We recently adopted a 5 month old puppy from a reputable breeder. We had been assured by the breeder that the pup was a good temperament for our situation.
Within hours of arriving, pup had developed a lot of resource guarding behaviour, a few times now the pup has growled, barked and lunged at our child for walking within a few feet to pass her in the hallway. The pup tries to attack our cats despite being described as good with cats.
I know there’s an adjustment period but I’m very worried for safety at this point. I know issues can be worked on but I’m not sure I’m ready to take the risk where aggression is concerned.
Would you return to the breeder? Would you expect a refund?
So upset with this situation, we don’t know if we are being unreasonable here.
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Puppy Aggression
kurotora · 26/03/2024 18:24
kurotora · 29/03/2024 19:01
It’s been a couple of days since my post. I’ve spoken with the breeder and was given recommendations to be more dominant and less soft. To stop the puppy going on the sofa and establish DD and cats as higher in the pack. I’m aware that all of this is highly outdated terminology.
Things have settled a bit but there are still signs of the behaviour - not any more growling or lunging but puppy is very anxious with belongings. We can’t do any chews eg pizzles as the pup will still get highly possessive with these. No progress with the cats really, she’s very highly charged to get at them and chase them.
I don’t want to say breed here as the dog world I’m aware is a small one, and the breeder is well known. I did meet mum, not dad, and grandparent. All I’ll say is this is a small non-terrier breed with no guarding background or disposition.
I oscillate between desperately wanting to persist and hopefully get through this, and worrying that I’m putting DD and my cats at risk because the behaviour is definitely still indicative that there’s an issue. Like things are bubbling barely beneath the surface. I am worried whether our family is the best place for working on this behaviour.
powershowerforanhour · 28/03/2024 22:25
Would you return to the breeder?
Yes
Would you expect a refund?
Yes- pup was not as described.
powershowerforanhour · 30/03/2024 09:23
"You are definitely in the market for a stuffed toy!"
No, just performed too many behavioural euthanasias in 20 years in vet practice to want to buy in trouble especially into a house with children.
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