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Junior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 7/8/2011 12:21:45 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 18
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| I need some help. I have an 11 week old pitbull puppy and lately it's like he's Jeckel and Hyde. One minute he's a regular puppy, wagging his tail and runs to me when I call him. But all of sudden he'll turn to me start growling (in a deep growl, not playful) and bites my pants. He's grabbed my skin a couple of times and they've hurt. He's also done this when I don't let him chew on things other than his toys. He loves to chew on brooms, cans, plastic bottles and pretty much anything he can get to. When I tell him no and try to take it away from him and flips. I never back down. I'll push him off, say NO and walk towards him. He'll come at me two more times before he turns and walks away like nothing ever happened. I immediately grab him, say NO and put him in his crate until he's relaxed and then I'll let him out. What can I do to combat this, is this just a phase and when will it end?
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Supreme Being
Group: Peer Moderator
Last Login: 6/18/2012 8:30:53 AM
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I would suggest finding a behaviourist to help you. 11 weeks is very young for a dog to be challenging someone unless it is a fear reaction.
 
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 7/8/2011 12:21:45 PM
Posts: 4,
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| I don't think it's fear reaction. At least I haven't noticed any signs that would suggest it. What would you consider to be signs of fear? His first obedience class is this Saturday and the trainer has plenty of experience working with pitbulls. We'll see what happens. I hope that this is just a phase and not something that will require a behaviorist like you mentioned.
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Senior Member
Group: Forum Member
Last Login: 5/13/2013 3:37:12 PM
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Ahh puppies 11 weeks is still pretty young, but now is the time to let him know who's boss. Make a lot of eye contact with him- firm when you're giving a command, soft when he's being good. If he bites you, tell him no in a stern voice. If hekeeps it up, grab his scruff, like his mother would. I hate to have to crate him then, then he will learn that his crate is punishment and not like to go in t at all. Do you crate him @ night? You should. Don't let him on your level- bed couch whatever, as this signifies equal status. And be patient, he might testyou for a while. Firm, consistent and fair. We'vegot an 11 week old gsd and when he's acting crazy, I take him for a walk. So far, its worked like a charm. A tired dog is a good dog!
The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. - ambrose bierce
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