Aggressive Puppy...

Question
I am raising a five-month old cockapoo puppy who is becoming increasingly aggressive. He's been a part of our household for just over four months and is very attached to me as his "mother figure." His name is "Duncan" and he can be so precious. He, on the other hand, seems to shy away from strangers, although not other dogs.

The problem usually arises after "potty" accidents. While caught in the act, my response to is to scold "NO!," then show him the spot and yell "NO!" at the spot. In doing this, his response, now, is to hide under a table as soon as he hears the initial "NO!" When I go to get him from
under the table, he starts this deep-bellied growl and shows his teeth. When I finally do go to pick him up, he snaps...hard. In fact, he recently left a deep wound on a friend's hand who tried to get him from under the table after an accident. I also noticed that if I pick him up when he knows he's in trouble, he has this high-pitched scream, or
squeal...long before any punishment has taken place; "it's very dramatic" my
roommate adds.

It seems that he does not like to be shown the spot. And refuses to remain still. When he attempts to snap, I try to pin him on his side, hold his head to prevent getting bit and release him once he calms down.
This does not seem to be working.

Also, I'm not sure if this is directly related, but I am crate training right now. He spends a lot of time in his crate, and is in there from 9-4 while I am working. Upon my return, he spends the rest of the evening out and is taken outdoors quite often. He seems to prefer being in
the crate rather than being left in a room, and only sleeps in his crate. He will actually enter the crate on command when I say "get in bed."

I'm wondering if this crate training is adding to his aggressiveness.

I would love to keep my puppy but am extremely concerned by this behavior. He's so well behaved around strangers and in public but aggressive towards those who enter my household. I have raised puppy's in a home but this is my first apartment-puppy experience. How can I correct this
behavior and fast before he strikes someone else?

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Dear Kimberly,
Thanks for the question. I'm so glad you asked it! I can help.

I haven't met Duncan, but my guess is that all his behaviors (even the shyness) are the result of how you choose to interact with him. Since your friends also get involved in delivering the punishment, it's no wonder he doesn't trust people. Please stop using punishment and stop "pin him on his side, hold his head to prevent getting bit and release him once he calms down".

I wouldn't classify any of his behaviors as out-of-context aggression. He is aggressive because he perceives a threat . . .  and he's right. . .  you are attacking him, aren't you?

Using punishment is not at all a good method to house train or to teach any other behavior for that matter. Duncan has no clue that your attacks (his point of view not mine)are related to his choice of location for eliminating. At best, you'll teach him that it is dangerous to eliminate when you are present.

The result will be: he'll refuse to eliminate when you take him outside (because you are near him). He will learn to sneak off away from you after he is back inside and then he'll eliminate.   

He already knows it is unwise (from his point of view) to be near you after you say NO. He will eventually learn to avoid coming to you anytime and to avoid being handled by you anytime. I know you love Duncan, but in essence, you are crushing any chances of having a wonderful companion.  

You would benefit (as would Duncan) by learning a bit about dog-friendly communication and training methods.

Please visit my web site, http://www.howsbentley.com and download the free house training guide.

Contact a trainer in your area, visit http://www.apdt.com At the very least, buy the book, Puppy Primer (Paperback)
by Brenda K Scidmore, Patricia McConnell.

Although your current methods may seem to be effective with some dogs, Duncan is not one of those dogs. He needs a completely different approach. If you are unwilling to change your training methods, your problems with Duncan will intensify.  Thanks for the question.

Happy Training!
AT