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New neapolitan puppy:)

Aysa16

New Member
Hey everyone. My husband and I recently got a neapolitan puppy! First for us. We previously have had bully breeds, currently still have a 12 yr old pitbull who is my baby. We lost our olde english bulldog last august so we're happy to have our new puppy home. His name is Aysa and he is a tawny. Currently 9 wks and 20lbs. Question for everyone- He does not seem to like any other dog except our pit who we brought him home to. We've taken him out on several occasions and every dog he comes in contact with he tries to attack. I've read normally neos are not too fond of other dogs but I though socializing him early would help prevent that. Do you think maybe he is just too young still??Thanks for input! Heather~~ White family
 

Hiraeth

Well-Known Member
I think it is actually a seriously bad sign if a 9 week old puppy is trying to violently attack other dogs. Are you sure he's attacking and not playing roughly?
 

Aysa16

New Member
Sometimes he seems to be playing but if the dog is hyper or seems to be a threat, he starts growling and his hair stands up, he seems to actually want to go after them if he could....and I'm talking about full grown dogs like a boxer and shepherd
 

Hiraeth

Well-Known Member
I think it would be in your best interest to hire a professional canine behaviorist who endorses positive training methods to view your puppy's interactions with other dogs.

True aggression in puppies is exceedingly rare and indicates some sort of "wrong wires crossed" situation in the brain. Overstimulation is fine, and puppies can seem to be very aggressive when they are actually just overstimulated and throwing a tantrum, but if he's really aggressively going after other dogs, you need professional input.

Have you discussed the situation with the breeder?
 

Wilsy

Well-Known Member
Usually 9 weeks old is very young for a pup to be away from his mother and siblings although obviously in this situation it couldn't be helped. His mother would have started to teach him some early social skills and it may well be that due to her passing away he has missed out on this which has left him rather overzealous in his playing and unable to to interpret other dogs body language. Are there any puppy classes available nearby that you could take him to? He is still plenty young enough to correct this behaviour.
 

Aysa16

New Member
Thanks for all the input! I am going to be taking him to class soon. He gets his second round of shots this week and then I'll start. Hopefully he will learn better behavior! I will also ask the breeder how the other puppies are doing. I am trying to figure out how to get a picture of him on here:))Heather
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
When at class, ask about a puppy play group. I think having some time to play with some random puppies his own age might help him feel more comfortable around unknown dogs. I would be on alert to see if this is a fear reaction or a protection instinct (seems early for that), or true aggression (also early for that). Classes should be a big help.

Make sure you take time with him every day alone - without the older dog around. You want to make sure he's confident in his own skin, and doesn't rely on his puppy big-brother too much.

Oh, and WELCOME to the forum!! :)
 

MM1234

Well-Known Member
Welcome!!!! Please post pics when you can, Love me some Neo puppies! They are adorable!