Heartbreaking news :(

I took Nitro to the vets today, basically to get some kind of temperament testing done. Yesterday he bared his teeth & growled at my daughter- just because she touched his collar. Growling at me when lifted is getting worse daily, also. He now lunges at my face... So I had concerns (obviously).

Anyway, it didn't go well . After she assessed him, she recommends that I contact the breeder & take him back. She said she hasn't ever seen such aggression in a pup so young. And that he would be better suited to a family with no children. She reassured me I had done everything right, and sadly it just seems to be a personality flaw. She said it will only get even worse, as all my good training isn't working & after two weeks it should get better, not worse.

She also did a few other tests, and said the pup hadn't bonded with us as a family. And seems very independent, which is unusual in a Staffy.

He never gets excited when a new person walks in the room, is happier on his own than with people .

I'm heart broken... My BF is too.

Does the vet have any experience with staffies?

This is very very normal behaviour of all pups but especially bull breeds

I would not be giving up yet at all!

What tests did this so called vet do?! Its a puppy for god sakes!

I would have thought a puppy growling when it is lifted would be a sign of being in pain if everything else has been eliminated.

Keep going with training, it is very early days yet.

janey wrote:
What tests did this so called vet do?! Its a puppy for god sakes!

Mainly looking at his behaviour... With us, and how he reacted.

Kathy wrote:I would have thought a puppy growling when it is lifted would be a sign of being in pain if everything else has been eliminated.

Keep going with training, it is very early days yet.

That's what I thought, initially. But he's perfectly healthy.

I'm keeping going with the training, but I do have my concerns. I'd be lying to say I don't .

Please don't take behaviour advice from your vet. No harm to him/her but they sound totally stupid anyway. I wouldn't go back to them EVER!

It is so typical to have this behaviour. Literally every pup on this forum does this at some point, there are no exceptions.

I had a nice big cut on my nose from my Logan once as a pup and he is by far the most gentle dog I've seen tbh.

Your vet is an idiot. Don't go to a vet for behavioural advice, they're vets, not dog behaviourists. Everything he's doing is normal. EVERYTHING Nitro is doing is something we've all experienced before in puppies; the growling, lunging at faces, nipping, baring teeth, lack of affection, etc. Everything. No puppy is aggressive at a couple of months old, no matter what your vet says. I saw no improvement in Loki after two weeks, but I didn't give him back, because I was told by everyone to be patient and that it was normal puppy behaviour, which is exactly what we're all telling you. It's all normal. If you want to give him back to the breeder than fair enough, but he's NOT an aggressive puppy, he's a 100% normal puppy. They're stubborn and hard work, but it pays off when you come through the other side, which you will.

Not to mention, of course, he hasn't been with you long. He might still be settling in and finding it a bit weird and overly-stimulating. I'm sure he has bonded with you all, but at his age, cuddles and affection are the last things on their mind (at least, they were to Loki). It doesn't mean he hasn't bonded or won't continue to bond. His temperament and his personality now isn't how he's going to be for the rest of his life.

Wow, from the information you gave and taking into consideration Nitro's age, I am shocked at what your vet said. Believe it or not, vets may know how to treat a dog, but don't necessarily know specific behavior traits in certain breeds. Though I love Bacon's vet, I get some pretty unusual biased information regarding behavior that I know is totally wrong in having dealt with a trainer. I don't want to discredit your vet but her warning seems overly dramatic and biased if you ask me.

Either way, I believe any responsible Staffy owner needs to take training very seriously. I would strongly recommend puppy classes, and if Nitro does not behave there, try private lessons when he is a few weeks older...

I was quite worried about what seemed like aggression when Bacon was a puppy and have the posts on this forum to prove it!!! I'm not saying it's easy or that the change will be overnight, but they will get better and learn. Just put in the work and I think you will be rewarded. Give it some time. With Bacon he only started to calm down around 5-6 months old.

Nitro is a baby,he's 9 weeks old and has a lot of learning ahead of him,the growling,nipping and lungging at you is all puppy behaviour and very normal for a pup,two weeks of training is just the start of his training but it will get better,i remember when we got sasha she was awful our hands were covered in scratches and bite marks(so wish this forum has here then!)we got to the stage where we thought what the hell have we done!my son was 8 at the time and she used to bite him too,it thought i'd have calls from the school for abuse because his arms and hands were covered!but with time and a lot of patience she came good,please take no notice of this vet,he's just a baby.

