Expert: Susan Downes - 7/24/2007

Question
hi I have a two year old puggle. he is the sweetest loving kind dog 99% of the time, however he has the tendency to be very aggressive if bothered when sleeping, no matter who he is sleeping with if you touch him, try to move him, or recently just walk into the room he gets horribly violent. He growls and lunges, and has bitten me on two occasions. It is not your typical dont bother me growl, it is a deap throated, growl, the kind you hear rabid dogs make or even wild wolves. Any type of discipling also brings about this behavior. I am frankly beginning to get really scared of my dog and worry for my 7 year old son. Is this something that can be fixed, or should I get rid of this dog before he has the chance to hurt me or my family really bad. thanks very much!

Answer
Hi Belinda, Wow, this is an unusual one for me. I can tell you lots about poodle and pug behavior issues, but these new "designer dogs" are often very different. My first thoughts would be that because he is a half bracheocephalic dog, there may be some kind of medical issue going on. Often times pugs need nares (nasal surgery) or palette resection, it is very common. If the dog is snoring excessively it should see a vet. He may not be getting deep sleep like he needs, which may be making him cranky. They are usually quite mild mannered, like the poodle and easily trained (the pug part should not be trained with food as a motivator because they get overweight fast). The only temperament issues that I know about with the cross of those breeds is that they can get very problematic if left alone too long. Having said all of that, I do not mean to frighten you. If you have not already obedience trained him, I would begin immediately. He is clearly challenging the family to be the alpha dog, and sounds like he might be winning. Remember aggression begets aggression, so don't smack him. But he does need understand who is in charge. If you can do it, you should set him up and be prepared. Wear gloves and long sleeves if you must. When he snaps or growls, immediately roll him onto his back, hold him down by the throat (don't hurt him) and stare him down. Don't break eye contact at all and do not release him until he looks away and stops struggling. There are several other methods you could use as well and I highly recommend a skilled trainer with a background in aggression and biting behavior problem solving. You do not want a trainer that is going to hang him by a choke chain or anything crazy like that, but someone who is not frightened of him. I am assuming that he is neutered. Should you decide to give him up, you must let the new owner know of this problem to avoid any liability. But I don't think he is beyond help. It really depends on how you feel about him, how much time, energy and money you want to invest in his training and possible medical expenses. Being a mother, your motherly instincts will guide you well, I am sure. Leave me a follow-up with some feedback. Let me know if you have had the vet look at his palette and nose well. This dog concerns me as it is rare that such a young dog would be so violent awaking from a nap. Please keep me posted, Belinda. Thanks. Regards, Susan