BellaVideoPuppyPlay (click link)
It may be hard to tell if your puppy is showing aggression or just playing. You’ll be relieved to know that what seems like an aggressive puppy is usually a puppy initiating play time and needs your direction for appropriate behavior. (Please note: if there is an actual bite/puncture, seek a trainer’s help right away.)
Bella Tidwell just wants to play but her owners double-checked with our awesome trainer, Tammy MacLean, just to make sure. Tammy instructed Bella’s owners as follows:
Thank you for taking the time to send me the video of Bella. It was very revealing!!!
Bella is 100% playing/trying to entice you to play in that video! There is not one single ounce of mean or negatively aggressive behaviour displayed at all in the video. This is normal adolescent play behaviour, I promise you!
When she is doing this, try crouching down and holding your arms out to her (about half way out, kind of like you are setting up to embrace a child that is running toward you for a hug). Keep your palms facing up somewhat so your body language is inviting. This will let her know you are welcoming her and she will more than likely come over to you for a snuggle. If she does, try to have a calm, petting, cuddle moment with her and then you could follow up with going to get a toy with her (‘do you want to play?’ ‘where is the rope toy?’ ‘let’s go find the rope toy’ etc..) and then play for a few minutes. She will probably be a bit bouncy at first so make sure she doesn’t knock you down when you are crouched lol and be ready to stand up to steady yourself !