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My Akita puppy bites hard and causes wounds. Is this aggression?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Akita | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 7 days old | 17 lbs

I got a puppy 1 month ago and I love her. She's an Akita, 2 months old, but she's really aggressive. I don't think that she intends to be this way but she's always bitting me and not in a cute way. Every time she jumps at me, she gives me a wound. How can I train her to stop bitting people?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on June 1st, 2017

If she's doing it in a playful manner, with a wiggly body, excited barking or yelps, or jumping up and nipping, this is normal puppy behavior. Puppies, like toddlers, will often explore their environment with their mouths. Getting up and walking away/stopping playtime when Luna gets too excited, offering a toy or chew instead of your hands to play with, and saying "OUCH!" in a high pitched voice when she nips can all help teach her that this behavior isn't nice.

If she is actually acting aggressively, such as having a stiff body, ears down, snarling, growling, showing teeth, etc, then this is a more serious issue that should be seen by a professional trainer or behaviorist in your area, as aggression toward people is a very complex issue to treat.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Hi. I'm glad you're concerned about Luna's behavior while she is still young. Akitas were intitially bred to hunt bear so they do tend to be aggressive. Please find a behaviorist or trainer familiar with aggressive dogs and/or this breed to start working with her immediately. Some of these article may help you out while looking for a trainer.
    http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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