aggresive behavior

Question
I own a nuetered male cairn just turned 12 mos, great dog.  I have owned two Bouviers and a Lab over the years, I'm 53 and live by myself with very large yard.  I figured it was time for a smaller dog.  He has a playfull growl when we play and have tug of war or fetch etc. but sometimes he will
grab my hand, mouthing it at first but will keep up the pressure until I disipline him firmly, he responds and will back off barking at me. Is this aggresive behavior that will worsen or will he outgrow this? The minute he starts I tell him NO Biting at which he will let go but he seems frustrated.  My vet taught me to firmly but gently hold him down until he cools off. He has lots of toys and we go for walks and he chases rabbits etc in the yard, he gets along well with other people and is very loving, can you give me some tips to break him of this. He is my first terrier and Much different than the Bouviers or Lab, but a great little
dog. Thanks and keep up your good work, I wish more people were doing what your doing.  

Answer
Brian -

Yes, you are certainly in for a whole new experience with being the Dad of a 12 mo old male cairn.... At that age they really seem to get "full of themselves" and start testing limits.  And making sure you remain the big dog in the house is vital.  I can't tell you how often we see dogs just this age enter rescue because they end up running the household instead of the other way around.

I am NOT going to advocate the use of the alpha type behavior your vet seems to prefer. Mostly because this can be a dangerous action and secondly because your dog is a terrier - Very few people, including many great trainers just don't "get" the terrier temperment I do not think it accomplishes much to butt heads since we are supposed to be the smarter species and it is that factor I prefer to use in getting rid of this behavior.

Your first question is whether or not it will get better - and the answer is no - not unless you address it now. and yes, it could well get worse.

There are 3 things I want you to start with.  1 - Figure out what the very best treat he likes is, 2 - make sure he knows how to sit, and 3 - stop playing tug o war with him.  I say that because that is an activity that encourages him to bite, grab, and hold on.  and he is simply not going to understand that it's OK on the toy, but not on you.... opt for things like throwing balls, or throwing his tug toys....

Then, I want you to work on the theory that "nothing in life is free" for him. He has to act like a gentleman to get anything he wants - meals, going outside, treats, toys.  Every single time you go to give him something, make him sit and wait a couple of seconds.  This teaches him that YOU are the source of all that is good in life... works on his ability to think about what you are going to want from him and yet leaves him a way to get what he wants.

The growling is pretty normal since cairns tend to "talk" but again, I would get rid of even the slighted mouthing right away.

Another thing that you may wanna try when he goes to mouth you is to whip your hand away and say OUCH in a high pitched voice, and then turn away from him.  Most dogs are not seeking to hurt you and will look pretty shocked at this....

I hope this gets you started with seeing opportunities in your daily life with this guy to work on his overall manners.  This will continue to be essential so that he can act appropriately for the 12-14 yrs you have ahead of you !

-Beth