[MyPemCharlie]

I agree that lifting him up by the scruff of the neck, or alpha rolling him on his back to show dominance, is a very bad idea. You really should not have to go to such physical extremes to prove dominance over an 11 week old puppy.

It would be a good idea to consult with a behaviorist who can physically observe your puppy. He really should not be showing such aggression at this young age. I would suspect he may either have a genetic temperament problem passed along from his parents, or he was mishandled by the breeder, and/or not well socialized while at the breeder. If his breeder scruffed him and alpha rolled him a lot, then instructed you to do the same thing, I would worry that he has developed a fear aggression issue. Being taken from his littermates at 8 weeks also did not give him enough time to learn bite inhibition from his littermates.

Do not let him nip you even when you are playing. It sounds like he will be harder to break from nipping than most pups, but when he puts his teeth on you, even lightly, squeal "Ouch!", turn your back on him and ignore him for a few minutes. This is what his littermates would do to teach him he bit too hard.

I'm happy to hear you have him enrolled in puppy classes. The trainer should be able to help you with appropriate positive training methods to help build a solid bond with him. I would call a behaviorist before the end of the month and discuss his issues with biting. Meanwhile, treat him gently. No more scruffing...it's obviously not working for you or him. Don't do anything that would instigate a serious bite until you speak with someone who can observe his behavior.