Aggressive black lab puppies

Question
I am writing for advice on aggression between two 7-week-old black Labrador pups, a brother and sister from a litter of 13 puppies.  I understand that puppies must play together to learn skills and develop muscle control but it has recently got to the point where it is very vicious and appears more than happy play.  If my husband or I are busy doing something else in the same room the bitch will get easily bored with waiting for our attention or her chew or toy, seek the dog out and attack him with fierce biting and tugging.

I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to how we should deal with the puppies when they are behaving this way.  Should we separate them at the time, say no loudly with a smack or let them play and it will slowly stop with their maturity?  We are eager to send a strong, consistent signal to the young dogs.

Thanking you in anticipation,

J Matthews


Answer
It sounds like standard puppy play to me.  I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another Lab.  Even if they become fairly vocal, I would let them go.  If they start getting the hair on the back standing up , noses wrinkled, and the growls become low, it may be time to tell them no and give them a time out.  At 7 weeks, they may still need to finish up their social skills some.  7 weeks is a good time to go to their new home, having learned much of dog etiquette and be ready to adjust to new conditions.  Before 6 weeks, and they miss critical dog socialization.