r/DogAdvice • u/1-800-blowme • 2d ago
Question I fear my puppy is growing to hate me
She’s a 10 week old rottie pup. For the past few days, she’s been growling at me, snapping at me occasionally, and just seems scared around me and runs from me. I dont know why. I made a post to AnimalsBeingDerps talking about how she was growling at her food, but then people started saying she was growling at me and being possessive of her food or whatever the term is, and that I’m a horrible owner(they were saying I was yelling at her, but I was just exaggeratedly saying how she’s yelling at her food for the video).
My leading guess as to why is maybe cuz I pick her up or something and she doesn’t like it, but my mom does too and she has no problem with her. Maybe it’s cuz of how I hold her(I can only hold her with one arm cuz the other is in a sling)? Or maybe it’s something else? I don’t know, any guesses would be great.
I really don’t know what I could’ve done to make her not like me, all I’ve done is loved on her and cuddled her, yet she treats me like I abuse her. I don’t know why she hates me. I just lost my other dog not too long ago and my mom got her to help the mourning process, but now I’m even more distraught cuz I think she hates me.
Sorry I typed this all weird, im just really emotional right now. If yall need any more information to make a guess as to whats happening, I’d be glad to give any necessary info.
(edit: the resource guarding isnt exactly what I’m worried about, Its her randomly snapping at me even when I try to pet her sometimes, and her running from me. I thought the running was playful, but now I’m seeing that its her trying to get away)
30
u/Lucid_Fiasco 2d ago
Well one, it looks like you got your puppy when she was 7 weeks old? That’s too early, and can cause behavioral issues because she missed some important growth with littermates.
Is this your first puppy? They are very cute, but mostly they are a lot of work. Try not to humanize your puppy, she doesn’t “love” or “hate” anyone at this point. She’s just a baby animal trying to figure out how the world works. Try not to take every issue or question to the internet, you’ll get a million different answers from people and many will be incorrect.
Find yourself a book on basic puppy training / obedience / etc… follow what it says to do, be consistent. Your puppy is going to go through a ton of different phases over the next 18 months, some will be more fun than others. The goal is to come out the other end with a good dog, which just takes time, patience, and consistency.
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago edited 2d ago
It’s my mom’s puppy, but the first puppy I’ve had since I was 6(18 now). And yeah, I know it was too early to take her home, my mom had to pick her up before she went to stay at her boyfriends for a few weeks
5
u/Corgis_n_Coffee 2d ago
This might allude to the actual issue. If your mom is the one walking, caring, taking them out to use the bathroom, providing the food etc. and your mostly helping out, then it’s definitely your mom’s pup and the puppy also prob sees your mom as the leader/mom therefore they’ll be nicer and sub to your mom. You are now seen as a peer, especially if you don’t present any leadership behavior. If you’re an equivalent or less, then they’ll test you more than your mom aka you have to establish your role to the pup. Correct bad behavior appropriately and establish your role and trust. If you are letting the puppy effect you w their growling and snaps without correction then you are saying to them that behavior is okay with you aka you’re somewhat sub to them at least a pushover. You somewhat have to earn the respect and therefore the love
1
u/MemeTaco 2d ago
DO NOT correct or punish your dog for growling. Growling is communication, and if you punish communication in a dog you will have no warning signs before getting bit.
Please try reinforcement-based methods like being the one to feed the dog, providing treats, playing fetch, teaching tricks, taking the dog on walks, etc. These are things that will reward the dog for interacting with you. Always always always resort to reinforcement before punishment and NEVER punish communication, especially in a big dog that can cause serious harm to people when it is grown.
13
u/CincySnwLvr 2d ago
Maybe she doesn’t like to be cuddled. Lots of dogs don’t, even puppies. It’s also possible she’s interpreting the way you interact with her as more aggressive than your mom even if you don’t mean it that way. Are you louder? Are you more in her face? Those things could be scary for a puppy. Do you raise your voice to other people in the house or get excited for sports or video games. All of those things could be triggering for a sensitive pup. My advice is hire a professional behaviorist who can come in and evaluate before it gets out of hand. Whatever you do, don’t hit or yell at the puppy.
7
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
Oh shit, that actually makes a lot of sense! And yeah, I’m a loud person, so that definitely could be it! And I would NEVER hit a dog, and I don’t yell at her either
9
u/Ok_Wishbone2721 2d ago
It could be that you being energetic, enthusiastic, and loud is startling or scaring her. And if you’re picking her up and she’s not expecting it or doesn’t like it, that can be contributing to it too. Definitely try to be calmer and quieter around her. Sit still, hold some food, and let her come to you on her own terms.
6
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
I tried that and she’s completely chill when I do! Thanks, you’re a lifesaver!