I think you have had your mind set that you don't want him cause he's not the little bundle of joy you were expecting. It's quite sad really. Vets don't k ow damn all about behavior and I would not be giving up my dog based on a vets assessment of a normal pup.

Youre vet is an idiot! You shouldnt listen to him? Im sorry but TBH you shouldnt have gotten a staffy if you cant handle this kind of behavior!!!This is a very young pup! It is totally normal! Gwen used to do the same thing! She is now five months old and no longer does this and is so loving! You made this commitment and you owe it to stick it out with this dog and not give up after only 2 weeks when the poor thing is just a 9 week old baby! This vet must be some kind of moron!!! Seriously I would NEVER go back to them! This is normal behavior for a puppy and it is physically impossible for this 9 week old pup to be aggressive! Nipping and growling is normal in a puppy so im not really sure what you were expecting! Also 2 weeks is not a lot of time..you are expecting way too much. You need to continue with training and be patient and consistent! Sorry if this is kind of blatant but its the truth!

I agree with Hayley..you were not ready for the amount of work that this puppy was going to be and it seems since the first day you had him you expecting immediate results and improvemtns and when you didnt get them you wanted to blame it on something being wrong with your pup ..he is the same as all our pups were at his age! It seems like you have your mind made up already! But just know there is nothing wrong with this poor little pup this is completely you! We have all been through this and can tell you first hand all these behaviors, nipping, growling, showing teeth, lunging..is all NORMAL BEHAVIOR for a pup of his age! Gwens behavior def did not get better in 2 weeks it took much longer!! But it has improved..maybe you are not willing to put in the time and effort and patience to get through the tough puppy stage! In which case bring him back to the breeder but dont blame it on poor innocent Nitro just because it hasnt been a walk in the park with snuggles and perfectness like you expected!

When I got my lad Tank at 8 weeks - it was terrible until he was around 11-12wks. He growled when his neck was touched, he was like an alien compared to my girl Diesel. But few weeks went by and he's the most living pooch there is.


You are obviously feeling insecure with your pups behaviour..at that age it's all about exploring with teeth/mouth and being vocal.
Responding to unwanted behaviours consistently is key.

A perfect pooch dosent happen by chance - it takes training.

all pups are like that doesn't matter what breed it is maybe pet dog isn't for you!!

Darcy snapped and bared her teeth at us at that age too, all normal puppy behaviour, your vet has no right to offer behavioural advice in a clinic, after watching nitro for how long??? With patience, persistence & training things will improve but nothing happens over night.

only 2 weeks and the vet tell you to give up i would never go to see that vet again!! what a joker

A pup is like a baby - explore everything with their mouth. A pup will only learn if you are consistent with your reactions.

Seriously - aggression is a learnt behaviour that takes months n months if ill treatment / not 2 wks of a gobby puppy ! All pups ate the same / no matter the breed

CaraJeff11 wrote:I agree with Hayley..you were not ready for the amount of work that this puppy was going to be and it seems since the first day you had him you expecting immediate results and improvemtns and when you didnt get them you wanted to blame it on something being wrong with your pup ..he is the same as all our pups were at his age! It seems like you have your mind made up already! But just know there is nothing wrong with this poor little pup this is completely you! We have all been through this and can tell you first hand all these behaviors, nipping, growling, showing teeth, lunging..is all NORMAL BEHAVIOR for a pup of his age! Gwens behavior def did not get better in 2 weeks it took much longer!! But it has improved..maybe you are not willing to put in the time and effort and patience to get through the tough puppy stage! In which case bring him back to the breeder but dont blame it on poor innocent Nitro just because it hasnt been a walk in the park with snuggles and perfectness like you expected!

Actually that's not true. But I've been on forums for a long time, and this is roller balling. I've had a puppy before, raised her from 8 weeks... She WAS NOT a walk in the park. In fact, she took 2 years to house break. She nipped, hung off my clothes & barked at me.

So please don't get confused that I wasn't ready. He is different to any pup I've encountered. I can deal with the nipping, hanging off clothes etc... The fact he can't be lifted IS the problem. He's been checked, there's no reason for this.

We've be consistent and kind. And actually apart from the growling (whilst being held) he's NOT hard work, he's incredibly easy.

I've broke my heart over this today. & I sought professional advice to help me raise him better, or to find out what was wrong. Not the signs of someone that's 'made her mind up.'


Thanks for understanding tho.

Jackieb wrote:A pup is like a baby - explore everything with their mouth. A pup will only learn if you are consistent with your reactions.

