Advice on puppy attacks(!)

DobbyTheBullie

Hello, new member (first post). My partner and I have a 4 month EBT puppy who's been with us now since early February (8weeks old). He's a lovely pup and trains so well (we attend weekly puppy classes) he is doing really well with potty training and even starting to get the hang of walkies...but we have one major problem area, which can get out of hand very quickly - biting/aggression.

Please tell me is this normal behaviour?

He is always trying to bite hands/arms/ankles when playing but he can take this too far and gets quite aggressive/adamant he is going to bite/nip.

We have tried all types of techniques; from yelping (he doesn't understand this at all), ignoring, time outs, smacking nose/bum to pinning him down (which I HATE doing).

He is still teething and only young but a big pup and strong with it so want to nip this in the bud (no pun intended) before he gets so big it becomes a danger problem. He can really hurt and I'm covered in little cuts and bigger bruises already.

Any advice would be great...thank you.

Djammy

Welcome @DobbyTheBullie,

we have been discussing this topic especially during the last few weeks and months A LOT!

I know that you are new to the forum and probably also new to the breed. But, please forgive me that I do not take the time to write down the entire story AGAIN today.

Let me only say this: Everything that your Bull Terrier is doing is normal. You need to start a regular obedience training regimen asap. But on the other hand you need to give your measures time. This behavior can't be "cured" over night.

You need to understand that baby Bull Terriers just go through this phase - like it or not - and that every tactics against it will need its time to show effects. You need to be loving, but consistent.

Your dog is not bad, it's just young and full of energy.

Please use the SEARCH in this forum to find our last discussions about this for "aggression" "biting" "nipping" and keywords like that or just scroll down the list of discussions. I am sure that tons of info and advice will pop up immediately.

In case my answer comes across a little bit annoyed, please don't take that personal. It has nothing to do with you personally and especially when new to the breed I can't encourage you enough to ask questions.

Be curious, READ about the breed, if necessary find a trainer - one who is familiar with the breed, because even unfamiliar trainers are sometimes overwhelmed - and keep asking questions.

Oh, and I almost forgot: I do have some info ready on my own website about character and training of the breed. Maybe this is also another good starting point for reading and helps a little.

DobbyTheBullie

Thanks Djammy - just glad of some direction.

I grew up with EBTs as a young child but this is our first one now as adults (previously had SBTs). So used to training SBTs and this felt very different to our previous dogs. I've had a look through your webpages and seems we are doing the right thing, we will just have to wait and hope he settles down eventually.

I did search the forum but it seemed to bring back results containing any word and wasn't very helpful (pages and pages). I did see "pinning method" mentioned a few times and was trying to find the method but struggling. If you (or anyone) has a link to think would be very grateful.

I am pinning but worry I am not doing it right as can sometimes he has calmed down but soon as I let go attacks again.

Thanks again!

Djammy

@DobbyTheBullie

Consistency and patience at that age are your best shot. The methods you are using do not only have to be appropriate for the dog and in relation to the behavior. You also need to feel comfortable applying them yourself. There's almost never only one way you can go.

Owning a new dog is also about finding YOUR OWN way to handle things.
I myself, for example, have tried pinning a few times and feel like this is no method for me.

I have dug up one of our latest discussions on puppy aggression and some of my own essays, so you don't have to try and find the needle in a haystack.

http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/2925/help-bull-terrier-attacking-my-kids#latest
http://www.bullterrierfun.com/afraid-bull-terrier-will-become-aggressive-dog/
http://www.bullterrierfun.com/help-english-bull-terrier-keeps-jumping-hurting/
http://www.bullterrierfun.com/the-aggressive-puppy/

I have to say though that talking to different people, getting different views most of the time is the best way to find your own way according to my own experience.