Biting, aggressive puppy. Please help.

Asking for Advice

My family has had 6 JRTs total. None of them have ever been aggressive toward us before, only one has been possessive and resource-guards.

Our puppy (10 months old) is quite aggressive and touchy in particular situations. One is when she is sleepy, and if you try to pet her, she will immediately lunge and bite you. No growl. It’s almost like a reflex. It’s when she is on the couch or a specific spot on our loveseat.

Another situation she does it is when she has bones but this may be more like resource guarding

I don’t know what to do. We’ve tried things, but not enough things I guess. It’s hard because I don’t feel the same about her as I have for my other dogs, and I want to. I’ll start to feel bonded and then another incident will happen, and I’ll be very discouraged and distant. I shouldn’t feel mad because she is an animal, but I do. I’d still protect her and take care of her of course. But it’s hard to have these feelings. Would appreciate some advice.

Posted Jan 14, 2026, 3:12 AM UTC

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