aggression

Question
Hi;

I have a 12 week old black lab and I have a concern regarding aggression.  I understand puppies want to chew all the time but I'm a bit concerned by the following:

Three times she has stared at me and I stared back attempting to enforce that I'm the top dog alpha thing.  On the first occasion she backed off.  On the next two, she walked slowly towards me like she was stalking an animal and then charged me barking and biting/nipping.  

I am not mean in any way to my pup.  I love dogs and have never experienced this type of behavior with my previous dog (lab for 13 years).

What do you think?

Thanks - Joe  

Answer
Some Labs take strong leadership starting the day you get them.  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. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  How long have you had her?  The longer she was able to get away with dominating her litter mates, the tougher it will be.  Start working out of a book.  If you do classes, they need to wait until 2 weeks after the last of her puppy shots.  

Here are some more things to do:

''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.