Grumpy puppy

by Salladam Tue Oct 20 2020, 10:24

We have a new pup who we have had for 2 weeks we have noticed some behaviour which we just want to make sure is "normal".
When we go to pick her up sometimes or when she is playing, or when she doesnt like what we are asking of her, she becomes vocal, bares her teeth and snaps.
My husband and i are able to stop the behaviour with a loud STOP, and, who do you think you are, which works and she will then cuddle into us and lick us, but My children who are 10, 14 havent quiet got the hang on this yet and they pull away when she does this behaviour, i have been reassurring my kids that is normal behaviour and that they need to not be scared, and to make sure they are correcting the behaviour right then like we have showed them...... we have just recently had an inlaws family member severely attacked by their own staffy which has made my children have this thought in their mind. we had aleady got our puppy when it happened.
Am i correct in thinking this is her normal puppy behaviour or could there be more to this.

by **gillybrent** Tue Oct 20 2020, 13:39

Hi & welcome.

It's normal, although I think she's trying to push the boundaries, so to speak. Just keep doing what you're doing, or try totally ignoring her every time she does it - turn away, don't touch her, don't even make eye contact. Staffords live attention from their human family & this will usually teach them that an unacceptable behaviour = end of fun/interaction.

However, hear in mind that a dog's only way to communicate with us is generally through growls, whines & barks. It could be that she's trying to tell you something other than "Don't do that". Maybe she doesn't like being grabbed in a certain way, or something hurts or scares her. Worth a thought.

by **Nifty staffy** Tue Oct 20 2020, 18:25

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by **Nifty staffy** Tue Oct 20 2020, 18:28

Hello and welcome from my girls and me.
Congratulations on your new family member.
Great advice already given by gilly. It should just be a phase she’s going through but do keep a close eye.