Thanks Laura!! ;D
Do you think that we got a 'lemon,'
Absolutely NOT!! ;D
YES... at 11 weeks old you have the best chance of any type to change this behavior...in all honesty it is really easy.
Absolutely NOT!! ;D
Okee dokey...two things before you give up on him...
1. The mange and parasites could actually be a huge part of the problem believe it or not. Neither are fun to have and can account for a lot of crankiness. He may not be feeling well... sick, itchy... sore... I tend to grumble when I'm not feeling good too
See how he is after he gets better. That alone may be a big difference.
2. Even if it may not be the medical issue causing your problem, I'd still say it is not aggression (which is not cureable), it would be dominance at this point which is very liveable if you work with them. It's all in the training and we can definately help you out there. This will be a piece of cake.
Only if you let it go and let him rule the roost for too long there is a possiblity it at some point could have turn aggressive but at his age you have the most realistic opportunity possible of beating this issue. So it's good you found us!
First things first...
You're going to have to stop holding him so often. You will eventually become his property and you are also elevating his status. Dominant dog is ALWAYS on top... by placing him there you are giving him the signal he is superior and he makes the rules in the house.
He is young now... you have the best opportunity to make it clear what is expected of him. You really need to start training the basic commands... sit, down... work on short stays, even little tricks aren't bad. You need to begin defining leadership to him so that he is looking to you for command and reassurance. Don't forget praise for good behavior!
Correct him for growling every single time. If he growls, try clapping your hands and growl "no" back sternly. If he challenges you I would scruff him (grabbing him up by the loose skin on the back of his neck) and give him another "no"... if he continues to challenge give him a small shake... (I'm not talking baby shake syndrome shake...) just enough for him to back down. That is what you are looking to do... is get him to back down. Each correction for continuing to challenge you should be slightly bigger than the last until he backs down. Use that level of correction from that time on whenever he may attempt to try again.
This may be something you have to work with from time to time. You need to get into the mindset that you are higher on the totem pole. Don't be afraid of him. If he senses that it gives him the power and it will continue.
You don't need to get mad at all. Just be firm but above all calm. Don't hit. Scruffing should be sufficient. He just needs to know who makes the rules. This is the way he would be taught in a regular dog pack setting. He will naturally understand this method of correction...
I would also read up on NILIF training here. (Nothing In Life Is Free training)... this means he works for EVERYTHING he receives. Toys, his meals, treats, praise...even sometimes playtime... You play when you want... not when he wants.
When you feed him he must sit until you release him to eat. (The release should be AFTER you set the food down.) If he gets up before the release you pick the food back up (or don't sit it down all together) and make him sit or eventually wait for him to sit once he starts to get the idea.
Let us know how it goes ;D
Feel free to PM any of us for help