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Location: england
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 154
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Will puppy grow up to be vicious?
I have a 10 week old cockapoo. I knew she'd be a little madam when I chose her. She was all over me like a rash and clung on when I tried to put her down and gave a little whimper of disapproval, and this was what attracted me to her.
For the 1st week, I was very pleased with her. She was friendly, confident and happy. Last week, however, she started growling and biting (not the usual play biting and not out of fear). Basically, she gets in a very bad temper tantrum when she can't get her own way. For example, this morning, when I tried to hold her back from eating her poo, she growled and bit me hard. Even when I bathe the sleep from her eyes, she'll try to bite. On the other hand, she'll let me pick up her food and toys with no problem at all.
How common is this and is it just a toddler tantrum which she'll grow out of or could she grow up to be vicious? She is my first puppy in 40 years, so I'd appreciate some opinions on this.
Saying “ouch” doesn't work with her and, anyway, it's deliberate. I know the theory of what I'm supposed to do – I stuff a toy in her mouth if I've got one handy and say “No” sternly, but it's very difficult to turn my back, ignore her and walk away when she's got her teeth very painfuly embedded in my flesh and I've still got to try to stop her doing whatever it was she was doing.
When she's not in a temper, she's a normal, playful puppy who enjoys being picked up for a cuddle.
I am fond of her, but, unless she improves, I can't see us having anything like the extremely strong bond and love I shared with my exceptional dog who died in March. In the 8 years we were together, she never once growled at me and I can't help making comparisons (for which, of course, I feel guilty!).
She has top quality cold pressed puppy food – no cereals, M & A derivatives or other rubbish and she's not hyper, so I can't see that diet's to blame, as I've seen suggested in other posts on here.