Doberman Pinschers

I just got a doberman. My first. He is 8 weeks old today. I had him for 5 days with no problems. He showed signs of aggressive behavior yesterday - mean bitting. He did get his shots the night before and is being treated for worms.
Any advise please from someone who is experienced. I am fearful I will have to give him up. I am a little scared.

You say he was biting... under what circumstances was he biting? What were you doing, exactly?

Puppies bite, growl, and bark and it's all normal puppy behavior, usually associated with rough play and not aggression.

As with any dog, they will attampt to gain Alpha status. The barking, rough play are instinctive behaviors. It is quite normal but it is important that you maintain dominance over the dog and keep your status as Alpha dog. :)

I totally disagree with "maintaining dominance" over him. Most people, it seems, don't know aggression from dominance from normal puppy behavior. (And I might add...if you're already afraid of a an 8 week old puppy, you probably don't have any business owning ANY dog, much less a doberman.)

Also, he was a bit young to be taken from his litter, if he's only 8 weeks and you've had him 5 days. Pups learn bite inhibition from their mom and littermates at this age.

I agree with everyone who posted. That is being a puppy. They "rough house", this is why catlover said he is too young to have been taken from his mother & liter mates. Now you need to work a little extra hard with him. Don't be afraid, he can sense that...Get him chew toys, rawhide bones, toy ropes, etc.. and lots of exercise. Puppies will also sleep alot, so watch for that. One minute he'll be terrorizing the house / yard, then out like a light..LOL

Catlover, I agree, and then I don't with your statement of him not owning ANY dog. Perhaps this is his first puppy. Maybe his other dogs were grown and out of the puppy stage when he got them. His post does not give any hint as to which one. I just think that being too harsh w/o knowing for sure, just isn't right either.

JMO,,not trying to start a riot or anything personal.

Now, if this is not his first pup, then ya, I agree with you on that one. He should know better, and know what to look for in a puppy.

Vaccinations do make them feel lousy and it is quite possible he felt that you were bothering him when he didn't feel good. It is also possible that it was just normal puppy behavior. He'll probably be back to his normal self in a day or two.