3 mths old puppy with aggression Behaviour

Hi all this is my first post and sorry could be a long one
We've a 10 year old Westie girl who has been the most amazing dog . She has had health problems she's pins in both knees but her temperament is great. We decided last month to get a pup . We finally found one we could afford went to get her but it turned out to be a house front for a puppy farm . Unfortunately I did the worse thing ever and still looked at the pups of course I then didn't want to leave her there . She had been vet checked microchipped and vaccinated but I took her straight to my own vet .
It's looking like she's going to have health problems those I can cope with but her personality is worrying me . I tried to give her a worming tablet yesterday and she attacked me . Actually bit and clawed at me completely manic and drew blood . She's also like this if I try to touch her head when I put her collar on for walks or if I try brushing her . I don't mean puppy nipping I mean real aggression. I'm so upset I really don't know what to do . This is only if I try to do something she's not happy with otherwise she's a playful happy puppy . Sorry for the long post I just don't really know what to do . We've only had her 4 weeks and I'm worried what she'll grow up like and how to stop this

Sadly this is one of the many problems buying from a puppy farm. Puppies and dogs in puppy farms are not socialised or handled so therefore the majority has behavioural problems fears and phobias on top of health problems.

Having lived in small dark cages the big wide world is a real scary place for them, many aspects of everyday life may cause anxiety, some never adjust to become happy dogs, and for others it can be a long journey, it will take time and lots of patience a good behaviourist might be your best bet.

My boy is a rescue who started life in a puppy farm, and I would love to see them, and dog dealers legislated out of existence. You do have to feel sorry for these poor confused puppies who have been reared without knowing a secure, loving background, and have had no socialisation. You are going to have to be very gentle and patient with her.
First of all, did you mention her behaviour to the vet? You mention that she has health issues, is it possible that there is anything that might be affecting her eyesight, head or neck?
Assuming that there is not a physical problem, it might save you making mistakes by having an initial chat with a behaviourist. Many vets have a behaviourist attached to the practice these days, or you could have a look at the APDT, (Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK), website, and see if there is someone nearby who could help.
I would add, please do not try to discipline her for this behaviour - she really doesn't understand, so try and use distraction and play to handle situations as much as possible, until you have been given a training plan.
Do come back and let us know how you get on.

You're so right I can't believe they are allowed to get away with it . I thought I was going to a registered breeder with 30 years experience and then I just couldn't leave her . My husband wasn't happy about taking her but I just wanted to give her a loving home . She has a bad overshot jaw but it doesn't seem to hurt her or stop her feeding or playing with toys so I don't think it's that . I think it's probably mis handling or no handling I try to just cuddle her and talk softly to her stroking her until she calms down . She's actually really good outside our vet told us because of her circumstances we should take her out snug as possible so we've carried her everywhere until she could go down and she's great outside and with other people it just seems to be me . Yet I'm the one she comes to to go to sleep on or to go out

Does this tend to happen when you are doing things around her head and mouth area?

If so, another vet check is in order spelling out the specific problem. Once medical problems are ruled out, any decent trainer should be able to show you how to desensitise to being handled

It does yes she only seems bothered about her head and mouth she's been checked by the vets 3 times at her vaccinations and an extra check up they say it's fine . Maybe it's having it checked at the vets and the worming tablets that have done it

Does she react at all when she plays with your other dog?

There is a condition that can affect Westies called Westie Jaw. It's quite painful for them. It probably isn't related to your girl, but is worth looking into.

You could also be right about the vet checks having caused the problems. Again, a decent trainer will set you on the right path in no time if this is the case

She's absolutely fine with our other dog I started to give her treats last night so I could brush her head and face and she was fine then so it's obviously not pain I'm really thinking it's from the vet check grabbing at her for injections and worming and checking her mouth especially knowing she probably hadn't been handled before us . From now on I'm only going to try once a day with treats so she starts having positive re enforcement with being touched

With pain ruled out, the way you are going about this is the best way to desensitise to handling. Good luck xx

It sounds to me that the vet "grabbing" her was maybe a bit rough and should have been a bit more gentle, especially knowing her circumstances.

However, it does sound very promising the way you are dealing with her now. Well done.