Seriously - aggression is a learnt behaviour that takes months n months if ill treatment / not 2 wks of a gobby puppy ! All pups ate the same / no matter the breed

I hope you're right, truly. I don't mind the biting, it's the growling whilst being held- baring teeth and lunging at my face. That's all. Everything else is fine. Maybe it's because I haven't experienced this before... plus the vet telling me it's a flaw & serious... That's made me a touch scared.

Steve wrote:only 2 weeks and the vet tell you to give up i would never go to see that vet again!! what a joker

Maybe I will seek some advice from a behaviourist. I don't want to give up, I'm just concerned.

Steve wrote:all pups are like that doesn't matter what breed it is maybe pet dog isn't for you!!

That's not true Steve, I had Gemma (Bull Mastiff) from 8 weeks old- she died sadly a few years ago. She wasn't like Nitro. He's defiantly different. And my parents had a Staffy, he wasn't like it either.

That doesn't mean I don't want to find the cause, or work towards a cure (if possible).

I'm sorry to hear this is the news you have been given - it would concern anyone to hear something like that from a vet they trusted

Have you considered seeing someone for training?My vet is fantastic, but our puppy school trainer has also been a god send for me, both with letting me know what is normal and what to do for training ...

Ignore the vet. Any vet that says a puppy as young as Nitro is being aggressive or should've gotten better after two weeks needs ignoring. I wouldn't believe a word she says. Loki was worse after two weeks, not better, and if I listened to your vet, where would he be now? With the breeder? A rescue centre? In some crap home? Who knows, but it'd be the biggest mistake of my life. Two weeks is no time at all, seriously, please don't pay any attention to your vet. No puppy his age is aggressive.

The lunging, look at it this way: he plays by biting, and because he's a baby, he has no manners nor concept of being polite. How does he initiate play? Does he do it politely? Nope, he dives at your face, teeth-first! When you think about it that way, it makes much more sense, no?

We've all been here before, please don't worry. I think you're worrying so much because he's different to your other puppies, but he sounds so similar to Loki when he was younger, and Loki is...still annoying at times, but almost completely different; loving, clingy, affectionate, calmer, almost out of his biting, etc. I'm not saying Nitro is going to be exactly like Loki because all dogs are different, but what I am saying is that Nitro doesn't understand manners, he's still learning, he's still settling in and he's probably overwhelmed by everything, so is valuing his independence because he's unused to all of this. Give him time, carry on with the training.

Sera wrote:

Steve wrote:only 2 weeks and the vet tell you to give up i would never go to see that vet again!! what a joker

Maybe I will seek some advice from a behaviourist. I don't want to give up, I'm just concerned.

It's ok to be concerned Sarah

Feel free to ask absolutely anything that might be worrying you here, but please don't give up

I met a woman a few months back that had just recently got a Collie puppy. She was literally terrified of the little pupster and was holding her back from Logan "incase she would attack him". I was gobsmacked she felt this way but she was just a bit confused and misread her behaviour. I sat and chatted to her for a while and let her dog see Logan (who is gentle) and she felt better, I now see her regular on walks and she is doing great.

You can do this too, but please stop worrying because it's very normal. Maybe you should seek a bit of help with him, it might make you feel confident. Puppy classes would be great.

Don't feel that anyone is angry with you though here, we just want to help you and your lovely boy

Staffy's like all dogs vary in personalities, but what I have learned about Staffy puppies is that an owner cannot give only 50% to this breed. You need to make a full commitment of 100%.

I'm not saying that it's ok to give less than 100% into training any dog, but i've seen many people who casually train their dogs and though the dog is not very well mannered but they get by. I feel that an approach like that with a Staffy would be a disaster. They definitely need the attention and guidance.

Having said that, once you commit to it the dog will respond and be a companion like no other. Hopefully, you have the Determination and Tenacity because for sure Nitro will!

Your pup is only a few weeks old, just been removed from mom etc and suddenly having all these new overwhelming experiences.

It does all sound like normal puppy behaviour the only experience he has so far is play fighting with siblings, hey I even have a friend with a 3yr old child who when frustrated swipes and scratches her parents faces. You sound like you have been lucky with your previous experiences.

