Let me start by saying that I have successfully raised 6 puppies - including 2 male Rottweilers.

We purchased a male Rottie 2 weeks ago from a reputable breeder. He is now 10 weeks old. He seemed to be a "normal" puppy for the first few days. Since then, he has developed some behaviors that make him very difficult to live with and have honestly impacted our bonding with him.

1 - he is a maniac - 80% of the time he is so hyper that you can't control him. He races around, ignores you and when you try to grab him to get him to go outside or go in his crate, etc. he snaps and snarls and thrashes around like crazy. The other 20% of the time he is relatively calm or sleeping.

2 - he is extremely stubborn. When he does something I don't want him to do, it takes at least 15-20 times to get him to stop. If he won't stop and I try to remove him from the situation, he snarls and snaps.

We really don't like this puppy very much - which is very sad. We are dog people and love dogs. But he is not people oriented at all. He does not like to be petted - he bites you. He won't come when you call - he just sits or lays there and looks at you and refuses to engage with you.

If anyone has any suggestions. I'd appreciate it. We don't want to have to return him to the breeder. We really just wanted a nice family pet.

Keep him tethered to you at all times when he isn't in his crate.

If he is on a leash you can redirect him while staying out of reach of his teeth.

Make him work (IE: sit, make eye contact, be calm, etc)for his food and anything else he wants or needs to live.

Do not repeat ignored commands. You are only teaching him to ignore you by repeating things 15-20 times.

Give him plenty of appropriate outlets for his energy.

Speak to the breeder about his behavior to see if they have any insights about it.

Thanks for your suggestions. I have been teaching him some commands but will do more - maybe that will keep keep him occupied.

We do try to walk him, but he refuses to walk down the street - you have to drag him and bribe him with treats - but on the way home, he will walk home perfectly.

We tried to keep him on a leash at all times and he eats the leash. I can't keep it out of his mouth.

Actually, now that I say that - I do have a vinyl coated steel cable for use with a tie out that I could use. He will still chew on it but at least he can't chew through it - yet.

Thanks again.

Sounds like a typical young pup who has been uprooted from the only existence he knew...

Is there any way you could take some video?

And I am not trying to be confrontational, but have you had a puppy before?

I feel your pain! For about two weeks after I got my GSD/Mal mix she hated me! She tried to tear me up every time I came near her. I was so scared I was stuck with this dog and we were doomed. Now, she loved my husband and my daughter, but HATED me. I did as Debbie suggested. She was tethered to me every minute she wasn't in her kennel for months and I had some battle scars by the end, but she submitted. Now this dog absolutely loves me and will do anything I ask, with or without food. We have a routine where the mornings are just us. She (approx 50 pounds) snuggles with me on my chair while I drink my coffee and read my emails.
Give her lots of love and patience. Set the puppy up for success. If you see she can't handle a situation, don't put her in it.
Good luck.

The first sentence in my post indicates that I have had 6 puppies in my dog history. I have never had a puppy who acted this way before.

Thanks Dayna. We'll need it! I know it won't be easy - I guess I just wasn't prepared for a puppy with this type of personality. All of my other puppies have been so sweet and loved us. Sure, they did puppy things and were alot of work - but they were never so crazy acting or vicious. They responded well to correction and training and turned out to be lovely dogs. I guess they can't all be the same

I think with your experience you will end up with a great dog. I did and I had no idea what I was getting into. I have only raised small breeds before. Three Jack Russell's and they can be aggressive also and one Shih Tzu and she is the sweetest thing in the world.
Things will turn out great. My little girl actually scared me. All I could see was a full grown dog with the same personality thank goodness that didn't happen.

 Quote: Erika Hallberg

The first sentence in my post indicates that I have had 6 puppies in my dog history. I have never had a puppy who acted this way before.

So sorry, I missed that somehow Was reading too fast, I suppose.

I would still love to see some video.

I agree with the tethering suggestions and also think he would respond nicely to some marker training. Have you done this type of training before? There are tons of resources on Leerburg to get you started if you have not.

I had a pup similar to what you describe many years ago. We ended up being inseparatable, it can work with consistency, structure and patience. When I think about him now, I think of what a great dog and how much fun we had. When I think of his puppyhood, I think of all the things I learned not what a horrible pup he was.

We worked on interacting, touch, calm behavior etc a lot before much OB was even introduced, using marker training. I kept him teethered to me as well until it was either nap time for him or when my patience was running low, then he went in the crate with a goodie. We also did the nothing in life is free for a solid 2 years. And fit time to play and release energy in between all the structure.

It appears that yes he is different from your other pups. You mentioned family, so I am not sure if you have children and if this is a concern. Not sure what contract you have with the breeder but if the pup isn't right for you and your family better to make that decision earlier than later.