[Lucyishername]

Our puppy is 6 months old and sometimes for no reason she will try to bite my son. Today she got him in the neck and thank God did not cut the skin. Please help me. It happens when he picks her up, she will snarl and snap. I know the obvious anwers is for him not to pick her up. What could cause her to do this. And it only happens when it is time for her to go to her crate.

[skelaki]

She does not think of your son as being above her in the pack hierarchy. Plus, when he picks her up it puts her at his level and in her mind, his being below her in the pack, this gives her the right to correct him.

And then you have the fact that she's 6 months of age and is now entering the teenage phase. This is when pups start testing the pack rules and seeing if they can raise their pack position.

Put her on a strict nilif program (google alpha dog boot camp for information) and daily obedience training. Have your son assist with these under supervision. Keep her in a collar and lead at all times you are there tp supervise her. This gives you a way to insist she go into her crate when you want and it also gives a way to correct her. Things such as growling and biting deserve a level 10 correction (appropriate to the dog's size, age and temperament).

Under supervision have your son take over as much as possible of the dog's care. The dog should have to depend on him for every good thing it gets. You don't say how old your son is but even if he's very young he can feed and help train her with your help.

Read the sticky "the bite stops here" also for more help. This is something you want to put an immediate stop to.

[BoxMeIn21]

I would institute the NILIF program and have your son stop picking the dog up. It's not natural in the canine world.

http://www.dogforums.com/3-dog-train...life-free.html (NILIF (nothing in life is free))

You do not need to use the leash for "corrections" - unless you are into physically punishing your dog. True Alpha's do not correct by force and yanking your dog around by the leash does nothing for your status as a leader - use your brain not brawn.
The kinder more humane way would be to show your dog how to act instead (that's what real leaders do. )

I think once you insitute NILIF and everyone stays consistent, you will see a good change in her attitude.
Also instead of physically putting in her crate, try luring her with a tasty treat instead. Having her go in willingly is much better than you forcing her in there.
I'd also suggest reading "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell
Here is a good article on the misconceptions of dominance:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti.../dominance.htm

And a few training articles for to help you with your pup:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2001/crate.htm
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...ppyshaping.htm
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...c/mouthing.htm
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...1/puptrain.htm

[cshellenberger]

Your pup is DEFENDING herself! Quite standing by while your son picks her up, stop him and show LEADERSHIP by being her protector!

THEN you can start a NILIF program to train them BOTH!!!!

[poodleholic]

Originally Posted by cshellenberger

Your pup is DEFENDING herself! Quite standing by while your son picks her up, stop him and show LEADERSHIP by being her protector!

THEN you can start a NILIF program to train them BOTH!!!!

Excellent advice.

[Jen D]

I didn't see it mentioned but how old is your son and what happens when the pup does this?