My husband and I have returned our SP puppy to the breeder because after 1 week of having her she started displaying aggressive behavior towards other puppies in her class as well as towards us. She growls and nips at us when we discipline her for her incessant biting at our hands and clothes. She gets very wound up and becomes defiant. She has displayed VERY dominent behavior. The more we discipline, the more aggressive she becomes. We are brokenhearted since making the decision to return her as we feel we have given up on her after only 2 weeks. All of the SP owners we have talked to say this isn't a common characteristic in the breed. The breeder has taken her back and is getting her vet checked. The puppy has also had a hard time with potty training urinating almost every 5-15 minutes with the urine having a very fishy-like smell. Breeder thought possible urinary track infection and maybe this explains her aggessiveness? She never acted sick when we had her or showed any pain while urinating. Can anyone gives some words of advise or experience to this subject?

Signed: Brokenhearted and should we give her another chance?

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Answers

hi, we just brought home a female standard pup. she doesn't have the uninary problem but she sure like to nip and show dominance. i am working towards distracting her and changing the focus of her puppy behavior, not disaplining her at this point. i tried that at first and she stood up for herself and got defensive. i think it's natural and you have to work on it or return her and find one more submissive.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2002