What happens at a puppy health check?
Puppy's initial vaccinations including infectious tracheobronchitis and a health check with your vet Read More
What is a red flag puppy's behavior?
Amelie Fay
2025-09-19 16:57:34
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Puppies are naturally inquisitive of new environments, people, animals, objects… anything. Avoidance of these elements could be a sign of fear, which can progress into aggressive behaviour in the future. If your puppy reacts aggressively to new people or dogs - either by mouthing, lunging, or barking, then it may also be a sign of inherited aggression. Bad Behaviours To Watch Out For In Puppies are Hiding, Excessive mouthing, Defensive posture, Reluctance to sit or stay, Confinement fears. If your pup mouths a lot during physical handling - that could be anything from picking them up or clipping their nails to vet appointments, it could indicate fear. If the gesture is linked with growling or their fur start to stand on end, then definitely consult your vet. Posture is super important when gauging the body language of your pup, they should be standing tall with their head in the air and their tail wagging or relaxed. If your furry friend’s tail is tucked under their body, their ears are flat, or they’re stooping down, they could be exhibiting more fear responses.
If when you start obedience training with your dog you’re noticing that they don’t want to or won’t sit or stay for a treat, they may be guarding some physical weakness or injury. If your puppy barks a lot when you try to put them in the crate or when you leave them alone, it may be a sign of anxiety. While this stressful behaviour may be passed on through their genes, it’s more likely that they’ve been mistreated or kept in confinement from the place you bought them from. Untrainable bad behaviour in pups is likely to exacerbate over time. When your puppy is mentally and physically sound, it should be playful, inquisitive and, of course, a little mischievous. If you’re not getting that vibe, then something is up.
Frederik Ratke
2025-09-13 10:12:35
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Some pups, however, exhibit what industry professionals refer to as red flag behaviors. If you notice any of these characteristics in your new pet, you need to take them seriously and take quick action to involve a professional puppy trainer. Some young dogs don’t fit into this pattern. Instead, they’re anxious, fearful and, at times, highly aggressive. Upon encountering a new or strange experience, they retreat and attempt to hide. They refuse treats. They may urinate spontaneously. And, often, they growl, bare their teeth and worse. They may bark, lunge, snap and bite. Although red flag behaviors are fairly rare, the research indicates that as many as 10 percent of puppies display a cluster of behaviors – commonly known as red flags – that signal a behavioral problem. A follow-up study demonstrates that most puppies do NOT grow out of these behaviors without intervention and, often, become worse – potentially much worse.
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Bud McDermott
2025-09-10 05:37:18
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: 17
A red flag is Guaranteeing your dog will learn XYZ within a certain time frame or with a certain package. Dogs aren’t robots, each dog is an individual with his own behavior history, genetics, temperament, motivations and underlying issues. I’ve been a professional dog trainer long enough to confirm that not all dogs learn at the same pace, respond the same way, or take the same route in their training. Someone who guarantees your dog will perform certain behaviors within a certain amount of time isn’t allowing for your dog’s individuality. Pack or Pack Leader language is a red flag for me, as well as “Balanced” techniques, which means that punishment-based techniques are a regular part of their approach. Rehabilitation language can also be a red flag, as it can stray into guarantee territory and/or promising things that training cannot do. Claiming that not all dogs learn the same way is also a red flag, as positive-reinforcement does work for all beings. Lack of information, or vague information about their approach is also a concern, as owners ought to be able to make informed decisions about the techniques they’re going to use with their pets. Using Electronic, remote or prong collars is also a red flag.
Daniela Waters
2025-08-30 01:06:07
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A healthy and psychologically sound puppy should be naïve and at least somewhat eager to interact with people and animals. Keep in mind that aggressive and fearful behavior, such as growling, snapping, biting, stiffening, and cowering are not normal behaviors in puppies. Mild hesitation in approaching unfamiliar environments, noise, people, or objects is appropriate, but profound fear is indicative of a serious problem. A puppy who takes more than 1-2 seconds to recover from mild hesitation, makes repeated escape attempts to remove himself from a situation or interaction, or who refuses delicious food or treats in certain situations is showing signs of fear. Avoidance or hiding from people, animals, or objects: Avoidance is an indication of fear which may progress to aggression during adolescence and social maturity. Alarm barking, lunging, putting "hackles" up in response to people or animals: This fearful response is not normal in a puppy who has no history of a negative or frightening experience in such situations. Excessive mouthing specifically during physical handling: Examples include a puppy who mouths hard during toenail trims, the removal of a toy or object, veterinary exams, hugging, and lifting. This is especially problematic if it is associated with growling, stiffening of body postures, or a snarling display of teeth.
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Should puppies be health checked before sold?
The puppies should have been health checked by the breeder’s vet. You can ask for evidence of the he Read More
Linwood Walter
2025-08-26 19:03:35
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: 21
Reduced appetite and weight loss are often among the most common red flags indicating signs of illness in pets.
While a lack of interest in food may seem like a minor concern, it can indicate more significant underlying issues.
Signs of lethargy or extreme fatigue are concerning when they show in dogs, as they are typically known for their innate activity and attentiveness.
This change in behavior is noticeable when they respond slower to stimuli in their environment than usual.
When your dog shows signs of irritability, it could be an indication of pain or distress, which may occur as restlessness, pacing, heavy panting, shyness, or even aggression.
Labored breathing or shortness of breath in dogs can indicate respiratory distress, where the dog may experience difficulty breathing in or out.
If your dog consumes more water than usual, it could indicate underlying conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, with signs including the need to refill the water bowl more frequently than usual, increased urination frequency, frequent requests to go outside, or accidents occurring inside the house.
This issue is particularly critical for puppies aged six months or younger, as rapid nutrient depletion can be detrimental to their health.
If your pet experiences weight loss exceeding 10 percent of its body weight, it is a warning sign that requires veterinary attention.
Eldon Conn
2025-08-16 08:13:38
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If a puppy growls, snaps, or cowers away from human interaction, it could be a sign of an underlying behavioral issue that may require extensive training and socialization to overcome. While puppies can be playful and mouthy, they should not display aggressive behavior or excessive fear. A puppy that is curious, friendly, and comfortable in different situations is ideal. Look for a puppy that is confident, playful, and receptive to human touch. Be cautious of puppies that seem lethargic, have discharge from their eyes or nose, or show signs of illness.
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At what age should puppies be vet checked?
Finding a vet - use our link to find your local vet. Your puppy can have their second vaccinations Read More
Carson Skiles
2025-08-06 09:58:05
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: 23
The first red flag raises its head with this statement, “Overall he is an okay puppy…” No one I know who truly cares for their dog would ever describe their dog as an “okay puppy”. He is aggressive toward me only when he knows he is in trouble. However, her dog does not know “he is in trouble”. Her dog does know that the owner is acting really scary and threatening around him and he is showing stress behaviors because he doesn’t understand whatsoever why she is acting like this. He has bitten me on a few occasions leaving marks. The owner is probably punishing the dog inappropriately for his misdeeds and her dog is now using aggression in an attempt to keep her away from him. Her dog is fine with everyone else should be an important indicator to the owner that her relationship and actions toward her dog are improper and the cause of these problems. He is aggressive toward other dogs. Her dog has dog-fear-aggression which is caused by his fear of unfamiliar dogs and his desire to keep them a safe distance away from him by using aggression.