Why is my 12 week old growling at other dogs already?

[Julielgrande]

My new 12 week old puppy came into my home a day ago. Introduced him to our two dogs and he was very friendly. But out and around the neighborhood he is growling and showing his teeth at other dogs. Do you think this is a bad sign to a road of dog aggression? I told him NO!!! but he still growled again.

 

[Sadies Mom]

It sounds like he is unsure. He is in a new place and it can be scarry for a little puppy. Socialization is key and keep at it.

 

[bella]

OK I could be wrong and anyone else is free to correct me. But I really think the pup just needs more time to adjust and bond with his family. My dogs anyway needed an adjustment period to trust me before they trusted that what I said was OK was actually OK. I think lots of bonding time with the pup and maybe a few days of adjustment before you do another walk around the neighborhood. [that's what I was unsure of] You could burn the pups energy by working with training the pup. Then in a few days when he has adjusted more then start the walks again. Look is a good command to have, as in get the pup to look at you. I started in the house with it then started on walks, when my pups attention goes to something I don't want I use 'look' and get her attention back on me, or leave it would work. Just would require you having treats on walks. But I really think it is probably just too much too soon for the little guy to take in.

 

[Mack's mommy]

Has he had all shots yet? He shouldn't at 12 weeks. Everything I read and also my vet said they shouldn't be going for walks until they have had shots to prevent them from coming in contact with the parvovirus virus.

 

[musicdeb]

I agree with above advice. You've only had him a day and he's stressed. He's probably being over stimulated and it's causing him to stress out.

Give him time.

Continue with OB training and let him know that those big, bad garbage bags or whatever is not going to hurt him. Do not reward his fear. Reward what you want him to do.

 

[CeeCee]

I'm raising my first Mastiff and I am learning that Zeke likes to watch and observe new things and when he's ready he will choose whether or not to interact with it. My advise let him observe from a safe distance.

Someone who knows small puppies, is it okay to gently disagree with a growl?

 

[NeSaxena]

Agree with the points above, especially the shots one. Please don't take the pup into an environment where he could potentially catch something dangerous and possibly fatal for him... plus, it'll be easier training him at home once he's used to the new location!

 

[mx5055]

Agree with advice given. Give him some adjustment time, and please don't take him out until he's had his shots and is protected

 

[Al and Julie]

Has he had all shots yet? He shouldn't at 12 weeks. Everything I read and also my vet said they shouldn't be going for walks until they have had shots to prevent them from coming in contact with the parvovirus virus.

I agree with you on this my daughter just went thru it with her pup caught it in between shots. Almost cost her her life. Be very careful until all shots are done. It could be just some infected poop around and she will catch it.

 

[DennasMom]

I'd agree the pup is stressed and overly-cautious (which as a baby, is not a bad thing). The growl is his way of telling you he is uncomfortable. As the 'parent', you should respect that and help him... not by getting angry and yelling "NO" (not that that is what you did), and also not by coddling with an "it's OK" (being scared is not ok!). At 12 weeks, I would back off from getting too close to strange dogs, to where the puppy is comfortable and you can reward him (with love and/or treats) for observing other dogs from a distance (this will also keep you safer from any unknown dogs' health issues). I'd also recommend you see if there's a puppy play group in your area. We went to one put on by a trainer where it was all puppies under 4 months old - after their first set of shots with a clean bill-of-health from their vet - where the puppies could socialize and the trainer was on-hand to control over-excitement issues and answer any questions. Well worth the time and effort!

 

[SUNCC49]

I wouldn't be taking him on walks in the neighborhood without at least 2 and really 3 rounds of the parvo vaccine. I suggest just sitting on your front porch with him and letting him watch and observe. My little man did that before he had all of his vaccinations. I would leash him up while I washed the cars and he would just watch in guard position, lol.

@ 16 weeks now he is well adjusted, not timid at all, generally aloof with other dogs, but friendly if I introduce them, and he likes people if I say they are OK.

You really should just be working on basic stuff, getting him on a daily routine, and potty training during the next week or two.

@ 12 weeks my lil guy was unwalkable, he thought his leash was a tug toy, lol.... Now he walks with pride quite well.