Expert: Breeder - 7/29/2006

Question
Hello!
I have a nearly 8 week old Bichon Frise, Gordie, and I was wondering if I am fostering bad behavior. We have a hand puppet that we use to play with him, and he gets pretty aggressive, shaking it, growling, etc.. Although he wags his tail and is generally happy whilst attacking this hand puppet, we were worried that we were teaching him aggressive behavior. I am confused at what to play with my puppy without fostering aggression and bad behavior :) - is the hand puppet attack good or bad.

Thank you very much for your time and attention!

Em

Answer
First, eight week old puppies should still be with there mother and litter mates till 12 weeks of age.

So the dog could be a little dysfuctional just from being taken too early.

You will not make the dog agressive form playing with him.

Dogs that are agressive comes from poor breeding.