Hi,

We have a 15 week old border terrier puppy, Harry, who is gorgeous in nearly all respects apart from one - temper tantrums! He is lovely natured most of the time, mouths a bit, but we expect that from a puppy, but for around 5 minutes every other day he throws huge temper tantrums and attacks myself and my husband.

He goes to puppy class where he is really well behaved, but he attacked the 'teacher' on the first visit. She managed to calm him by holding him by the scruff of the neck and has advised us to do the same and remove him from the house when he starts (ie. to the garden) and advised us to think about seeing a dog behaviourist. However, our vet tells us that this is normal terrier behaviour and that he'll grow out of it. Anyone other terrier owners out there with any advice? We want to be sure to do the right thing for him.

Thanks

The best person to talk to about this problem is the pups breeder, they will be able to say if it is normal, which I doubt, and to suggest how you deal with it.

Hi, we have a Westie (16 weeks) and although she doesn't have 'tantrums' she did used to be quite nippy. Sometimes when playing she would get too carried away and either myself or my husband would end up with nipped lips, ears, you name it! Hands aren't too bad, but your face hurts!

We read in our Westie book and were also advised by a dog expert friend that when she does this we should roll her onto her side and hold her down. Not so as you're hurting them, but just restraining them. They struggle for a bit, but then normally lay still. Hold them there for a few seconds and then let them up (but only when you decide). Then don't talk or anything just let them go about their business.

I felt so guilty doing this but it did work! Whenever she got up she always went straight to something else instead of attacking us. apparantly it's all to do with the whole pack thing. When an under-dog gets out of line the pack leader will pin them to the floor and remind them who's boss.

She still has the odd accident, but that's my fault as I normally shove my face in hers and kiss her and stuff!

Thanks Claire (I've now registered and am no longer a 'guest!'),
Its nice to know that we're not the only ones with scarred ears!
We've tried holding him down but he wriggles and snarls like a Gremlin!! He was the dominant dog in his litter and is protective of the smaller puppies in his puppy class so I guess he's just trying to be boss!
We've continued with putting him outside or in the garage for a few minutes when he plays up and it seems to be getting through to him now which is making our lives much easier.

Know what you mean by 'accidents' when kissing!