I rescued Ledger age 2 but one of the first things we were taught in obedience was to reassure the dog when holding it by the collar they need to learn that you putting your hand in the collar is a safe time not a punishment and that they can be calm - Ledger was returned to rescue by previous owners with the excuse that they 'dragged him off the sofa' by his collar and he bit them (I don't blame him), but he very quickly became happy to be held by his collar by me or anyone at agility/flyball

I would look at finding puppy classes, it will be great for socialisation and they will teach bite control etc and you will get some reassurance that owners of all types of breeds are having similar issues

I just want to ask is there a reason you NEED to pick him up? Giving a do back because it won't let you pick it up is not really a good enough excuse. You won't be able to pick him up in a few months anyway!

Sera wrote:That doesn't mean I don't want to find the cause, or work towards a cure (if possible).

You talk about a 'cause' and a 'cure'.

The cause is Nitro's a puppy.
The cure is perseverance & consistency with his training.

If you do give this pup back to the breeder, please don't get another one, because I don't think you're ready for the challenge of a dog that isn't 100% cute, cuddly and submissive.

Actually that's not true. But I've been on forums for a long time, and this is roller balling. I've had a puppy before, raised her from 8 weeks... She WAS NOT a walk in the park. In fact, she took 2 years to house break. She nipped, hung off my clothes & barked at me.

So please don't get confused that I wasn't ready. He is different to any pup I've encountered. I can deal with the nipping, hanging off clothes etc... The fact he can't be lifted IS the problem. He's been checked, there's no reason for this.

We've be consistent and kind. And actually apart from the growling (whilst being held) he's NOT hard work, he's incredibly easy.

I've broke my heart over this today. & I sought professional advice to help me raise him better, or to find out what was wrong. Not the signs of someone that's 'made her mind up.'


Thanks for understanding tho.



It is not "roller balling" on this forum if you are wrong you're going to know it! Thats why you're here for advice right? Not to just continue to argue with people that have BEEN THROUGH THIS EXACT THING when we are telling you we have experienced it and that it is normal behavior! At least FIVE people have said that at the age Nitro is their pups displayed the same behavior! It is not aggressive! I think you need to stop comparing him to other dogs! Nitro is not your old dog, your parents staffy etc. All dogs are different! Just because he shows different behavior doesnt mean that he is aggressive! Many people have told you it is IMPOSSIBLE for a pup that young to be aggressive but you dont seem to understand! There is no cause for his behavior other than he is a baby that wants to play and has no manners! You need to TEACH him what is acceptable and what is not! This does not happen in 2 weeks! He is not different than any other puppy because he sounds exactly like Gwen when she was 9 weeks old!!! Nitro can def become a very loving wonderful companion but only if you are wiling to put in the time, patience, and effort and not give up on him! Sorry to come off as mean that is not my intent I just think you need to realize ASAP that this is normal and focus on training instead of obsessing about how he is somehow flawed! I promise you if you do this it will pay off and he will eventually improve and when he does you will be so proud!

sarah please dont think we are all having a go at you,we are just giving you advise,like Mat said it is ok to be concerned ,and having a rude little pup with no manners growling and biting you would give you a reason to be concerned!we are all here to help you and it would be great in a few months time to hear how you had hung in there with Nitro and hear how much he has changed,you will get there with him just time,patience and lots of training will make him the best dog ever

Yeah, like Stella and Mat have said, we're not trying to come across as though we're attacking you or whatever. For a few weeks, some of my only posts were questions about is Loki being aggressive because he was just so mad, it was like he'd been possessed by a hell-hound. The forum members reassured me it's 100% normal and they've been through it too, as well as the growling and lunging. As for the independence, like I said, Loki was the same, only time I could stroke him was when he was asleep, but if he woke up, that was it, back to treating us like chew toys. It's just because they're still settling in, and also because he just wants to play and sleep and nothing else. When he calms more, he'll see affection is nice and then want it more.

I can understand this overpowering urge to pick him up and cuddle him because that's what everyone wants to do. But if he's not comfortable with this don't force it. Show him as much affection as you can without picking him up and I'm sure he will come round. But he may never be a dog who likes to be picked up. Like people they all have slightly different personalities within the peramaters of the breed temperament.
You don't have an aggressive puppy, there is no such thing at his age. Worst scenario, he is being assertive, and this can be resolved by the human members reinforcing their place in the heirarchy.
Bacchus is my first staffy ( fourth dog ) and I have found, like you, that this breed is very different to any other dog I've had. We got him at 9 weeks and a couple of weeks later my daughter and our grandson came to visit. He gave them a very hard time attacking their feet and snarling etc. and I'm convinced that he felt, because they were newcomers, that he was above them in the pecking order. Also when he was tiny he wouldn't settle if lifted up on to the sofa. He would be a real pest, mouthing and wriggling and just being a pest.
Bacchus is now 10 mths old and for months now has been a well rounded loveable rascal who just loves everyone ( and incidentally now loves a cuddle on the sofa ) and is the most affectionate of dogs with a massive personality.
If you want to find out if he is " normal " could you contact a reputable staffy breeder,( other than the one you got him from who may be biased ) and ask their opinion?
Hope this reassures you a little and good luck.

