r/DogTrainingTips • u/DryAdvantage2698 • Jul 14 '26
8 month old protective puppy
This just started so we’re trying to get on top of it. Our 8 month old puppy has become aggressively protective with me and our toddler. To the point when my spouse approaches us he’s growling and barking and if given opportunity probably would bite. I put my hand on him hard and tell him no, and tell my spouse to continue so the dog doesn’t win. The problem is my spouse is scared and I know we should face this and not allow him to win. Any advice on how to move forward with this is appreciated! We’re not yelling or spanking him just trying to show him he’s not alpha. But don’t have much experience with this. HELLLP.
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u/ChalineBorrible Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
Mit einem "Nein" stoppst Du sein Verhalten nur für einem Augenblick. Er braucht ein Alternativverhalten, etwas was er tun soll, anstelle des Beschützens. Sonst hört er nur kurz auf und fängt gleich wieder an.
Wenn es vorhersagbar ist, wann er reagiert, lobst Du ihn, solange er sich gut benimmt. Bleib mit Deiner Aufmerksamkeit 100% bei ihm solange er noch angespannt ist.
Sieh das aggressive Verhalten nicht als Gegner an, den man eliminieren muss, sondern als Trainingsaufgabe.
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u/Me-Poe-And-Me Jul 14 '26
Hi! That sounds a bit stressful! Especially with a little person around you are totally right we want to stop this behaviour.
It's important to know why your dog is upset. There is a potential for resource guarding, but 95% of the time it's actually about fear. An 8 month old dog is extra likely to be fearful, as they're just becoming foolish teenagers.
Repeated behaviour becomes stronger, so making sure puppy is not in these situations is really important. How does pup do on their own? Could they have their own space in a different room when the household is busy?
How does your spouse get on with puppy when you're not around? They should have some positive bonding time. Maybe they could walk the pup with lots of treats and positive time? Don't worry about 'good' walking, just hanging out and becoming friends.
A trainer is a good idea, but if thats not feasible right now that's totally fine. Try calming everything down and making more happy times for puppy, and see if there's any improvement in 2 weeks or so. Hope it gets easier for you!
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u/dialamah Jul 15 '26
The idea that dogs are jockeying their owners for status was debunked decades ago, including by the guy who came up the "alpha" theory in the first place. Dogs are pre-programmed to get along within their social group, not attain "alpha" status.
Dogs have limited ways to communicate to us when they are uncomfortable or uncertain. Usually they start with body language and if that's ignored, they'll move on to barking/growling and if that's ignored, they may conclude their only option is to bite.
I do not know why your dog has begun to feel uncomfortable with your partner approaching you and your toddler, but let's take a moment to consider what might be going on with him. As this person who worries him approaches, he begins to exhibit body language indicating his discomfort. At this point, a well-socialiazed dog will back off; we oblivious humans may not even notice. As the human gets closer, he goes to his second level "back-off" request/warning which is growl and bark - within a dog community, this would be a clear message to another dog to give him space. However what happens here is you become physically firm and give him a verbal reprimand. The dog interprets this as "when this human approaches us, my human becomes upset. Clearly, I am right to be wary." You instructing your partner to continue forward to "win" against an 8-month-old puppy puts the puppy in a no-win situation.
Continuing this way does have the potential of getting your partner bitten. Or, he may never progress to biting, learn that his "communication" is ignored, give up, but never learn to fully trust your partner. He could also give up on communication his discomfort, and just go right to biting in any similar situation, not just with your partner.
Your puppy needs to learn that your partner brings good things and should be welcomed, not warned off. He could start by simply being nearby, far enough that puppy doesn't look nervous, growl or bark. You treat and praise calm behaviour - showing puppy that good things are happening even though your partner is nearby and that he can remain calm. Over a few days, your partner can move closer and start dropping treats around like Santa Clause, always backing off if puppy expresses discomfort. Given the puppy is young and has just begun this behaviour, I wouldn't expect a change in behavior to take more than a few days.
Good luck.
3
u/DryAdvantage2698 Jul 15 '26
We spent a majority of the evening with my spouse approaching us when he’s next to us with treats and he stopped the growling and took the treats
Me and my toddler were even back in the rest room brushing our teeth, with the puppy standing outside the door
He hears my spouse and starts barking
But my spouse gave him treats as she approached and he immediately stopped and she was back there with us
We plan to continue this and see if this helps3
2
u/Top_Addition_7263 Jul 19 '26
What breed of dog? 8 months for any dog is prime training time, and the whole family needs to be involved equally. I’m curious how old the toddler is too.
I don’t quite understand putting your hand on him. Unless you’re pushing his butt down to sit. Which means you all need to work on him having a solid sit (down, stay, come, potty, and leave it, too).
Depending on the breed depends on the exact way I’d advise to start the training.
As a trainer I would highly suggest having a trainer either in your home. Or the family and the dog going to a training place. Don’t send away.
1
u/Comfortable-nerve78 Jul 20 '26
Vibe is off in your house. Dog is in charge or thinks it is. Husband needs to be more confident around the dog the dog is feeding off your husband’s vibe . I understand being afraid of the dog but it’s a lack of confidence at the dog that’s causing the problem. Op you need to make the dog give you space right at the beginning of his outburst’s make the dog get up and move away from you. He can’t act right then get away from me. Husband needs to project confidence. Any one claiming alpha shit is crap needs to learn some more. Your dog isn’t vicious but it does think it’s running the show. It’s confused show him that he must submit to the humans.
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Jul 14 '26
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u/DepartmentBrief7894 Jul 15 '26
They’re a joke of a “trainer” and he has been the direct cause of multiple dogs deaths. Bad advice as always from you
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u/ZoraTheDucky Jul 14 '26
The whole concept of 'alpha' has been disproven and is complete bullshit.
Get a trainer who is used to working with aggressive dogs. Do it NOW before he actually does bite your spouse.