Sudden agression

[MiracleMan]

So recently our 7 month old is displaying some aggression. First he almost 'attacks/growls' at the cage when putting him inside. (Still working on some residual house crating). But most recently I needed to remove something he found to chew on. Gums displayed he growled and when I finally had a hold on it he snapped and bit. It didn't break skin, but much harder than his playful chewing. He never displays this behavior otherwise and is such a lovable playful boy. He only does this when it's something he's 'found'. Has anyone encountered this?

I've always heard this is a natural instinct rather and that I shouldn't be reaching in his mouth/opening to get something. Rather I should do a 'trade it' training to teach him.

Is this something to be concerned about. Like I said, he's gentle and very playful and loving otherwise. It just surprised me. Maybe it was my fault or stupidity.

 

[Tabitha]

I've never had this problem with my dogs. But about 5 years ago F-kap started becoming protective of his chews, raw hide, and bones. He would run away from me and not let me near him when he had them. I started giving him treats in trade for the bone. After a while of that I started holding the bone and letting him chew on it in my hand. After about a week I could walk right up to him while he was chewing and he'd just look up at me, he seemed very content to have me there. Today it's the same, he's never run from me since except in play.

Try to always keep treats on you or near by if you think you may need to get something from him, and make sure he likes the treats more than he likes whatever thing he has.

 

[Chris]

During the rare times this has occurred, I've reacted with extreme horror. I make sure the perpetrator knows that this is totally non-acceptable behavior. I don't yell, but I use a firm, low voice:
"Beckon! What is that? Don't you EVER growl when I brush you! No!"

Once with that reaction, and the problem was gone.

 

[Lunatic59]

Growling and biting may be instinctual but it something you must stop early. How you go about training him to not do this is going to be dependent on both you and his personality.

There have been a few times when our dogs have become overly aggressive with us when trying to take something from them. What we do is give them a sharp "no" and then ignore them or walk away for a few minutes. Then we return and attempt to retrieve the offending article. If this doesn't work, and as long as whatever they have isn't dangerous or valuable (an electrical cord, a choke hazard, an expensive pair of shoes etc.) we wait until he moves on to something else and then remove it. Temporarily if it's a toy, permanently if it's not. If it's something you need to get from them right away, we can often get them to drop something with a squirt in the face with a spray bottle (water only). The last resort is tempting them with a treat to reward the bad behavior. Of course if they do drop whatever you are trying to get, then reward them with treats and praises.

If this is new behavior, the longer you allow it to continue, the harder it will be to break.

 

[Mignarda]

During the rare times this has occurred, I've reacted with extreme horror. I make sure the perpetrator knows that this is totally non-acceptable behavior. I don't yell, but I use a firm, low voice:
"Beckon! What is that? Don't you EVER growl when I brush you! No!"

Once with that reaction, and the problem was gone.

My wife and I call this "giving them the third degree." They don't like it one bit, and it's very effective when they immediately associate it with some behavior. Of course if you speak to them like that all the time, it won't have an impact; it's got to be reserved for "special" occasions.

 

[Shelby's mom]

We taught Shelby early on to "drop it" and when she does it is replaced with something better. For example when I tell her to drop a toy I then throw it and play with her. If she has something she is not supposed to have we tell her to drop it and as soon as she does it is replaced with praise and treats. I have always taken food from her, petted her, etc whenever she is eating or chewing on a bone. She has never shown any aggression to anyone. She even brings her bones to everyone to " show what she has" and to hopefully get someone to hold it for her while she chews.