New mallinois pup aggression - Page 1

I just got my pup 2 weeks ago and he bares his teeth, growls and snaps periodically, at me and at strangers.  There hasn't been a specific incident that causes this or I would avoid the situations.  Is this fear induced or do I have an overly aggressive pup.  He is 8 weeks old.  What do I do to correct this behavior?

For starters a pup should never leave the litter until 8 weeks old ideally. The interaction of the litter helps teach pups bite inhibition and proper pack manners. It is hard to say what the cause of this behavior is with out seeing it. I would reccomend contacting the breeder and talking with them, and also contact a good trainer in your area.

Beth

Seems Like you have very high drived pup there. All Malinois from working line will be like that at this age. May i ask what are your plans with this puppy, are you going to train him in any sport? or did you buy the pup as a family pet???

I have to agree with Beth on this one....contact the breeder who should know their lines and should be able to "read" the dogs body language/reaction in order to determine what the pup is displaying or find a very reputable trainer in your area.  Without seeing the pup in person it is hard to determine if the pup is "high-drive", fearful/unsure, forward or aggressive.  As for avoiding situations that cause the reaction you see - when it comes to a dog - avoiding a "trigger" to unacceptable behavior in a dog is never good....please find someone who is reputable and knowledgeable that can see the pup in person.  I also agree with the statement that most pups should not leave until 8 weeks old, although I know some very reputable breeders that will permit the pups to leave sooner IF the person requesting this is an experienced trainer/handler of the breed.

He will be in a working home and not just a pet.  He does come from very high drive lines and I do realize this is part of the behavior that comes with that.  I didn't mean that I want to avoid all situations in order to train my dog, I just don't want to purposely create situations that make things worse.  I have some experience with Mals as I worked one for 10 years and had him for 13 years.  I just have never had a mal puppy.  Pretty much the situation occurs if I pick him up, and he doesn't want me to.  There are times that I pick him up and he does not display this behavior.  It's unpredictable when this behavior occurs.  Sometimes he is okay, other times he is not.  Every other circumstance with this pup is great.  He plays, fetches, is learning things appropriately, ect.  I just don't want to make him handler aggressive by not correcting the behavior nor making a correction that is inappropriate and will make him worse.  Just need some advise on how to handle him baring his teeth, growling and snapping at me if I pick him up.  He has never acted like this in any other situation.  I do have to correct my orginal post, he was a few days short of 8 weeks when I got him.  Thank you to all who have responded.  Your advice is greatly appreciated.

I really hope you keep this thread going.  My mal pup (I don't like to call him that anymore.  He's a small dog, but getting bigger as far as I'm concerned.) is displaying similar tendencies.

Anyhoo, thought I would state my interest in this thread.

Well, I believe we have narrowed this issue down to resource guarding (with my boyfriend being the resource).  There are no problems with food, toys, treats, ect, just aggressive behavior when the pup is around my boyfriend.  The pup shows no problems when I am with him by myself, but if the pup is with my boyfriend, and I enter the room, the pup becomes aggressive towards me, growling, snarling, baring his teeth.  Are there any suggestions on how to correct this behavior or is it not correctable?