If you adopt a puppy at an age earlier than 8 weeks old, then you may be in for a surprise.
Puppies shouldn't be taken from their mother before this age because they will miss out on some important lessons on what is appropriate behavior and what isn't.
The worst form of aggressive behavior you'll probably have to face while your pet is still a puppy is mouthing and play aggression.
Puppies use these behaviors to play with their mother and littermates.
It really isn't anything to worry about unless they bite too hard.
Puppyhood is a time when puppies learn the behaviors they will know when they're older.
So, if you're puppy is biting you too hard it's important to try to prevent it and show him that it is not acceptable behavior.
If the puppy is taken away from it's mother at too early of an age, you'll have to take over that important role.
When your puppy bites you too hard, scream and turn away from him.
Then, ignore when the puppy tries to play with you.
This is an important lesson for the puppy to learn...
littermates won't play with a puppy that bites too hard.
If you haven't yet had to deal with puppy aggressive, consider yourself lucky! It's important to help prevent this behavior because once the puppy learns it, it can be difficult to cure it.
Provide your pup with toys that are acceptable to chew on, and reward for this good behavior.
Train and spend time with him as much as you can! It's important to praise your dog for it's good behavior with rewards, and ignore the bad behavior.
Many people mix these up without realizing it at all.
There are some things that may seem like a way of punishing your dog to you, but may seem like a new, fun game for your dog.
For example, if you find your puppy chewing on a shoe of yours.
You may automatically try to grab it from your dog and when he runs, you chase him around the house trying to get it back.
Your puppy will think that this is a new game and you'll actually be encouraging this negative behavior.
Instead of doing this, when you find your dog chewing on something he isn't suppose to be...
run away from him and he'll follow you out of natural instinct.
Then take the toy and say "Drop it".
This will show him that you're in charge.
To prevent aggressive behaviors towards other people and dogs, you need to socialize your pup at a young age.