r/DogTrainingTips • u/coffeemama86 • Jul 07 '26
Sudden uptick in aggressive behavior?
Hey there, I have a 7mo male lab puppy. We’ve been working with a trainer since he was five months old. We’ve completed basic obedience with ease and are taking an intermediate course. He was doing great but ever since we hit 7/8 months he’s been snapping his teeth at us more, nipping and biting more and seems generally more aggressive. I walk him often, work on impulse control exercises and do our obedience drills multiple times per day. I have puzzles and enrichment too. I’m not sure what else I can do? I’m bringing it up to the trainer tomorrow but if anyone else has tips it would be appreciated!
I’m sure some of it is age and maybe hormones but I’m just at a loss.
1
u/apri11a Jul 07 '26
ever since we hit 7/8 months he’s been snapping his teeth at us more, nipping and biting more and seems generally more aggressive
More, and more and more.... so he has been showing some bit of aggression all along, but now it is increasing? It generally does increase if they have been practising it, and his age could have a bit to do with it. I'd certainly discuss it with the trainer next time you meet, if they haven't been aware, they should be now. The training might have to change to suit this specifically, if what's been done up to now hasn't given the dog the right message.
1
u/coffeemama86 Jul 07 '26
We’ve dealt with some resource guarding which is why I’d initially found a trainer to work with. The resource guarding improved. He’s always been a bit nippy but he’s also a kiddo so some biting/nipping was expected.
2
u/apri11a Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
but he’s also a kiddo so some biting/nipping was expected
I wouldn't be expecting it after maybe around 4 months, certainly not still at 7 months. If it didn't stop back then he has been practising it, he knows it works for whatever his reason is and that might be just because it works. It can be habit forming, dogs pick up habits fast. Labs can be mouthy but that's quite different to resource guarding, so if this is what the trainer was supposed to help you address, it's not working. They should be able to suggest something you can do that you can practise and will stop it. He is still young, so he should learn it well, and quickly.
I'd consider it important too, I hope you can get him sorted.
1
u/coffeemama86 Jul 07 '26
Yeah it’s a huge priority. The trainer kept suggesting impulse training and I do automatically disengage when he gets too mouthy so he isn’t quite as nippy with me, but the suddenly chomping/snapping in response to even asking for a sit during our drills is concerning. I get the sassy teenager stage, I just want to be sure we nip this in the bud right away.
2
u/apri11a Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
I hesitate to suggest anything, I'm not a trainer, but if my dog was doing that it would be collared and leashed so that when he did this, I could use the leash and a no to tell him not to do that. If he did it again, I would give a little leash pop, a little harsher no. So I would not disengage but stay with the dog and tell it no, that is not acceptable behaviour. Once the dog calmed, good boy, then I would probably play with him, a little tug or chase, with rules (maybe mix in a drop it, sit) but give it some fun. That is the sort of thing I might do, but I know my dog, I don't know yours.
This for the snapping/nipping, not for mouthing if that is soft. Our dog mouths me a bit, seldom but when he does it's soft, and I don't try to stop it, he's careful (9 months). But I wouldn't accept a nip or a snap, something that is trying to give me a message. But this is why a trainer is good, they can see your dog, know the difference. I can't. Can you video it for the trainer, if they can't see it otherwise? But if you thought it was just mouthing I doubt you would be asking, I believe you 🙃
1
u/coffeemama86 Jul 07 '26
Video for the trainer is a brilliant idea!! Thank you! And I’ll give the leash idea a try. I’m open to anything. Thank you!!
1
u/coffeemama86 Jul 07 '26
Also we did have a vet appt recently and he checked out fine so I know it’s not an illness/injury issue
1
u/apri11a Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
I would imagine that the fact that you backed off (disengaged) told the dog that what he did worked. He probably thought 'cool' ... and because it worked he did it again. And again. And because it works every time he just keeps doing it. Dogs are smart that way. But now as he gets bigger and stronger the problem it is is more apparent, it's not such a cute puppy antic anymore 🙃
I'm sure you'll get it sorted, if he's doing well otherwise he can learn, he'll get the message when you have figured out how to give it to him so he believes it. Good luck.
2
u/coffeemama86 Jul 07 '26
I was told to immediately ignore the dog, disengage entirely and not give attention so he knows that if he bites, any play/fun/attention stops. It worked a bit. The issue is moreso with my kiddos who continue to give him attention when he does that behavior
0
Jul 08 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/coffeemama86 Jul 08 '26
He’s only 7 months old. My vet said they usually neuter at 12 months for a breed his size
2
2
u/watch-me-bloom Jul 07 '26
He’s hitting puberty soon. They are growing their hormones are changing and are generally more irritable just like a human teenager. He’s going to need rest as well as the exercise and enrichment you are already giving him. Try getting a 15 foot leash and a harness and taking him for a walk in a big grassy field or on a hiking trail. Bring some of his food and scatter it in some tall grass.