How to Stop an Aggressive Puppy

The very first thing that you should do when you bring your puppy home is to set firm rules. I know that he is extremely cute at this age and it is just one time but if you break a rule once, he will continue to break the rule until it becomes a problem. Always be firm about your rules and never give an inch. If you are firm, you can avoid some aggression problems such as dominance aggression.

Be consistent:
You need to be consistent when you are trying to stop an aggressive puppy. This goes hand in hand with setting firm rules but it should also be seen in training. When you are teaching your puppy not to bark or nip, which you can learn about in our articles on puppy training, you need to be consistent. Biting is not allowed, so never allow there to be a time when it is. Always follow through on your correcting and don’t allow something one time but not another. If a behavior is allowed, then it is always allowed.

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Go to socialization classes:
Most training facilities offer puppy socialization and this is key in preventing puppy aggression. There your puppy will learn how to interact with other animals and will teach them proper dog manners.

Provide a variety in socialization:
One thing that I have seen time and time again is an owner attending puppy socialization classes and then figuring that their puppy has been properly socialized. While the classes make an excellent foundation, you should offer a variety of social situations for your puppy. Take him out to busy, dog friendly stores, parks, and even quiet places where he can sit at your feet while you enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.

In addition, have people and other pets come over to your house so that you curb problems such as territorial aggression. Don’t just stick with one form of socialization since it won’t result in a well-rounded and sociable dog.

Avoid aggression games:
Aggression games are any games where your puppy is going to be growling and nipping and they include tug of war and wrestling. While this may seem like harmless fun, it does lead to aggressive behavior, especially if the puppy can win when he is playing it.

Correct aggressive behavior immediately:
Lastly, when your puppy shows an aggressive behavior, such as growling when you reach for his bone, correct him immediately for the bad behavior.

First, let him know that you are not impressed with his behavior and that he did something wrong. Give a firm, “No” and then take away his bone or whatever he was being aggressive over. If he was biting you, remove yourself from the play so he understands that he doesn’t get anything positive for the behavior.

Allow him an opportunity to apologize by having him sit in front of you. When he has apologized, give him something positive to do and then reward him with a treat.

The main point when trying to stop an aggressive puppy is to be vigilant and consistent and to never excuse aggression simply because your puppy looks cute when he does it.

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