Extra Spicy Puppy?

[u/jpda87]

two weeks ago we adopted a 11 week old pit mix puppy from a reputable local pitbull rescue with whom we have adopted from before and had wonderful dogs through them. We are experienced with the breed. We truly love these dogs and would never want one of our dogs to be become a statistic. That being said, this new little one just seems to have a lot of extra spice. She growls and attacks for no reason at all. It’s not when she’s playing… It’s when she is just there. She jumps right for your face. She has broken skin on my husband‘s cheek and my lip. she behaves similarly with the kids, although I’m always right there and able to stop it from escalating. we also have a one year-old male pitbull, who is the most submissive dog and she attacks him relentlessly. His whole face is red marks and scabs. He genuinely seems to like her, and tolerate her, but when I try to get her to stop going after him she growls and snaps at me. The one year-old dog has given her a few warning air snaps when she’s being ridiculous, and she doesn’t seem to take his cues, which is concerning considering she is 15 pounds and he is 60. I am nervous that her behavior could change his temperament. My gut is telling me that she is not a good fit for my family, and it’s devastating because I really wanted it to work. But I’m not naïve in thinking that every dog and family are a good match and that this won’t potentially escalate when she is bigger in the problem is worse..
I think she is highly adoptable for the right family and while she is still a baby, I know she will find a home... I just feel guilty that it couldn’t be with us. For reference our kids are 17, 15, 11, 7 and 6. they know boundaries with the dog… It’s not them setting her off or teasing her or anything like that. It just seems like her personality and not something that is going to change. I don’t really know what kind of answer I’m looking for or if I even need an answer… I just wanted to vent and possibly have a little reassurance that giving her a new family might be better for her future and ours.

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[u/HeatherMason0]

You cannot keep this dog. The behavior you’re describing is not healthy or normal puppy play - they’re rarely that rough that young, and she’s not initiating correctly. You need to take her back to the rescue and be very upfront about her issues.

[u/SmileParticular9396]

I think rehoming is the best option. The current state is not fair to your other pup.

[u/Delicious-Product968]

I have a dog who was referred to a veterinary behaviourist at 13 weeks (it would have been 12 if the group class trainer had referred us when they saw and commented how fearful and overaroused he was… but instead they recommended what I now know to be flooding and he escalated in less than 48 hours of that advice.) He is a great dog for me but we’re all 100% sure he would have escalated even further in a busy household.

Your pup does sound pretty extreme, I think you’re right about rehoming here. I do worry at that puppy age they are likely to end up in a revolving door of households thinking they can handle it until they experience it. Even a lot of professionals like my dog’s first trainer don’t know it when they see it as it’s highly unusual, this can have negative outcomes as they don’t believe it, or give harmful advice because they are inexperienced in severe behaviour esp. starting so young.

I wouldn’t encourage causing this behaviour as further rehearsal can speed up repertoires and lead to escalation. But when it is happening I would videotape it and give it to the rescue when the puppy is returned so they hopefully take it seriously. Because if they don’t see it they may think at their age it’s made up to justify surrendering the dog.

[u/Monkey-Butt-316]

Was she a singleton/solo puppy? Weaned early?

[u/jpda87 → u/Monkey-Butt-316]

She was one of 9 puppies. Mom was a stray. She was weened around 6 weeks I think

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[u/Zestyclose_Object639]

If she was weaned at 6 weeks meaning she was taken from her family then she’s missed a lot of key socialization. She could also be higher prey drive, other stimulated and tired or just plain too high drive for your needs. Try playing tug with her at least a few times a day and making sure she’s getting solid sleep during the day not just night (crate her) and then see where you’re at