Puppy Advice

Why does my puppy growl and nip at children?

It is important to tackle problems that puppies are having with children early to ensure the safety of the children and to prevent a lifetime habit of being aggressive to children.

Fluffy black and white puppy sitting with young child

What is aggression?

Aggression can be classified as any seemingly hostile act that a puppy makes towards a child. This can include growling, snarling, snapping, nipping, and biting.

Why do they do it?

There is always a reason why puppies behave aggressively to children. Finding that reason can lead you to a long-term solution to the problem. Puppies are usually aggressive to children for one of three reasons:

in play – even though it looks like aggression, it may not be
to keep the child away because they are afraid
to stop teasing or unwanted approaches

Playful Biting

Some puppies bite at children because they see them as potential playmates, especially if the child is running or moving fast. Although they don’t mean any harm, sharp pointed puppy teeth can cause hurt and damage to a child’s soft skin. Play biting needs to be stopped quickly and channelled into games with toys.

Fearful of Children

Many puppies do not have any or adequate socialisation with children in the litter and while very young. As a result they can be fearful of them when they meet them later. If they are forced into contact with a child, they can quickly learn to use aggression to keep them at a distance.

Being Teased

Sometimes puppies have had enough of children pulling them around, picking them up, or waking them up when they are trying to rest. If this goes unchecked for long enough, puppies may resort to aggression to keep the child away. Since young puppies need a lot of sleep, they may also become grumpy if they are kept awake by the interest and activity of the children when they should be resting.

Managing puppies and young children

Plenty of rest
Always make sure your puppy has plenty of time to rest away from the noise and distraction of children
Safe space
Make the puppy’s resting area a no-go zone for children
No picking up
Watch out for children picking your puppy up too often or in a way that is uncomfortable for your puppy, and don’t allow any teasing.
Play with toys
Show children how to play successfully with toys with your puppy instead. Make sure you have shown your puppy how to play well first, and teach a good retrieve so that it is easy for the children to play too.

How can your Puppy School Tutor help?

On Week Two of your Puppy School course your tutor will discuss the topic of play biting with you and answer your questions.

In some cases they may recommend a home visit to provide additional 121 support and guidance for you regarding appropriate management strategies and teaching your puppy to play with toys.

Need more help?

If you do not think your puppy is biting in play then it may be your puppy is worried about interacting with children. In these cases it is best to seek professional help fast. Your tutor will be able to help you find an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist when further advice and support is needed.

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— Maria