It's not often that I have to pick up my 12 week old male rottweiler, but when I do or someone else does (IE: the vet) he will growl and bite. He's always been a bit mouthy, and I discourage that by redirecting with toys and very light corrections, but I think he is now being a bit aggressive.

An example is from this morning.. I went to let him out and told him to sit. He quickly sat. I reached down to attach his leash and he growled and then mouthed my hand as I connected it. I've read here before that I shouldn't really correct much at this young age, but I dont want this behavior to turn into something more.
Another quick example is that I allowed my neighbor to come into the yard to pet him. He was fine at first and ran to her and licked her hands as she pet him. Then he started growling and biting. She said at first "it's ok he's not biting...oh...ouch ok he's biting now". So it starts with him just mouthing but it gets harder.
He easily gets wound up so I think that's part of the issue, but how about when I put his leash on?

When it's just him and I, I can always get him to stop 'biting' me by loudly saying "Hey! No bite" and he'll lick once or twice and no longer bite.

Is this biting/growling an issue at this age, or am I worrying about nothing?

THANKS!

Hi Ryan, there is a very good article on this website about Training Puppies Not To Bite. In addition, Michael Ellis recommends in one of the videos to just ignore the pup.

I would not start by picking the dog up without getting him used to the touch first. Once I can hold my hand under the belly without reaction I would apply a little pressure, not picking up yet. Then a little pressure under the chest. Then under belly and chest with both hands. If there is any reaction go back a step. If he tries to get away, let him, don't force him.

Ryan, are you doing marker training?

Here is a video of Cindy using marker training to desensitize her dog Rush to collar grabbing.

You could use a similar technique to desensitize your pup to putting the leash on.

This should be the video list; click on 'Training Equipment', and then scroll down to the collar grab one:

http://leerburg.com/videolist.php

Lynne,
I couldn't see the video - only a picture of Cindy and Rush. We don't have this problem with Nickie now but did have just that same problem when he was much younger. He hated for anyone to touch him - it is something that he seems to have outgrown.

 Quote: Diane Joslin

Lynne,
I couldn't see the video - only a picture of Cindy and Rush. We don't have this problem with Nickie now but did have just that same problem when he was much younger. He hated for anyone to touch him - it is something that he seems to have outgrown.

Hi Diane!
Yes, Chula also was sensitive to being touched, especially at her collar. Marker training and desensitizing (and the dog maturing), all worked to resolve the issue.
The link should work now...

Thanks for the response! I will look into the article and Michael Ellis video. Everyone we meet wants to pet him, and when I allow it he's good for a little bit but scares them away soon after.

Lynn - got it - it's listed under "Training Equipment" in the Videos. Will watch it when I get home tonight since I don't have sound on my speakers here at work.

Ahh I posted too late - I'll watch Cindy and Rush video when I get home from work tonight. Thanks!