Day 4, more growls :(

I was kinda hopeful yesterday. And really appreciated everyone's advice, which I've been taking . However, the growling seems to be getting worse. I can't even touch his belly now without deep growls. Firm "Dont's," were working. But, now not much so. Then he actually tried to bite me about an hour ago (not puppy nips) he meant it. Also been trying to teach him lye down, but he also growls if I touch his front paws now.

I'm at a bit of a loss, to be honest. I love him dearly & I so want him to be a well behaved animal. Especially seeing I have children (ages 7 & above). Although I'd never leave my children alone with Nitro, it would've nice to think that he is loving to begin with.

I think I'm going to make a trip to the vets, before the second jabs. I need to know its not me . I've never heard growling like this in a puppy. I'd be so heartbroken if there's something wrong with him.

Ohh he sounds like a cranky toddler, be patient and consistent, it won't happen overnight but it will get better.. Honestly don't be afraid of him, he is very young and pups that young don't have aggression.. It really is just tantrums

It sounds like normal behaviour to me and nothing to be overly alarmed about. It is always a good idea to make sure that thre isn't a physical cause for the behaviour.

Kylie wrote:Ohh he sounds like a cranky toddler, be patient and consistent, it won't happen overnight but it will get better.. Honestly don't be afraid of him, he is very young and pups that young don't have aggression.. It really is just tantrums

Thanks Kylie. I just contacted the breeder (she's lovely). And she said he's trying to be top dog, to be firm & gentle too. Which I'm doing... Just panicking because I never experienced this with my Bull Mastiff. Or seen it in a pup before. Really really glad I joined this forum.

Relax, relax! It doesn't get better in one day, and the bites are NOT aggressive. Yeah, the bite may have been an act of defiance or grumpiness, but it's the puppy equivalent of a tantrum, but tantrums aren't a sign of violence or anything, so he's still just being a puppy and it wasn't a 'proper' bite. I had months of biting with Loki, I have scars on my arm from all the biting he did (mostly playing, but I suppose some was a bit of stubbornness). Those puppy teeth are sharp. Honestly, I had ages of that with Loki and I remember being in tears thinking there's no way it'll ever get better. But he doesn't bite anymore at all (except when he's so excited he forgets his manners). Some learn quicker than others. Nitro may learn quickly, he may take a few months like Loki, but with patience and consistency, he WILL learn. They all do given the right training. He'll get better, really one day you'll suddenly realise he hasn't bitten you in a day, then a week, and etc.

And they are loving, but they're puppies, all they want to do is explore, play, eat and sleep. I couldn't sit next to Loki without it turning into a game of tug-of-war with my limbs or my clothes, but when he got older he calmed down a bit more, and he learnt that affection and relaxing is very nice. He'll learn, don't expect so much of him so soon, they're hyperactive lunatic babies, but they calm a bit and learn to chill out try to focus on the good points.

Tara wrote:Relax, relax! It doesn't get better in one day, and the bites are NOT aggressive. Yeah, the bite may have been an act of defiance or grumpiness, but it's the puppy equivalent of a tantrum, but tantrums aren't a sign of violence or anything, so he's still just being a puppy and it wasn't a 'proper' bite. I had months of biting with Loki, I have scars on my arm from all the biting he did (mostly playing, but I suppose some was a bit of stubbornness). Those puppy teeth are sharp. Honestly, I had ages of that with Loki and I remember being in tears thinking there's no way it'll ever get better. But he doesn't bite anymore at all (except when he's so excited he forgets his manners). Some learn quicker than others. Nitro may learn quickly, he may take a few months like Loki, but with patience and consistency, he WILL learn. They all do given the right training. He'll get better, really one day you'll suddenly realise he hasn't bitten you in a day, then a week, and etc.

Taking deep breaths! Lol. Thank you so much, everyone's advice here is very very very appreciated. I'm just being a worry wart, I know. And no one (apart from the breeder) has Staffy's that I know. So this place is a Gods send.

Feel like a new Mum lol!

