german shepherd pit bull mix aggression signs

Question
Hey there. I just got a 8 week old german shepherd pit bull mix and he is showing signs of aggression already, and its not the normal puppy activities. He sometimes will growl and show teeth and snap just from me picking him up or moving him, he will growl any time he looses control. I have kids and I need this problem to be fixed asap. I do not have alot of money to spend on an expensive trainer. He doesnt show signs of aggression around food or toys just when you hold him too long or pick him up sometimes, but not at all when he gets a bath.

When I got him a week ago he was kept outside his whole life and his mother (german shepherd) died when he was two weeks old, so he was only around his brothers and sisters and his dad (pit bull) I really am not sure if this is ok or what I should do to try and fix it, I have had several puppies before and none of them have ever growled at me like he does, he growls like an adult dog would and he is going to be a really big boy and I need to know whats ok and whats not before its too late. Thanks so much in advance.

Answer
I ma not sure it is aggression, but more dominance.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.