Temper tantrum or something else.

[ShilohsGirlJen]

Example- Morgan was sitting in front of the fridge so I asked him to move. He didn't move so I gently bumped him with the door. I had to do it several times, and I said move each time. On the third time he groweld and started to nip at the door.

Later my dad put his had on his shoulder to scootch him closer and Morgan barked, growled and then tried to nip my dad several times

He seems to do this when he is prevented from doing something he wants to. Ie putting his feet on the counter. We gently grab his collar and push him down.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

well, I would say "something else" meaning...a pup that will probably grow into a dog will probably be living the NILIF lifestyle for a while. To me, for a very young pup to be growling and nipping out of annoyance or displeasure at being handled is cause to really look at how I was interacting with it. Is the dog getting it's way too much of the time? being coddled or indulged?

IMO start as you mean to go on is a good way to think about it. I'd nip this sort of thing in the bud because the last thing you want is a 120+ pound male Leo who growls or nips when he doesn't want to do something, move from where he is, etc.

I would definitely start a NILIF programme with him and keep a lead on him in the house. Collar grabbing can lead to a dog that snaps or bites whenever someone reaches for his neck. This is a dog that wants to do the managing...not be managed, if you get my drift. Give him the command you want for 'please move yourself' and if he does not comply, take the end of the lead and move him that way. Use food as a lure if he likes it enough...but you don't always want to be dependant on food for him to mind either so be sure to wean him off that once the command is established.

Was this litter temperament tested and what did he score? Typically a pup like this would be a handful but your home seems and experienced one. Keep in mind that males of most breeds go thru and even more "fun" stage during adolescence with testing and macho doofus behavior so setting some ground rules now as to who is the being in charge...will serve you well!

[SapheraGirl]

I don't know much about Morgan's specific breed, but I do think most young pups test their boundaries, just like kids. I agree with Gina, NILF works great!

[Lora]

Ditto what Gina says... NILF NILF NIFL and now now now. Gotta nip that behavior in the bud before he gets too big to manage which as we all know happens in the blink of an eye. Good luck

[Hounds_N_Leo]

Most older pups, say 6-18 months do have a time where they test out your resolve yes. But IME as as owner/breeder the earlier a pup shows a tendency to resist handling, growling or snarking etc. The more likely it is that it's a personality trait that will require some type of awareness and management on the owners part. It's not bad since many times this personality comes with a really confident bombproof pup...but it is something to tailor your training to keep a handle on.

I've tested Akita pups at 8 weeks that will try to nip you when you restrain them, not playfully either they are OFFENDED that a mere human would dare oppose their will, lol. That's Akitas and not overly worrisome, BUT you don't put that pup into a novice home...or one where one of the folks is soft spoken or a bit anxious.


Pups come with a baseline way of being you can work with most times, long as you know that's what it is...and have a plan

[ShilohsGirlJen]

Will do. He is on a line most of the time. Will talk with the rants and discuss NILF. This is where I wonderful dad becomes a hinderance. He wants to be the spoiler and snuggler. They will be home in a week and we will hash it out. Being our first male we have some things to remember and Morgan came to us because we were experienced and have a good pack.

Thanks

[Swissies4Me]

Good luck with it. Gina always has great advice. Is he in a puppy class? I know in our puppy classes we work a lot on handling (feet, ears, collar touch, etc) which sounds like it might be a good thing for him. Just a thought.

[Itsapyr]

Hey Jenn I am like the lasy person in the world to give dog advise but this person is an affiliate of Pat Millers so don't know if you would find this any help.

http://www.konastouch.com/

I saw this one on her list of referrals too
http://www.debbiesdogs.net/

[ShilohsGirlJen]

I think we are going to get him into class in the next few weeks. The funny thing is we can do his nails, play with his ears, and he walks wonderfully on a leash. Just this one area.