Olde English Bulldogge Puppy Extremely Aggressive

Question
I really hope you can help me out Christine.

My girlfriend really wanted a puppy so I purchased an Olde English Bulldog & American Bulldog Mix. The breeder gave us the puppy at 5 weeks old and its been a week and she has been a super terror to my girlfriend in particular.

My girlfriend would just touch the dog and the puppy would growl, bite and be extremely aggressive to my girlfriend. When myself, my grildfriends father and everyone else plays with her she is fine. Hardly any growling just nibbling a little and that is it. But with my girlfriend Abbey never fails in attacking and being aggressive.

Beleive me when I tell you we have tried everything from saying no, puppy spray (foul tasting liquid that they sell at the pet store to prevent from biting), pulling of the neck to stimulate motherly instincts, etc.

Christine please help or we just will have to get rid of Abbey.

Regards,
Joe

Answer
Joe,

In my opinion 5 weeks old is way to early for a puppy to leave it's mother and litter mates.  A puppy is usually not weaned until 6 weeks old, but you can wean earlier with bulldog breeds.  Still complete weaning is usually not until 6 weeks old.

As far as socialization, puppies are really focused on Mom and litter mates until 6 weeks old.  And then after they are weaned they still need the two weeks of litter socialization without Mom.  Then at 8 weeks old, they are ready to go to a new home.

It seems very unusual for a puppy of 6 weeks to be aggressive.  At this age, they should be very playful but not aggressive.

Sound like you are doing all the right things, although I would not use a puppy spray.  

Just grab the neck with a slight tug or shake and say NO-NO.  Then do every thing you can to let your girlfriend handle Abbey when she is tired or needing quiet time.

Make sure your girlfriend is never a part of any rough playing, but only quiet times.  Maybe she could be the one to give Abbey her puppy food.

You need Abbey to relate your girlfriend to good and quiet times.

If all these things fail, you may have to consider getting another puppy.  It is never a good idea to have an aggressive dog in your home.

Hope this helps!!!

Christine Puetz