is it unusual for a puppy to occasionally snap (i think i have correctly differentiated this from his puppy nipping)? it has happened 2 or 3 times in the course of play nipping when he is not getting his way, and when i was cleaning his ears, but today my 6 yr old gave him a hug while the dog was waiting at the door to come in and he growled (1st time) and snapped. he is always corrected verbally for nipping in general, and praised when we can handle him without the chewing, but this time i gave him a good shake under the chin, and then called him back over and had my son try to hug again to make sure the behavior wasnt repeated (it wasnt), then praised him for being good. i dont know/remember if my other dogs before having a child did this occasionally-- could be i am keyed in to looking for signs of aggression to children. he is an unusually mellow, low-key dog --he would rather sit and watch the birds outside than chase a ball. nothing seems to agitate him, or scare him, he doesnt care if you are in his food, or take toys away, or bother him while he naps (try to keep an enamored child from petting "his" dog while he sleeps!); but doesnt seem to have much tolerance for light ear and eye grooming unless he is half asleep! i am taking him to obedience classes next month (for the "terrible teens"), but wanted reassurance? advice? that this wasnt a problem in the works! thanks... i love this group!

-- Anonymous, May 05, 2002

Answers

by the way...he is crate-trained, well-socialized, purchased from a breeder at 9 weeks, and he is never left alone for long periods of time (comes to work with me)

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002