why does my 7 week old staffi get vicious for no reason

by abby
(huddersfield, west yorkshire)

i have a 7 week old puppy and when i pick her up she growls and gets vicious, and even sometimes when i stroke her.

i don't know why ????





Hi Abby
This kind of behavior can happen when a puppy simply hasn't been socialized (at this age it means handled by humans) enough. She's scared and is reacting out of anxiety in an effort to protect herself.

It's something you will need to discourage and if she growls or nips at you then you need to follow the advice on my Puppy Biting page. Always correct her with a firm 'no', but be lovingly firm - don't shout, overreact or scare her more.

However, the most important thing right now is to get her more used to being picked up, handled and petted. But don't go overboard all at once and over-stimulate her as that won't help. As she's new in your home and still very young she needs time to rest and be on her own to relax. I'd recommend reading my Bringing Home A New Puppy page to learn more about what to expect during the first week or so.

Don't force her into being held, cuddled or petted too much, and try to allow her to come to you for attention at least part of the time. When you do pick her up, be slow and gentle about it and don't 'get in her face'. Crouching down to lift her up or stroke her, and petting her under the chin rather than reaching over her head are less threatening and will be less likely to cause her to growl or to retreat.

She's still a tiny baby and is probably scared and homesick for her momma and siblings, give her lots of love and attention, but also alone-time and be patient as she adjusts to her new home.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your new puppy.