Please believe me when I say I'm not attacking you.

You keep referring back to your bullmastiff pup/adult who sounds like she was an absolute star! But staffords are a different kettle of fish. Much less biddable & laid back; much more active & 'nippy'.

Add to that the fact that you have a male, & you'll see that there's too much of a difference to give a good comparison.

I know you've probably answered this already, but what does he have to eat (brand & type of food) and how many meals a day does he have? Also, what sort of exercise does he get (again, type & length)?

Caryll wrote:Please believe me when I say I'm not attacking you.

You keep referring back to your bullmastiff pup/adult who sounds like she was an absolute star! But staffords are a different kettle of fish. Much less biddable & laid back; much more active & 'nippy'.

Add to that the fact that you have a male, & you'll see that there's too much of a difference to give a good comparison.

I know you've probably answered this already, but what does he have to eat (brand & type of food) and how many meals a day does he have? Also, what sort of exercise does he get (again, type & length)?

Good point Caryll. I think this is a genuine cry for help.

Thank you everyone, sorry if I seemed defensive. It's only because I want this to work.

I've contacted the breeder... I've told her we are going to try puppy classes soon, that I don't want to give up on him. I'll keep you all posted. Oh, and try another vet!

That's excellent Sarah. It'll work out a lot better if you keep calm too, so don't worry. Don't fixate on the growling etc, just enjoy having a pup because once they've grown there is no rewind button.

Puppy classes should help loads, not just in training him but in reassuring you and giving you confidence

MatLogan wrote:That's excellent Sarah. It'll work out a lot better if you keep calm too, so don't worry. Don't fixate on the growling etc, just enjoy having a pup because once they've grown there is no rewind button.

Thanks Mat, sorry I've been such a pain here. It does help venting tho lol!

Sera wrote:

MatLogan wrote:That's excellent Sarah. It'll work out a lot better if you keep calm too, so don't worry. Don't fixate on the growling etc, just enjoy having a pup because once they've grown there is no rewind button.

Thanks Mat, sorry I've been such a pain here. It does help venting tho lol!

Nope, not a pain in the slightest. The forum is meant to help promote and help Staffords and their owners. Vent anytime.

MatLogan wrote:

Sera wrote:

MatLogan wrote:That's excellent Sarah. It'll work out a lot better if you keep calm too, so don't worry. Don't fixate on the growling etc, just enjoy having a pup because once they've grown there is no rewind button.

Thanks Mat, sorry I've been such a pain here. It does help venting tho lol!

Nope, not a pain in the slightest. The forum is meant to help promote and help Staffords and their owners. Vent anytime.

You're not on your own, a lot of us struggled to cope in the early days. Vent away.

Sera

Only picked up on these later developments now but have to reply. My boy Tommy , aka Tomminator didn't get the aka for nothing , sometimes they are hard and sometimes they are difficult and sometimes they are a nightmare. Your pup needs time, not the say so on behaviour of your vet. Definitely go to puppy classes you will learn loads , try and find one with stafford experience it does make a massive difference to have breed knowledge , I was lucky as my first stafford , though very awkward and nippy etc at times was very easy to train but she gave me enough insight to cope with an awkward one. We have been through a few hard times with Tommy but right now he is just an overexciteable and very loving boy having cuddles on the bed with his mum.
And if you think a behaviourist would help then great but please do not use your vet for this advice, they really do not have a clue

Failing that , bring him to me , love to make him no 3 > > >

Sera wrote:Thanks Mat, sorry I've been such a pain here. It does help venting tho lol!

Don't worry about being a pain! If it helps to conquer your problems then go ahead & ask questions - it doesn't matter how many times you ask!

They do push you to the limits sometimes, but they're worth it in the long run. And like everybody else has said, don't expect your vet to give good behavioural advice. It isn't their fault, they're not trained behaviourists, neither are they experienced with the characteristics of every breed.

Sarah, I've been away over the weekend so have only just caught up on your thread and I was so upset when I read your opening post.

You've had loads of good advice and reassaurance and am so relieved to learn that you are not going to give up on this gorgeous little puppy.

