[faerieb]

Our 9 week old springer puppy is being aggressive with the children. She is fine when outside and the boys turn away from her if she jumps up but when in the living room she growls and barks and tries to bite them and its starting to scare them now. Any ideas?

[tickle]

Pup doesn't know any better really, still only a baby, so you will have to have patience. She is really far to young to know what she is doing when growling and barking at the children. You still have to get over sharp little puppy teeth nibbling on fingers, and that is only a teething problem you correct with cold carrots. The cold sooths the gums, same as it would with a child.

She is still too young to try and train, but you must get her used to hearing NO and DOWN, so you had better start now. It sure isn't easy, but worthwhile for a well trained dog.

Tick

[joypulv]

There's also a chance that the boys don't know how to play with and teach a puppy. Get some books out of the library, look for shows on Animal Planet, etc. Too often their play encourages biting and chewing and growling and they may not even be aware of it, or they think they can expect a puppy to switch gears when not horsing around. I've known adults to do this too - they even rile up the pup by slapping the sides of their noses to get them to jump and wrestle and then wonder why the dog is aggressive later. It's important that hands and arms NOT be toys, make sure the pup is clear that he can tug on toys only.

[faerieb]

Hi thanks to both of you for the advice. I have started showing puppy her toys if she gets bitey to try and get the association with toys and chewing. I have also spoke to the boys and told them to try and not jump around her as this excites her and leads to the over enthusiastic play. Hopefully this will help the situation. I'm also going to give the cold carrots a try. I know she's only little but she will sit on command and is picking up NO and were also attending a puppy socialisation class from next week. Thanks again for the help