9 Week Old Mini Aussie Growling And Barking

(Arizona)

Hello everyone! I hope someone has some helpful insight to this case. I recently brought home an 8 week old Mini Aussie I bought from a reputable breeder. At first he was very shy and insecure but now he has adapted fairly well to his new home.

He is my first dog, and I've read several books on how to understand and relate to my dog and I try to stick to a consistent routine as much as I can.

He is a really good pup, but a couple days ago he started growling and barking at me when he does not want to follow orders.

For instance, last night after he had been fed dinner, he got to go outside to potty. Then he played for five minutes in the grass before we returned indoors. Once we got inside, we played thug and fetch. When play time was over and it was time to settle, he growled at me then ran underneath the couch and barked.

I've tried saying "no" and he growls more, I also ignore him for a little bit and he insistently will whine and bark. This situation has happened three times already.

Some of my friends who are dog owners have advised me that is normal in a puppy this old to start having this kind of fits, and that I should try to be more dominant. One of my friends suggested a "claw" move to establish my dominance, in which one would pin down the puppy with the hand shaped like a claw until he relaxes. However, pinning my puppy down makes me absolutely uncomfortable.

He gets plenty of time outdoors every day. Our schedule consists of going outside every two to three hours and after each nap to potty. Every time we go outdoors he gets to play for up to 40 minutes, sometimes less when it's too hot.

He is fed three times a day and before each meal we do a five minute training session for basic commands--sit, down, crawl. After he finishes his meal we get to play thug and fetch indoors, then it's nap time. He sleeps often in his crate and he is fed in it too. In addition, I also praise him and give affection whenever he's done something that pleases me.

I want to reach out to Aussie owners who have a sensitive dog, who might have some good tips on how to make my puppy understand boundaries and establish my dominance. I will appreciate all your input!

Thank you for reading!

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