My ha'pence worth would be to say that he sounds like the kind of pup that just doesn't like being picked up, maybe it scares him because then he is the totally under the control of a human who he doesn't know very well after only 2 weeks at the moment and/or it makes him feel insecure when his feet are off the ground; all dogs are individuals much like humans and we all have our little fears. If this (when he's lifted up) is the only time he growls/snaps/lunges, then it's not too bad and can be overcome in time as his reaction to being lifted is fear-based and not aggression-based (not that I believe that a 9 week old puppy can or would be aggressive).

He'll be a gorgeous family dog in no time - don't panic ><

I have only just seen this. i am by no means an expert, but i.honestly wouldn't worry! I had rescue adult staffys before sonic and thought i knew the breed....then along came an 8 week old bundle of claws and teeth and looking back for a few weeks i wondered what we had done getting her, especially as she kept mouthing my 5 year old. however i stuck with it, went to puppy training and kept telling my son it would get better . fast forward a few months and i now have an 11 month bundle of joy....ok she has her moments but the hard work is paying off and she is amazing....an so very gentle with my son. At times its been blooming hard work but i wouldn't change any of it for the world.

Hi there Sarah. I have every respect for vets in terms of treating an diagnosing clinical problems with dogs but if you are worried about Nitro's behaviour you definitely will want to consider consulting with a behaviourist and they will be able to give you better advice from that point of view... Which is what a lot of members have said.

Definitely consider puppy classes - Make sure you go along without Nitro and observe the class to make sure you like what you see.

Don't be put off you will go through up and down's with Nitro but you can always come on here for advice to help you along the way. We all want to help

Keep up with any training advice you have been given on here as I am sure it's all very good. Keep training short and sweet and build it into everyday life and routine. Make sure that you are consistent too - It will come together, I didn't experience this with Otis but I know it's not uncommon... Keep us updated

I'd like to just add a little something in here, some people in here have claimed ALL staffy puppies are this way and that simply isn't true, not all puppies are going to growl or nip or lunge even if a lot of them do, they will however mouth at you because that's how they're used to playing with mom and siblings, we simply yelp when Tiger gets a bit too excited and after having her for only 4 weeks she already understands mouth and skin do not go together. There's also been a few claims of it being impossible for a pup to be born aggressive which simply isn't true, with the wrong breeding and the brain just being wired wrong, it's entirely possible for a pup to be born aggressive and nothing being able to change it, no matter the breed, however it's very very rare, just not impossible like I've seen claimed.

I do however agree that vets should be trusted on medical issues and only medical issues, my vet recently told me staffies rarely get arthritis because he'd never seen a staffy with it but looking further into it it appears he was wrong, sometimes vets are, that's what the internet and second opinions are for.

It will always come down to, visit the appropriate person for your dogs problem, if it's behavior see someone trained in that, if it's nutrition, see someone trained in that, etc.

It could also depend on age I suppose, we got Tiger at 11 weeks rather than 6 or 8 so she had already had a fair bit of handling and fuss by the family who raised her, maybe that affected how she was when she got here.

I think what everyone needs to understand is, having a child and a dog that lunges, no matter how young, is scary for a parent, you love your dog and your child and you never ever want to risk one hurting the other, especially if the dog lunges for the face, that's a very dangerous place for a kid to get injured so when the vet scared her, it wasn't WRONG of her to consider her childs safety and consider the option of returning the dog, it may have been a misled idea but certainly not wrong of her to think it.

Keep up with the training and make your child understand that until the training starts to work, they must keep their hands and face to themselves unless supervised by you, you don't want your child being scared of your dog as a puppy or they could be terrified when it gets bigger.

It may also be possible you're picking him up..well.. wrong, even pet owners I know who have owned dozens of dogs throughout their life never supported the dogs back legs when they picked them up and some animals, cats and dogs, feel scared and insecure when they don't feel their whole body is safe, always make sure the back legs are supported by your hand or arm.

I apologize for the wall of text, I do tend to get carried away and type, a lot.

I am shocked that a vet even felt qualified to do 'behavior tests' on a 9 week old puppy! I would speak to a behaviourist but from my experience pups often growl and grumble when they are young and picked up/stopped from doing what they want. You just keep at it and let them know they are not going to get their own way. Get an independant behaviourist's review, try and find one who knows bull breeds well. They can be very stubborn partocularly males.

You are in Bristol, where abouts? Get steve to send you my email address I am happy to help or even pop over and give you a quick assesment/meet somewhere neutral. Also which kennels bred him?