I'm new to all this puppy stuff. I've had puppies when I was 8-10 years old but now I'm 18. I've had my puppy at home for about 2 weeks now, she's almost 2 months old. For the first week, she was shy then a bit playful, obeying my every command and training well. Lately, she's been growling when I try to pick her up and today she snapped when I was only petting her. She bit me. My mom thinks my working hours changed her personality a bit, but she often takes care of her while I'm out. I work from 20-36 hours a week, taking a couple days off a week, usually 8 hours every work day. Is her aggression something I can change because I certainly don't want her thinking she's the dominant one in the family? I also have a 3 year old baby sister that I don't want to be harmed. Help needed!


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I don't know what to say, except you need a good class in puppy socialization. They will help you help her. Any kind of active punishment (hitting, yelling etc) may make her worse. I would not let her near the 3 year old. Get a puppy playpen and she will be safe from the puppy, and the puppy will be safe from the 3 year old. As for the biting, I don't know if it is a puppy temper tantrum, or what. I'd get up and leave her for a few minutes. As for picking up, many chi's, including mine, don't like it at all. I sit on the couch, and let them come up the puppy steps to me.,

First things first...don't panic!

There could be many reasons why she is reacting the way she is. It could be that she doesn't like to be picked up. Maybe she is hurting? Have you taken her to the Vet?

I would work on training her with positive reinforcement and some socialization
Here is a link to a website with lots of training information. Start with basic commands and try clicker training too!

Learn how to train your dog

But first relax and don't get frustrated, because she will pick up on your moods too. That website has information about dog body language. This will help you better understand how she is feeling and to stop interacting before you get bitten again!

Finding a good positive trainer might help you too!

Good luck!