regardless where he's living and how free-flowing the food is. he hasn't figured out he no longer has to do so.

**Catlady711** · 11-27-2007, 12:59 PM

If you're going to keep this dog, get him to a vet for a full check up and vaccinations especially the Rabies vaccination! Also I'd get him scheduled with a dog behavior specialist before something really bad happens with the aggressive behavior.

Good luck.

**lizbud** · 11-27-2007, 04:23 PM

The first thing you should do is schedule an Vet office visit for the Doc
to check him over. The next thing is start training lessons as soon after as
you can. it helps build a bond with your dog & you'll also be able to better
judge his personality. Best of luck to you.

**Giselle** · 11-27-2007, 08:54 PM

Agreed. First thing to do is to bring him to the vet and get a completely clean bill of health. Certain behavior problems can be exacerbated by health maladies.

Second, he does sound young and he needs to learn what is and isn't okay to mouth. Obviously, he's a mouthy little guy. Most young dogs are. The way to fix that is to give and take away attention according to his behavior. If he's sitting nicely and calm, go ahead and pet him. If he's nipping you, turn your back and walk away. Completely remove yourself from the situation. Continue this and your pup will stop biting. Grabbing him by the mouth does *nothing* positive.

Third, he is a resource guarder. Are you new to dogs? If so, I would recommend getting in touch with a behaviorist to work on the guarding. Resource guarding is fairly dangerous if you're a novice to dogs, and it can certainly escalate to full-blown aggression. Good luck!

By the way, in the meantime, initiate Nothing In Life Is Free: http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm

**keeppitsalive** · 01-16-2008, 02:17 PM

i would try using the cesar millan train methods to help you show to him that this is your house and you will not put up with naughty behavior it is much like being the leader of a dog pack would treat him if he acted out. i have forun that this is very help ful but also take him to the vet and get him shots and get him nutered i have found that in aggressive dogs if thay are spayed or nutered most of the time it will calm them

**Danegirl2208** · 01-18-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by keeppitsalive

i would try using the cesar millan train methods to help you show to him that this is your house and you will not put up with naughty behavior it is much like being the leader of a dog pack would treat him if he acted out. i have forun that this is very help ful but also take him to the vet and get him shots and get him nutered i have found that in aggressive dogs if thay are spayed or nutered most of the time it will calm them

Cesar is not a dog trainer..I like him..but this is not the kind of advice this person needs at the moment. Someone is going to end up being bit. Neutering is not going to do anything at this point..but its a good idea anyways.

To the original poster..I strongly suggest contacting a trainer and a behaviorist.