Aggressive Behavior..

[Aubethany97]

We bought a full blooded Great Dane at 9 weeks old. He's now 15 weeks. Ever since we got him he acts like he's scared of everything. If we moved too soon or came at him too fast he would start freaking out and whining, almost like he's screaming. So we learned to be cautious around him. Well today it was raining and I tried to get him to go outside and potty. He looked outside and took off to the living room and squatted down and started peeing (He hasn't pottied in the house in 3 weeks). So of course I ran at home saying NO NO just by instinct. He then begins the screamish whine. I go towards him to try and calm him down and he lays down in his pee and begins pooping on himself. I reach down to pet him and his whine became a vicious growl. He attacked me. He tore up my arm and took off down the hall way. My 2 year old was siting in the hall way and reached toward him and then the dog bit him too. He bit me hard enough that I was bleeding. Then he runs to my room in the corner. I knew I had to put him in his kennel since my kids were running around so I put on some thick gloves and got him by the collar. He was still FREAKING out. Biting me through the gloves like a rabid dog, I've NEVER seen any dog act that way. I've never even heard a dog sound that vicious. So I'm pretty scared of him right now. Especially knowing how big he will get I'm scared he will hurt my kids. I know it sounds silly to be scared of a puppy but he's pretty big right now. I want to keep him. He's up to date on shots, never been around other dogs, and we have NEVER abused him. He's never even been spanked. What do I do?

[kahluadanes]

We bought a full blooded Great Dane at 9 weeks old. He's now 15 weeks. Ever since we got him he acts like he's scared of everything. If we moved too soon or came at him too fast he would start freaking out and whining, almost like he's screaming. So we learned to be cautious around him. Well today it was raining and I tried to get him to go outside and potty. He looked outside and took off to the living room and squatted down and started peeing (He hasn't pottied in the house in 3 weeks). So of course I ran at home saying NO NO just by instinct. He then begins the screamish whine. I go towards him to try and calm him down and he lays down in his pee and begins pooping on himself. I reach down to pet him and his whine became a vicious growl. He attacked me. He tore up my arm and took off down the hall way. My 2 year old was siting in the hall way and reached toward him and then the dog bit him too. He bit me hard enough that I was bleeding. Then he runs to my room in the corner. I knew I had to put him in his kennel since my kids were running around so I put on some thick gloves and got him by the collar. He was still FREAKING out. Biting me through the gloves like a rabid dog, I've NEVER seen any dog act that way. I've never even heard a dog sound that vicious. So I'm pretty scared of him right now. Especially knowing how big he will get I'm scared he will hurt my kids. I know it sounds silly to be scared of a puppy but he's pretty big right now. I want to keep him. He's up to date on shots, never been around other dogs, and we have NEVER abused him. He's never even been spanked. What do I do?

This is not normal puppy behavior at all... Sadly it sounds like this puppy didn't come from a responsible breeder and was never properly socialized.. I would 1) get this puppy checked out thoroughly by a vet to rule out any medical causes, get eyes, checked, etc.. I would contact a good trainer and have them evaluate this puppy... If medically he checks out fine and depending on outcome of trainer evaluation you may need to consider contacting a Great Dane Rescue and have them rehome him since you have young children. I also recommend contacting the breeder.

A purebred Dane from a responsible breeder that has been properly socialized and been worked with on manners should not/would not act in this manner.

[Aubethany97]

What do you mean by being "properly socialized"Â*

[Kumah]

Short positive encounters with adults (male and female), kids of varying ages, other animals (ie. Dog's and cats, etc), various surroundings, etc.
Perhaps he has poor eyesight? Otherwise the only other reasons I can think of for a puppy to behave this way are; a severe medical concern, or his lineage has some major behavioral problems.

[DeeDee63]

Keep us posted, I really hope all works out. The vet visit is the best idea to start to make sure no medical issues are causing the behavior. All the best!

[Hiraeth]

I agree that a vet visit and then hiring a trainer is in order.

This strikes me as a very strong fear reaction. Whether that's warranted or not... Well, you did say you yelled 'no' at him when he started urinating. Do you often correct/punish and tell him 'no'? The fact that he attacked when you reached down towards him makes me think that he thought he was going to get punished. I don't believe that this is straight aggression - I believe it's fear aggression.

Either way, you're going to need professional help to work through this issue.

[Aubethany97]

I've contacted his vet. She thinks it's anxiety but we are getting an appointment so she can examine him. We've decided to give him another chance but if this happens again he will have to be taken to Dane rescue.Â*

[Hiraeth]

It's likely going to happen again, unless you alter your training techniques and work with a professional behaviorist.