Puppy reacts badly to disapline..... has mother caused this?

[stella123]

Ruby came from a litter of 3 puppies, 1 died (all female). The breeder told me that the mother didn't take to the puppies and they were mostly kept apart. The breeder had to force the mother to feed the puppies. Due to this Ruby spent most of her time with her older half sister( Also called Ruby lol) who was a naughty dog.
When I correct Ruby on bad behavior, she reacts very badly, snarling, biting, growling. I was wondering if this was because she had no disapline from her mother, is this a possible reason?

[BostonRott]

It could be, it could also well be temperament. Keep in mind that when she does this, you must not stop what you are doing, or she will think she has won and it will only get worse. Be firm and calm and do not release her until she settles down.

[stella123]

i agree with u, Ruby always trys to get the last word in, grumbling and barking, but i've learnt never to back down with her or she'll take you for a ride lol

[RottieGirl86]

How old is Ruby? what is her body language when doing the snarling, etc. I used to think my female pup was a bully, until I found out her crouched down position with butt in the air meant she was playing. I was able to redirect or correct the behavior or ignore her if she was being pushy.

[Roscoe's dad]

how old was Ruby when you got her?

[stella123]

Ruby is about 3.5 m.o, i got her at 7 weeks b/c the breeder said that it was the best time mentally

[stella123]

Originally Posted by RottieGirl86

How old is Ruby? what is her body language when doing the snarling, etc. I used to think my female pup was a bully, until I found out her crouched down position with butt in the air meant she was playing. I was able to redirect or correct the behavior or ignore her if she was being pushy.

she goes on her side, or on her back. sometimes on her front, its only when i correct her so i was guessing its b/c she's never really experienced disapline

[HerculesMomma]

Originally Posted by RottieGirl86

How old is Ruby? what is her body language when doing the snarling, etc. I used to think my female pup was a bully, until I found out her crouched down position with butt in the air meant she was playing. I was able to redirect or correct the behavior or ignore her if she was being pushy.

I would never ignore a dog who is being pushy. Lack of acknowledgement is as good as telling the dog you agree with the behavior. In my opinion, you must step in as soon as the dog displays a behavior, pushy or not, that you do not like.

In reality, it doesn't matter the reason why the dog is doing something. If you don't like it, correct the dog for it. It seems you are already doing this, so you are on the right track!

[Necknot]

Originally Posted by stella123

she goes on her side, or on her back. sometimes on her front, its only when i correct her so i was guessing its b/c she's never really experienced disapline

Sounds like your corrections are illiciting a response of submission. They don't get any more submissive than lying on their backs . Maybe the vocalization is a form of protest , I don't know , but if she is ultimately compliant , I would just stick with it .

A good read:

Dog Language by Roger Abrantes