I acquired a bull terrier puppy yesterday. (first time with that breed) and I'm a little concerned about an incident that happened. She (the puppy) is 9 weeks old and she was playing just a little too rough with my other small dog. I grabbed her by the scruff to move her, (I wasn't planning on correcting her, just using that as a way to move her) and she started growling and trying to get away from me. I laid her on her side and kept holding her scruff and made her lay there until she stopped growling. (which surprisingly took a long time) I'm concerned about this growling episode because I don't think she was playing. I'm not sure if it was a flight or fight thing and she chose fight... This was the first day I had her.

She seems like a great pup otherwise, very confident and energetic, but not spazzy, doesn't growl over food or anything. She did find a toy that she really liked and tried to hide it, the hair was up on her back and I'm not sure if that was because there where other dogs around or what. I took it away from her without a fight. I'm just not sure if I've got a problem child on my hands or what. I've never had a puppy resist me like that before.

Any comments? My dobies are very obedient and not dominant. I know this breed is different. Could that be a sign of future aggression? I'm worried now.

This is just a thought...

You've only had her a day. Your pup is in a brand new environment and, up to now, her only real point of reference is interacting with her littermates. Sounds to my inexperienced ears like that's what she was doing...being a puppy and behaving like a puppy with your other dogs....and with you. She may well have a dominant personality but she's also going through some stress being in a new home with new people and new dogs. I'd be more concerned about the growling if she was still *seriously* doing it in a few weeks.

I guess I'd really limit how much time she spends with and around the other dogs, and with other family members, right now and give her some time and space to adjust to her new surroundings. Keep things low key and see if she relaxes.

I may be completely wrong but I'll toss it out for what it's worth

Bull Terriers are great dogs. Congrats! Sarah is right. Give your pup a chance to settle in. Luckily for you, you have experience with Dobes, a powerful breed. Start NILIF right away and do all the ground work. You should be fine. Good luck!

Sounds like good advice - would like to see a picture of the new pup!

Does she have her own crate where she can have her ‘alone time’? I agree with the other posters that too much activity on her first day home has her all out of kilter.

I would definitely keep her separated from the other dogs for a while until she can get herself settled in at her own pace.

Thanks for the input! I agree, I will post some pics when my husband gets home and shows me how!