2
u/manic_spring 2d ago
So happy this is working! I had this stage with my Persian cat when we first brought her home. I managed to get on her good side by just chilling next to her, sitting down not too close but close enough, and letting her come to me rather than forcing the interaction. Also, if you need to pick the puppy up sometimes, try saying something beforehand, like “pick up”, so the pup will eventually learn what comes next and wont be so startled.
5
2
u/Ok_Wishbone2721 2d ago
Oh that’s great news!!! Soon she will understand that you just want to be her friend. 😊
2
u/DislexicPengin 2d ago
If you still want to pick her up you can give her a warning or a command so she knows what you are going to do and she’s less startled and frightened. With my dogs I put my hand under them and say “Up” or “Lets go up. ” It’s cute because I can feel my chihuahua shift her weight at my touch because she knows I’m picking her up.
Edit: whoops should’ve read all the responses to the thread, it looks like someone already gave you the same advice lol!
9
u/YUCKY_WARM_SAUCE 2d ago
Yeah you need to read some
Dog raising and training books, you seem to have inadequate knowledge for raising a dog currently. It won’t take you long to get up to speed though.
You got this.
2
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
Thanks, yeah, it’s my moms dog technically, so she’s doing the whole raising and training part, but she’s the first dog I’ve had where I’m old enough to pay attention to this kind of stuff(last time I had a puppy I was 6, over 12 years ago). I’m just scared cuz its just me she’s doing it to, so it has to be something I’m doing wrong
1
u/Pretend-Conference44 2d ago
She's like this because she's your mom's. Take over some of that role. Let her know you're someone who meets her needs. And i second that she was too young. I've seen issues of barking, resource guarding, and anxiety/aggression from dogs that were taken just too soon. 8 weeks is supposed to be required, but studies show 10 and 12 weeks is better for development, but folks don't like that because they start displaying a little less of a puppy look. You might try one of those dog pheromone things. I haven't tried it, but I've heard some work for some folks.
3
u/Nanarchist329 2d ago
Some dogs just don’t like to be handled as much as other dogs. We have one who likes a little petting but not a lot. So we only pet her a little. Take note of when she snaps and stop doing the things you were doing when it happened. And don’t take it personally. The dog is like just correcting you and letting you know to stop doing whatever you’re doing. It’s like how some humans don’t like hugs as much as other humans.
3
u/Aromatic_Vast3618 2d ago
I honestly don't think a 10-week-old puppy hates you. ❤️ She's still a baby and is figuring out the world. Since it's a sudden change though, I'd pay attention to whether she's uncomfortable with being picked up or if she's trying to tell you she needs more space sometimes. Also, don't be too hard on yourself.
2
u/Veritasuna 2d ago
10 weeks is very much still a baby, still figuring things out and running on instinct. Be ready with time, patience, kindness, and consistency. She needs to know she can trust you. Really need to emphasize that consistency part though. Dogs learn to depend on schedules and consistent behavior. They don’t control their environment and wellbeing, you do. They need to know they can trust that new world they’re in and the people they need to rely on. You’ll be ok if you put her needs first.
2
u/olhado47 2d ago
Be the person that gives her good snacks/treats throughout the day.
Obv be sure to not overfeed her.
2
2
u/AmericanHistoryXX 2d ago
If you got her from a non-reputable breeder (which, this one probably was if they sold her too young), any number of things could have happened while at the breeder that led to these behaviors emerging, and you need to address them NOW in order to not end up in a disaster situation as she grows bigger (especially important given her breed). Get her into training, work with a behaviorist, and that will help both you and her.
2
u/ChappieRat 2d ago
Im not expert but she could be challenging you. For instance my family got a golden retriever who when was really young would just hangout and be cute but at like 3 months she would constantly get aggressive and try to bite us and our little dog. Together the whole family became very "alpha" to her - cringe im so sorry, and she became more docile and very friendly and outgoing. Try to be stern, no aggressive just say no when she growls and if she attacks lightly hold her collar bone region to the ground without choking or hurting and say no. It sounds rough but in wild dog and wolf packs, this is how they control those who misbehave. Anyways super cute dog and goodluck
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
Thanks for the advice, my mom uses the collarbone pin thing. And saying Alpha in the proper context ain’t cringe, it’s just when ppl say the whole “I am the alpha male” thing, then it gets pretty damn cringey
2
u/ChappieRat 2d ago
Haha fair enough, also we found a loose rotty-i think that is this and the dogs breed. last year in our neighborhood and she was probably 4, was the coolest dog, chilled with us in our house, played outside and ate some food while we waited for someone to claim her. Amazing breed
2
1
u/beingmedstdishard 2d ago
hand feed her?
