Don't let your cute puppy turn into an aggressive dog
A lot of people think dogs bite "because that's what they do". Dogs don't become aggressive without good reason, and most dogs express aggression because they find themselves in a stressful situation. So it stands to reason that the best way to prevent your puppy from becoming an angry or aggressive dog later is to help them avoid or tolerate stressful situations. You should learn to recognise signs of fear such as being backed into a corner, or being restricted by their lead.
Fear is the common factor
To become afraid, dogs don't necessarily need to have had a nasty experience. Dogs that are fear-stricken are those that don't get the opportunity to socialise with enough people. So socialisation is very important. If your puppy is brought up to see people (grown-ups and children alike) as providers of fun, praise and treats, they won't need to display threatening behaviour .
You should also expose your puppy to noises and situations that might frighten them from a young age, to help them overcome their fears. Then potentially scary things, like the vacuum cleaner, traffic or the postman, become everyday occurrences they take in their stride.
Tasty Tips
Your puppy and other people
All people are different, whether they're friends, family or strangers - and in the eyes of a puppy, the different ages, shapes and sizes we humans come in can be confusing. So make sure they encounter as many people as possible from an early age. That way, strangers will seem less strange and they'll soon learn to become calmer and more trusting. Just make sure all these new friends don't overwhelm with vigorous displays of affection.
It's also important that your puppy becomes acquainted with children. Few youngsters can resist fussing over a puppy and although they mean no harm, this can be alarming for a dog. But don't forget that puppies can become tired quickly, so make sure any meeting times are kept quite short and give your puppy time to rest.
Play-biting shouldn't get out of hand
Before you collected your new puppy, they would have got used to playing with their own brothers and sisters, and play-biting is a puppy's natural game. So once settled into their new home, they'll want to play-bite with you too. To curb excessive biting, you'll need to divert attention away from your hands to their toys.
The chances are, whenever you spend time with your puppy, stroking and making a fuss, they'll want to chew on your hand, so make sure you have a toy ready. Make it difficult for you puppy to bite your hand by making a fist and offer a toy instead, waving and wiggling it around. It won't be long before your puppy learns that toys are a lot more fun to play with and chew than a big fist.
Your puppy only knows what you teach them.
It's important to remember that whatever you teach your puppy now will be normal behaviour for your grown dog. So when playing as a puppy, try thinking of them as a mature dog, and judge whether the behaviour is acceptable. If they start growling, attempt to bite the hand that’s holding a toy, rush a young child during play, stop the game at once and walk away with the toy. They'll soon learn why the fun stopped and avoid the behaviour that caused it.
If you have any concerns about your puppy's behaviour , or would like more information about available books, training courses or classes, your vet will be pleased to advise you.
Related products
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously soft mousse is enriched with ingredients that support digestive health & skin care.
Perfect Weight Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Chicken recipe, small breed dry dog food with for the weight support and balanced nutrition for overall health. With small kibble size for tiny mouths, quality protein for lean muscle.
Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Turkey & Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Dog Food Variety Pack is composed of 12 loaf cans: 6 with Chicken, 3 with Beef & 3 with Turkey. It is a complete pet food for adult dogs 1–6 years old.
Perfect Digestion Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Science Plan's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Learn to see the signs of an upset stomach in your dog, understand the triggers and explore some possible solutions.
Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
Little dog, big waistline?
Because of their little and darling – or small and scrappy – stature, they are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their owners.
Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth and Dental Care Tips
Discover effective tips for cleaning your dog's teeth as well as overall advice for maintaining canine dental health. Visit Hill's Pet UK for more expert help.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.