Hi we are new to this dog owning lark and we're getting so much advice from so many people ,and most of it really has improved some early problems we had with our dog growling and biting us. He really is a friendly dog now except when he's playing with his toys he doesn't growl anymore but he will nip at you if you go to smooth him ,although if you say "sit "you can put his collar on and lead or whatever you want to do without any problems now we think this is fine and just let him get on with it if he's playing, he is enjoying himself after all but our friends who are "DOG EXPERTS" aparently say we should never ever let him nip us but surely if we leave well alone and let him play then there wouldn't be a problem or are we being soft?

Cheers everyone
Steve

Hi Steve will it be okay if he growls and nips a child playing with him when hes grown up? Will you be able to take something dangerous away form him without being bitten? Its up to you as hes your dog and I'm certainly no expert but I try to think of the effect our boy's behaviour has on other people and encourage good behaviour at home first.

The golden rules with puppies is never allow them to do anything as pups that you would't allow the full grown dog to do........

Can u please let us know what kind of dog he is and what colour. and what age he started to act agressive please , Thanks Lady xxx

Hi again the reason we dont see it as a problem is that he only ever exhibits this behaviour in one place, next to his crate on his blanket and if you say "SIT" his training seems to kick in and he's back to his normal friendly self. I think he sees this as his sanctuary away from everyone and he only goes there when he's had enough of people pampering him ,when he sits on us or sleeps on us or is playing in a different area he is fine and doesn't even think of nipping and thats why I think if he's gone to his blanket we should just leave him alone and if he wants company he will come to us ,do you think we are risking his "sanctuary" expanding to other areas in the home it doesn't seem to at the moment but it is early days I suppose,should a dog have HIS own space in a house or does it set up dominance issues what do you think.

Cheers
Steve

HI Steve, I think I know what you mean - pups need a rest/time out but I would say space,food toys attention are to be at your discretion and under your control. If he gets to please himself too much he may dispute your right to request he behaves in an appropriate way especially when he gets to be a teenage dog at 6 months plus. Do get the Perfect Puppy as its very good.

If the issue is not the pup but the knowlegable friends thats another thing and someitmes its best just to thank them for the advice and say youll think about it. At the end of the day you have to lay foundations in this relationship to last 10-15 years and it is easier to lay them early than correct it later - if I'm strict with my dog in his youth I can always be softer later when hes older.

as leader of the pack hopefully when your dog sits on "his" blanket and grumbles when you go towards him hed give the space over to you if you wanted it--if not then hes seeing himself above you-next time go sit in his blanket :D