Normal behaviour for a pup??

Hi everyone, I'm new here!

Anyway. I am looking for some advice/reassurance! I got my first staffy pup almost a week ago but she has suddenly started to worry me. Heres why... When she does bad things I have been shouting "NO!" In a loud voice which has been working... Up until these past couple of days that is... She has actually started staring me out and growling at me during/after being told off... Does this seem like normal puppy behaviour? I'm abit worried about aggression/her thinking she is the boss instead of me. Also after being told off she will just go straight back to doing whatever she was doing so I have to tell her "NO" again and remove her from the crime scene but she just looks at me then trots straight back over to it.

I have raised a few puppies in my life but never had one that does this! But she is my first staffordshire bull terrier puppy so I'm not sure how they differ from other breeds! Does anybody else have a staffy pup doing similar things or has anybody had one who did things like this but then actually grew completely out of it? Needing major reassurance!

Thank you to anybody who replies in advance!

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It is very normal. The growling is not aggression, she's just being grumpy. Dogs can only communicate a few ways, so growling is one of the ways she says "No, I'm not listening to you!" she's just being stubborn. Also, I find that shouting 'no' can sound a bit like a bark to a dog, which might make their behaviour more excitable. You don't need to shout, just say it in a firm voice. Loki was the same though, he'd growling and nip whenever he was told off, and then go straight back to doing whatever he wanted you just have to be consistent, and sometimes distraction can help. For example, if she's chewing something she's not meant to, a 'no' and giving her something she can chew on is good.

Don't worry, it's very normal, we've all been there

It all sounds totally normal, she's trying to push the boundaries, just be firm, in a firm voice a no, (don't shout) & or a time out. It's not aggression just her wanting to be the boss, with persistence/perseverance it will get better.

Thanks for the replies! Yeah when she's doing something she shouldn't I do direct a toy into her mouth instead - sometimes it solves the problem sometimes it doesn't, when she has her heart set on destroying something she shouldn't it takes major effort to get her to stop! I have also been trying to say no in a softer voice but she doesn't really listen.. She just looks at me as though she's thinking "you don't bother me" lol... Pups eh!

Yes, totally normal! Not in any way aggression - it isn't even dominance. It's just her way of pushing the boundaries, a bit like a lot of toddlers will do.

I take it she's still only about 9 weeks old? If that's the case then as long as you're consistent she'll get the hang of it sooner or later. Patience is the key.

If she goes back to doing what you've told her not to do, repeat & repeat again - make sure she gets fed up with it before you do!

Hi and welcome to the forum

The noise is a bit daunting isn't it? When Chiquito first started doing it I thought he was some aggressive-mad-zombie type dog ... it really is perfectly normal though and if you have a look through the threads in the puppy forum you will see plenty of others who are experiencing the same

As said above, it is not aggression. They are just like little toddlers who do not like being told what to do. If you are consistent and perservere with the "no" and time outs if needed it will get better. (It took around about two weeks for me to really notice a difference with Chiquito, and a month on he still does it occasionally however no where near as often as he was at your little ones age).

Yeah she is nearly 9 weeks. And yeah I just can't believe such a noise comes out of something so cute lol! Everything will get better when she can go out for walkies I'm sure, be able to use her energy up that way instead of swinging off me and the furniture 24/7 lol! Also she's not really been sleeping well at night, do you think that's just because she's still settling in?

It's probably because she's still settling in and because she (presumably) sleeps a lot during the day still. Loki was nocturnal for a few weeks before we had him on a decent sleeping schedule she'll sleep better when she's more used to the routine and once the excitement has worn off a bit.

Sounds totally normal to me too Try not to let it worry you.. Be consistent and give time outs, but you really need to do it EVERY time she chucks a puppy tantrum.. Believe me I thought Steff would NEVER get it, I thought she was aggressive and nasty at times, but I know now that she is just a brat Look at it as though your pup is a 2 year old throwing a tantrum.. And deal with it the same way, be a little tough and never let them get away with innappropriate behaviour without getting a time out.. Believe me it will all get better one day soon

All very normal I am afraid

Just keep persevering with it, it may take some time but you will get there

Thank you everyone for the replies! Feel more at ease now

Any pics of the pup?

Glad to know you feel more assured now - It can be quite daunting but hang in there, be consistent and firm and they soon get the message. I didn't have that problem with Otis but he would get very hyper so I would give him time outs, worked very well once he realised that being naughty meant time out. Keep us updated and look forward to pictures

Firstly ((((((Big hugs))))))

Secondly, read my posts .

I'm going through the same.

Be strong, she's still small. We are all here to guide you. God forbid I need them hugs too!

Nitro seems to comply to VERY strong growls NO'S! And time out.

I worry too, that's natural. Stay with us through your journey & know you are NOT alone .

Sarah. X

PS: Sent you a friends request.

We can get through this, it'll be Ok .

Fab advise given, hiya from us

Tara wrote:Any pics of the pup?

x2

She looks similar to my devil lol! Bless.