Puppy Aggression

[Ryssa]

My new 11 week old,female GSD has some aggression problems. The barks and growls at other dogs big and small, but usually backs off when they bark at her. She is fine with other people when we are right by her side but when we took her to the veterinarians office ( To get her Parvo shot I believe it was) they took her in the back to clip her nails (with us in the waiting room) they only got three nails before they brought her back because she was biting them harshly. We are looking at dog trainers specialized for puppy aggression but i just wanted a little insight from you guys on what to do. (This is our first GSD so we are a little inexperienced.)

[NarysDad]

Hmm, it will be interesting to see what everyone here has to say about this one. Was she the only one in the litter when you got her?

[Jax08]

Personally, I would like to see a video of this puppy to actually see how she is behaving. It could be play, could be fear, could be she has a few wires crossed. But nobody on here can really tell you anything for sure without seeing her.

I wouldn't be to concerned over the vet techs bringing her back out over the nail clipping. It doesn't surprise me a bit that a puppy would find chewing on their hands more entertaining than sitting still. Many vet techs don't have a clue how to handle animals.

What line is this puppy from? Showline? Working line? Backyard breeder?

[Anastasia]

I would be annoyed that they took her in the back, I see no reason not to clip her nails while you hold her.
Secondly lets say for the sake of argument that she was biting because she wanted them to stop, as soon as they stopped they taught her that biting works!

I am doubtful that an 11 week old puppy is that aggressive!

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Ryssa

My new 11 week old,female GSD has some aggression problems. The barks and growls at other dogs big and small, but usually backs off when they bark at her. She is fine with other people when we are right by her side but when we took her to the veterinarians office ( To get her Parvo shot I believe it was) they took her in the back to clip her nails (with us in the waiting room) they only got three nails before they brought her back because she was biting them harshly. We are looking at dog trainers specialized for puppy aggression but i just wanted a little insight from you guys on what to do. (This is our first GSD so we are a little inexperienced.)

Sounds more fearful than anything.

Start NILIF!

Start playing with her toes daily. I do mean *daily*. Just play with them, the webbing between and praise, praise, praise as you do so. Maybe even offer treats as you do it. She needs to learn you own her body. If she bites at you, stuff a toy in her mouth.

I'm surprised the vet gave up after three nails?

[Ryssa]

Im starting to think the the veterinarian was exaggerating ALOT because she does still teeth on us (sometimes drawing blood. Ouch!) but shes not aggressive except toward other dogs. To answer a few questions, no she was not the only puppy in the litter, she is from a backyard breeder, we did not know this until she was home with us. She seems fine with strangers but will bark and growl at strangers (unless they are kids) but the adults have to crouch down on her level before she will approach them, but still seems wary. But I think im a bit more worried with other dogs now, she lunges at them growling. (Oh and we started playing with her toes like Chelle said and she doesn't bite as hard now, she just mouths, so thank you very much for that suggestion!)

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Ryssa

Im starting to think the the veterinarian was exaggerating ALOT because she does still teeth on us (sometimes drawing blood. Ouch!) but shes not aggressive except toward other dogs. To answer a few questions, no she was not the only puppy in the litter, she is from a backyard breeder, we did not know this until she was home with us. She seems fine with strangers but will bark and growl at strangers (unless they are kids) but the adults have to crouch down on her level before she will approach them, but still seems wary. But I think im a bit more worried with other dogs now, she lunges at them growling. (Oh and we started playing with her toes like Chelle said and she doesn't bite as hard now, she just mouths, so thank you very much for that suggestion!)

I hope you'll get more responses for this one, because I'm out of my league. She's so young to be "aggressive."

I think it is pretty clear that she's *very* fearful. Was she weened really young? When did she come home to you? Do you know anything about the living conditions she came from? As in, how much time did she have with her littermates? I think you really need a personal trainer to help you.

[gsdraven]

Definitely get a trainer involved. She's WAY too young to be truly aggressive to anything and it would be highly unusual if she is. You should really take a look in the Development and Socialization section to get great ideas on how to give your pup LOTS and LOTS of POSITIVE life experiences.

[zyppi]

I can't believe a vet cannot handle an 11 week old GSD, regardless of her behavior.

First, look for a vet that regularly handles large dogs.

I think 11 weeks is too young to tag her as aggressive.

Scared, probably.

She's a baby and if you work with her I'd have to believe she'll learn.

Not unusual for puppies to be a bit bitey.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by Ryssa

My new 11 week old,female GSD has some aggression problems. The barks and growls at other dogs big and small, but usually backs off when they bark at her. She is fine with other people when we are right by her side but when we took her to the veterinarians office ( To get her Parvo shot I believe it was) they took her in the back to clip her nails (with us in the waiting room) they only got three nails before they brought her back because she was biting them harshly. We are looking at dog trainers specialized for puppy aggression but i just wanted a little insight from you guys on what to do. (This is our first GSD so we are a little inexperienced.)

Congratulations on your new puppy.
She will bring you many 'special' experiences.
This is a great forum for helping new GSD folks.
But you have to sort out opinions and take the ones that make sense to you.
Here is my opinion (and feel free to ignore it): Your puppy is a baby and she is fearful and protecting herself the only way she knows how. (you may have stated but) I don't know how long you have had her so she has to learn to trust and respect you. It is also possible that she will take a LONG time (years?) to be comfortable with the vet. My dog is 2 1/2 and she shakes when we pull up in front of the vet's office. These things happen and you have to live with them as best you can.