Tara wrote:And they are loving, but they're puppies, all they want to do is explore, play, eat and sleep. I couldn't sit next to Loki without it turning into a game of tug-of-war with my limbs or my clothes, but when he got older he calmed down a bit more, and he learnt that affection and relaxing is very nice. He'll learn, don't expect so much of him so soon, they're hyperactive lunatic babies, but they calm a bit and learn to chill out try to focus on the good points.

Thanks Tara . Will do. Hopefully soon I will be writing how things have improved. & helping someone else with the Puppy blues lol!

Aww hugs Sarah >< it does get easier, as Tara said I too remember crying thinking OMG will it ever end but it does, time & patience and he'll soon learn your the boss

Darcy-may wrote:Aww hugs Sarah >< it does get easier, as Tara said I too remember crying thinking OMG will it ever end but it does, time & patience and he'll soon learn your the boss

I needed them hugs lol! Can't wait for those days when I'll be saying the same to someone else lol! ><

Chin up Sera - it sounds like you are doing a lovely job ><

Chiquito's little growls got worse before they got better and we had our fair share of snarls and nips ..... like a toddler I think he had to just see how far he could go and see if I would give in when he did it!

Keep up with the responses you are using - it feels like it takes forever but in no time you will be on here looking back on this post with a little chuckle as you tell us about how wonderfully he behaves

Kell wrote:Chin up Sera - it sounds like you are doing a lovely job ><

Chiquito's little growls got worse before they got better and we had our fair share of snarls and nips ..... like a toddler I think he had to just see how far he could go and see if I would give in when he did it!

Keep up with the responses you are using - it feels like it takes forever but in no time you will be on here looking back on this post with a little chuckle as you tell us about how wonderfully he behaves

I feel better already .

Keep going it will get easier, remain firm and consistent with training then one day it will just click and it will improve. Keep us updated and don't feel put out ><

otisthestafford wrote:Keep going it will get easier, remain firm and consistent with training then one day it will just click and it will improve. Keep us updated and don't feel put out ><

Awe thanks . I'm sure it will, it's been very reassuring having you all to talk to .

Can't say much more than what everybody else has told you, but keep up the work! It'll pay off in the end. I think it's a good idea to mention it to the vet, just in case there is an issue with his health, but it's most likely something he'll grow out of with training.

Our dog, Dempsey, was an absolute nightmare for tantrums when he was young. If he was told off or physically removed from an area (picking him up off the sofa and putting him on the floor, for example) for being naughty, he'd make this horrid growl that sounded just like a big cat screeching. Once we got into a routine of being firm and consistent with him, he calmed down. Now, when he's told off, he goes all silly and wags his tail instead.

Eleanor wrote:Can't say much more than what everybody else has told you, but keep up the work! It'll pay off in the end. I think it's a good idea to mention it to the vet, just in case there is an issue with his health, but it's most likely something he'll grow out of with training.

Our dog, Dempsey, was an absolute nightmare for tantrums when he was young. If he was told off or physically removed from an area (picking him up off the sofa and putting him on the floor, for example) for being naughty, he'd make this horrid growl that sounded just like a big cat screeching. Once we got into a routine of being firm and consistent with him, he calmed down. Now, when he's told off, he goes all silly and wags his tail instead.

Sounds very familiar. Expect Nitros growls sound deep like a big dogs lol! He's so good in all other ways, and follows me around like a sheep ha! With lots of training, and you guys here to talk to... I CAN get through this .

Thank you very kindly .

