We have a situation with our new puppy which is causing some major problems with family and friends.
Our 16 yr old cocker/poodle cross passed away about 6 mths ago. As we are definitely a 2 dog family, we got another male poodle/cocker cross (the 4th we've owned) 2 months ago. Our 3 yrd old male was submissive to the older one and has a passive temperment; never aggressive. We had thought that with the addition of a new puppy, the 3 yr old would become the dominant however, perhaps this will not be the case.
The problem is that the new puppy is exhibiting what we consider 'vicious' behaviour. This occurs most often with our 3 yr old or when we're trying to discipline him. The puppy has a generally aggressive attitude and actually displays defiance in some situations. We understand the need for our 2 dogs to establish 'who's the boss' and that 'scapping' is a natural occurrence. However, that exercise sometimes becomes a vicious battle, initiated and prolonged by the puppy. It has taken several weeks for our older guy to acept this new puppy but now they will often play well together. We did not have this much 'serious' scapping with our previous dogs and find it very upsetting.
The puppy has also 'turned on' (serious biting and growling) me or my husband when picked up or gently pushed away from chewing/biting on something. Just gently putting my hand on his butt to help him get up a step, he's turned and snarled at me. He has bitten me twice, drawing blood. One of those occasions was during a scap with a friend's dog so he was understandably excited at the time.

This same problem is occurring with my puppy's brother - aggression, biting, viciousness.

When an episode occurs, he will often stop when told 'no' but if he's been really bad (biting or actually attacking) we will scold him and put him in his crate for 20 minutes or so. He rarely whines when in his crate and always comes out acting very subdued for a few hours. I don't want him to begin associating his crate with punishment as he's been great about going into his crate on his own to rest or for the night. But we're at a loss as to how this vicious behaviour should be handled. We do not want to be fearful of him hurting anyone or another dog.

We're also wondering if we're being too rough when playing with the puppy and if that is contributing to his aggression.
Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

This is one of the risks you run with cross-breeds I'm afraid. If a sibling is showing similar tendencies then it looks like it is in part to do with the breeding. Nevertheless - you can certainly do something to reduce the amount of aggression. You ask if you may be playing too roughly - if you ask that question the the answer is most likely to be a yes. There should be no rough play or the puppy will think agression is OK. Also I wouldn't worry about putting him in the crate as a last resort. I have done that with my boys and they have no probems going into the crate when I want them too - they will also take themselves in there sometimes if they want some space or are ready to go to bed. They do not associate it with bad feelings at all. Just make sure it's not the first place you put him and that it is only for a few minutes.

This is a complex problem though and is hard to deal with in full here but I hope this helps a little

Pam n the boys

I agree with Pammy's post, it does sound as if there is a breeding problem here :(

HOwever, some of the comments you make do make me wonder if there is possibly a "handling" problem. For example sometimes if a pup is disciplined strongly it will start to react in an aggressive manner - because it is frightened, possibly too because it has already learnt that growling and snapping can keep people away when needed.

It is possible that if your brother also disciplines in the same way, then that may be a possibility, and this could explain what is happening. Please note I am only trying to offer suggestions, I tend to agree with Pammys advice as I have said :) It would be interesting to find out what the rest of the litter is like.

I have known of dogs from "dodgy" litters to become well behaved dogs with the help of an extremely experienced and reputable behaviourist. The case i am thinking of involved Goldies and I believe all pups exhibited similar symptons (possessiveness, etc.) and at least one was put to sleep.One was, after behavioural training considered well mannered and perfectly safe thereafter. So even pups with breeding problems may be turned around, but really it does depend on so many things including getting excellent help.

It is a very difficult problem and I do hope you manage to resolve it :)

Best wishes
Lindsay

Junior (ckc intact male BT) and Taz had a dominant thing and Dozer also tried to be boss. I made Junior the dominant one, then Taz and Dozer for the males here. I always give treats in that order, food (I free feed), petting, going out, and toys. I also did alot of obedience work and socialization with them. I knew Junior would always try to be dominate over Taz (Junior is also intact) so that was one reason why I made him the dominate one. Taz he's 9 1/2 year old wolf/rott, but he doesn't seem to mind and seems to like his place in the family no more arguments.

Junior would also be more agressive to other dogs and when we are out and he is acting up I will stand in front of him so he can't see the other dog and put him in a sit, then down, then sit, then down ect. Then continue on. He has gotten a lot better and we now can do agility off leash in class. Last class he growled at a dog that was starring at him I just said down and he stayed there for 5 min and then release, then he was fine no problem laying next to the dog :). I had to learn not to be so tense on the leash and to leave some slack cause since I was worried I triggered him, but now I go with no worries lose lead and he is beautiful now. :) I'm very proud of him :) He know's I'm boss, not him.

ttfn :)