Most of a dog’s behavior habits are formed from birth to 1 year of age. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to get it accustomed to different sites and sounds. Slowly introduce it to the things in your household. If your puppy growls at an object or person, do not pick him up and cuddle him. This reaction will be rewarding to your puppy, and will intensify the dog's behavior. It will teach him that the appropriate reaction to fear is to growl. Growling can lead to biting. Rather the dog should be corrected, much like a mother dog would to their own puppy. Stern, firm, confident, and consistent.

Tell him "No," show him the object and let him know there is nothing to be afraid of. You may need to give him a touch that matches your dog's own intensity (mocking a mother dog). Puppies like to play. They chew on everything including your fingers and legs - sometimes with a playful growl. Do not confuse this normal, natural behavior with the defensive growl of fear.

Take your puppy out often. Show him all kinds of sites, sounds, people and animals. Once your dog has had all of his shots, you can bring him to a dog park. Dogs should be taken for a pack walk before getting to the dog park, in order for them to be in a more sociable state of mind. Be careful when introducing your puppy to other dogs and animals. Know your dog's breed traits and use your best judgment. For instance, if you know your neighbor’s dog is dog-aggressive, take your puppy to the park instead to do your doggie socializing. If you know your puppy’s breed has been known to kill cats, take extra precaution when cats are present. Always correct your puppy if he shows any signs of aggression or domination towards another animal or person. Do not laugh it off as being cute.

If there is a baby in the house, at the first encounter, carefully let your puppy smell the baby, than ask the dog for space, meaning, ask the dog to back away and stay away, as the baby claims HIS or HER area. This will make your baby higher in the pack order than the dog and the start of the bond between your new dog and your child. Teach your children to respect the puppy, and teach your puppy to respect your child. NEVER tolerate growling even with small dogs. Growling is a sign that your dog thinks he is Top Dog.