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Posts: 8
From:Trussville, Alabama, USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-22-2003 10:01 AM         

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My puppy is now 7 weeks old. He has started learning how to bark and growl and play. But lately when picked up he growls ferociously and bites. I tell him "NO" and he will stop with a little hesitation. Any suggestions why he's doing that and how I should handle him? I'm concerned. He's a shih-poo.

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Posts: 27
From:Edgewood, MD, USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 10-22-2003 11:49 AM         

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It might be that there is something wrong with his abdomen that makes it sore and then hurts more when you pick him up. You might have him looked at by a vet if the problem persists to rule out a medical problem.

Also, it seems like you've had the puppy for a while. He might be having behavioral problems if he's been taken from the mother too early (experts recommend at least 8 weeks). If you have the mother and littermates, I'd definitely say this is a health issue!

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Posts: 142
From:miami, fl, usa
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 10-22-2003 12:06 PM         

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alison has some good advice for you.. first check that there is no health problems.. second, puppies are taught how to "play nice" by their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks of age.. the mother does not tolerate growling and biting and will snap back and put the pup in a time-out if they act this way.. if it is not a health problem i would suggest you read up about the alpha dog concept.. you will need to teach this pup that you are the alpha, not him.. he is still young, so if this is indeed a behavioral issue, you should be able to nip it in the bud quickly hope this helps

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Posts: 8
From:Trussville, Alabama, USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-22-2003 01:41 PM         

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Thank you Alison and Bellasmommy. I appreciate the advice. I really don't think it's a health issue because he doesn't always do it. I really think it might be because he was taken away from his mom at 6 weeks. I've had him a week and a half. What exactly is the alpha concept you mentioned? Any reading material on it? I talked to a lady at my vet's office trying to get some advice and she suggested when he does this to flip him over belly up. This is a form of submission. She said he may stop when I do that. I've got to try that tonight. Thanks again.

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Posts: 27
From:Edgewood, MD, USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 10-23-2003 04:32 AM         

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Hi, daearly,

The alpha dog is the top dog on the ladder (you might have heard expressions like the "alpha male" referring to gorillas). Bellasmommy is saying the same thing that the lady at the vet office said - that you need to establish dominance!

It also might help to take your dog to a puppy kindergarten class where he can interact with other puppies. The format is usually a group of 8-10 owners, puppies, and a trainer who will help answer behavioral questions and give you some pointers on how to begin obedience training. Puppies can learn both how to communicate with other dogs as well as learn how to behave properly as part of your pack. I did this with my puppy and it was a lot of fun and a great learning experience!

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New Member

Posts: 8
From:Trussville, Alabama, USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-23-2003 09:29 AM         

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Thank you again Alison. I will definitely check into the classes for him. Also, I think the flipping him over is working. He will still sort of growl a little, but not as bad. I appreciate everyone's help!!!

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