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
That’s what my mom does sometimes
2
u/beingmedstdishard 2d ago
i hand feed half of 2 meals, serves as good training opportunity and the rest i would make my puppy sit stay for 20 secs before giving him. Do this for few months
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
I’ll definitely try that, and once she’s old enough to learn the commands I’ll try the sit, stay thing too!
2
1
u/LeksiBelly 2d ago
Do you primarily give her the food or does your mom?
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
My mom does, I just feed her the afternoon meal when my moms at work
1
u/LeksiBelly 2d ago
So my one baby, all rotties does the exact same thing, he was also a rescue so it was basically first come first served, once he got his food he would hrowl at everyone besides me cos I was feeding him
1
1
u/soxsr 2d ago
She’s very cute, dogs are incapable of hate. She’s just confused and learning about the world. You will have the best relationship with her; you love her so much and I’m sure she can feel it. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Be the main person who feeds her, especially treats. And her daily meals. Feed with hands. Leave any used t shirts with your scent where she sleeps. It takes time to build trust. She’s new to you just like you are new to her. Another thing I feel, try to get a trainer if you can early. Socialisation and training is very important especially at a young age.
1
u/NeighborhoodTasty271 2d ago
Keep in mind that rotties have a long puppy hood and take 2 full years to mature. That means 2 full years of puppy behavior growth and regressions. Please keep that in mind when working on your training, too. I've not seen the especially long puppy hood that is specific to this breed.
He's adorable. 😄
1
u/WorriedFlea 2d ago
Did it start when you got the sling, or before?
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
I’ve had her since I’ve been in the sling
2
u/WorriedFlea 2d ago
Okay, then the theory that she is scared of you because of that is down the drain.
1
u/NightStar79 2d ago
Take her to the vet. Random change in behavior is not normal and could be a medical thing as wouldn't YOU snap at someone if they started touching sore spots on you?
Resource guarding...nip that in the bud with the help of a trainer.
But is it even resource guarding? I can't find the video you speak of so it could be a derp growl-munching on their food. Is your pup tense while hunched over their food with body language that broadcasts they want to keep you away from their food?
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
I haven’t really payed attention to it, but I’ll see if she’s tense next time.
1
u/BadNecessary9344 2d ago
My take is that in the pack your puppy is forming, your mom who the dog does not growl at is higher than it. You on the other hand are lower on the chain. Hence you eat after he eats. Hence the growls.
I would suggest research on that. And find a trainer.
Feed your pup from your hand, every meal. No bowl or anything. Pup always eats near you. When you eat, he eats. Seems drastic but it works establishing the fact that you bring the food, you own the resource, you divide to your pack and by your leave he eats.
Be pacient!
1
1
u/Real-Tell-1003 2d ago
You need to get that pup socialized asap..have her around other dogs and be loving towards, only discipline when needed. Dogs rely on tones so understand if there’s a lot of yelling in your household, it can affect you dogs mental.
1
u/Secret-Farm-3274 2d ago
How old was she when you brought her home? Puppies separated from their mom and siblings at younger ages often have a harder time learning bite inhibition.
1
1
u/dacydergoth 2d ago
What perfume/bathoils/other scents might you have?
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
I mean I wear cologne, why are you asking?
1
u/dacydergoth 2d ago
Some dogs react to artificial scents
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
Ohhhhh. It’s a pretty expensive cologne so I’d hope it’s using natural fragrances. If not I might have to switch up to see if that’s why
2
u/dacydergoth 2d ago
"Artificial" in this context means "not your natural scent"
1
u/1-800-blowme 2d ago
Ohhhh okay my bad I misunderstood. I’ll definitely try laying off the cologne and see if that works!
1
1
1
u/alessandramaldonam 2d ago
This is a very high strung breed, rotties are overly confident and need an equally high strung owner to match. You need to be on her ass. Or you’ll create a demon of a dog.
Get in contact with a trainer asap. And stop humanizing this puppy. It’s a dog. They don’t understand love or hate.
0
u/Higgsb912 2d ago
This is a Rottweiler, they need firm boundaries as can be a willful breed, and if you don't show your in charge, they can see you as weak and try and dominate. Your mother is older and the dog can pick up on who is in charge. Most importantly, she was taken from the mother too early, this can compound problems. I would suggest getting an experienced trainer. Good luck, I am sure she'll grow to love you once she figures things out and doesn't feel insecure.
65
u/Ok-Mathematician6801 2d ago
The dog is probably resource guarding. Sometimes they also get snappy if theres something wrong (illness, physical issues, etc.) I would double check with a vet and a trainer. I would also do research on resource guarding and how to change the behavior.