Love the attitude! It's nice to see somebody willing to work through problems like this. If you ever need some advice, there are plenty of people here to help out ><

Tank was a growler when we got him. He hated his neck being touched and would snap and growl. It took a good 2-3 wks before he accepted being petted on his neck/chin. (Tank was beaten up by litter mates as a small pup - head, neck covered in bites etc)
Persevere, a firm bellowing 'NO' when he protests - rewards and snuggles when he's accepting. Won't be long before he won't wanna be too far awày from those belly rubs ! The first 4-6 wks are IMO the worst lol x

Eleanor wrote:Love the attitude! It's nice to see somebody willing to work through problems like this. If you ever need some advice, there are plenty of people here to help out ><

Jackieb wrote:Tank was a growler when we got him. He hated his neck being touched and would snap and growl. It took a good 2-3 wks before he accepted being petted on his neck/chin. (Tank was beaten up by litter mates as a small pup - head, neck covered in bites etc)
Persevere, a firm bellowing 'NO' when he protests - rewards and snuggles when he's accepting. Won't be long before he won't wanna be too far awày from those belly rubs ! The first 4-6 wks are IMO the worst lol x

Actually Nitro was the second smallest of the litter, so maybe he's displaying the same traits- because of that.

Hadn't really thought of that before. Good point there!

As Eleanor says, Dempsey was a complete nightmare! Anything he didn't like would turn him into a tiger!

But consistency won out in the end & he's quite a sweetie now - unless you happen to be a cat!

Caryll wrote:As Eleanor says, Dempsey was a complete nightmare! Anything he didn't like would turn him into a tiger!

But consistency won out in the end & he's quite a sweetie now - unless you happen to be a cat!

Lol! Well that's good to hear . There's hope yet .

When I first got Hugo it was a nightmare, was a constant pain in the backside though the only thing you can do is be patient and consistent.

Trust me it WILL get better but not for a while, Hugo is just turning 1 soon and it's only been a few months he actually behaves fully.

Funny enough I said to my partner yesterday that I miss him being a little terror.

When he was bad I must of spent hours, hours and hours on here, google and YouTube (all of which he was snapping on my toes) on how to train him, though the one thing I know now and not then is TIME.

One thing I will say is cherish this as you may like me one day miss it all.

Hugo_Boss wrote:

When I first got Hugo it was a nightmare, was a constant pain in the backside though the only thing you can do is be patient and consistent.

Trust me it WILL get better but not for a while, Hugo is just turning 1 soon and it's only been a few months he actually behaves fully.

Funny enough I said to my partner yesterday that I miss him being a little terror.

When he was bad I must of spent hours, hours and hours on here, google and YouTube (all of which he was snapping on my toes) on how to train him, though the one thing I know now and not then is TIME.

One thing I will say is cherish this as you may like me one day miss it all.

He's actually been a joy all afternoon lol! Must of read me complaining or summit haha! Yes, I will try to enjoy these puppy days. I know they're short lived. I was just being a worry wart, but feel much better after chatting to everyone here .

Glad he's been a good boy this afternoon. My Vinny was the same at that age - pure strop if you wanted him to do anything other than what he was doing. Luckily he wasn't nippy but he was a growler. Consistency with firm "no's" paid off in the end. Lots of luck ><

You have a great attitude!! But you are expecting too much of him at his age! Like i said before, it is NOT going to improve in one or two days!! There is no quick fix for this problem, he is just a typical pup! It will get worse before it gets better! Gwen is 5 months old and she is much better with the nipping and growling but she still has her moments! She is now teething which is a whole new ballpark! She is grumpy and always needs to be chewing something but I feel bad for her it must be painful! You need to continue to be consistent with training and eventually it will improve! But this is def typical behavior for a staffy pup! I remember about a week after we got Gwen she started with the growling and biting and i was shocked! I too felt sometimes that it would never end and that she would always be like this, and i still do at times feel very frustrated and hopeless lol! But she has improved so much!!! And that is the best feeling ever! Enjoy him while hes a little pup, it goes so fast! It seems like just yesterday she was a 9 week old baby

Just keep doing what your doing and sticking to your guns. I know it can be worrying when you have never heard or seen a pup showing these signs but like already said they are just been a pup. Keep us all informed on how you get on. As long as your patient and don't expect things to be perfect over night your gonna have a great companion

Sounds like Nitro's just having a few grumpy days, keep working on him!

My pooch doesnt like his paws being touched either. I just use a firm 'NO' when he grumbles or growls at me and give him lots of treats and cuddles when he's being a good boy when you touch/stroke him.

Patience and consistency is the key