Should I keep the dog or find a better home for him?

Question

I have a 7 month old Jack Russell puppy. The problem is, he's too much to handle. I have a 2 year old little girl, and all he does is jump up her, because he wants to play. This results in her having claw marks all over her. Even if I take him for an hour walk, it doesn't wear him out. He's chewed all her garden toys, and even when I place them out of reach, he manages to get them! I was thinking of giving him away to someone who could give him the attention, he needs. I just don't know what to do??

Answer 1

I think you are being honest and realistic. Its all very well saying train him but its just not always possible when there are young kids in the house. All members of the family need to co-operate and a two year old can't.
The main problem seems to be that he didn't get any puppy training; it would have meant that you'd have a lot of control over his behaviour even at 7 months.
Re home him, try the Dogs Trust if you're in the UK as they won't put him down. Also ask JR Rescue for help.
And please, before you get another dog, find out where your nearest puppy training classes are before you get the dog. Contact them and ask for their advice. They'll be delighted to help.

Answer 2

First of all, GOOD FOR YOU!!
It is hard to even think about, much less reach out and ask if you should find a new home for your dog.
This shows that you are concerned for the dog as well as your child.
I also think that you know what is best, but are looking for some reassurance that you are doing the right thing.
YOU ARE! It is best to find a new home for the dog. You are kind, caring, and trying to do the best thing for all those involved. You are NOT a bad dog owner. The timing is just not right. Many people have had bad timing (for many different things) in their life. It is the smart person who tries to correct the problem, not just live with it and make it worse for everyone involved.
Jack Russells are terriers. Tenacity is what they were bred for. While that is part of their charm, that is part of their problem too.
For now, find a new home for your puppie. When the time is right (don't rush it) you might try a golden retriever. They are wonderful family dogs - and their willingness to please cannot be surpassed (don't believe me? Look at dog obedience shows and see how many are there versus any other breed).
Good luck - and remember you are doing the right thing.

Answer 3

I'm a little curious why you got a JRT if you couldn't handle this kind of behavior. He's a puppy, and he's a Jack Russel. The things he's doing are normal, and some CAN be helped with training, but he'll be a very active dog his whole life.

If you truly do not have the time to dedicate, then you may be better off rehoming him. Have him netuered first if he's not (to keep him from being used by back yard breeders), charge a reasonable adoption fee, $50 or so (free pets often end up as bait for fighting dogs), and screen potential adopters. You might try finding a rescue near you and ask for help with placing him.

Answer 4

ok first of all, WHAT were you thinking when you got a PUPPY, a jack russel at that! you need to do your research when you go to buy/adopt a dog, you cant just get a dog and see if it works out, they are a responsibility and they are an animal, not just a toy. they cant just go from home to home..... have you ever owned a puppy before? if not, well thats what they like to do...play, and if you didnt think about that before you got it, then that is something you need to think about next time you get a dog. i'm sorry but that makes me mad because alot of people do that and the poor puppy ends up at the shelter and if no one adopts it in a week or so, they put it down, just because the previous owner (you) thought it played to much so it was taken to the pound. keep it untill you find a GOOD home for it, dont just settle for anyone, and DONT take it to the shelter

Answer 5

Dogs can be taught not to jump on people. They can also be taught what is acceptable to chew. It take effort on their trainers part but they can learn.
Be consistent with puppies and dogs; it's counterproductive to discourage your dog from jumping on others, while allowing her to jump on you and lick your face.

2. Turn all the way around and fold your arms when you first walk in the door and your dog leaps up on you. SAY the word "control" in a firm voice once. Then ignore the dog keeping your back to him.

3. Wait until your dog stops jumping, and say "Good! good control" the moment he does.

4. Command your dog to sit if she knows the command (if not teach it now,, and don't touch him until he does. Again, be consistent. When he sits praise him a lot.

5. Redirect your pup's energy from jumping on you to finding his toy. Tell him to get his ball, rope, whatever.

6. Practice "control" with friends once your dog learns not to pounce on you. Have friends give treats and praise when your dog succeeds.

7. Anticipate potential jumping situations, and tell your dog to sit or redirect his attention to something else.

8. Praise your dog when he doesn't jump (good, good control), especially during situations that might give him reasonable cause.

9. Then work with the dog on "control" when he approaches your child. A dog can be taught when he/she approaches any human it show's control and sits in front of the person.

To stop the chewing you also have to be diligent with training. Make sure the dog has plenty of acceptable chews. A kong filled with treats will keeo them busy quite a while. When the dog choses the right thing on it's own, praise it a lot. When he picks the wrong thig tell him "no" firmly and replace with the correct thing. It takes time, patience and diligence on your part but the dog can learn both. Remember, a dog is only as good as it's training. Many, many dogs have lost their home because the owner did not properly train the dog. There is no such thing as an untrainable dog, only owners that do not learn how to train properly. Two more things. Was the dog neutered? That could help some too. Obedience classes would help you a lot.

Answer 6

I am so sorry you are in this situation.

But here are some options:
1.) take him to an agility class (I have a collie x and a greyhound x both of whom have really benefitted and become calmer from this activity)

2.) Get him a crate - or section of an area of the house which is his and then monitor him when he is with your little girl. When he does something incorrect a short sharp ahah noise and take him away from the scene of his crime. He will soon realise that when he is bad he goes away.

3.) Toys - the gadgety ones that dispense treats but the dogs have to roll them into a certain position. This will keep him occupied.

4.) Weigh up the pros and cons - if you have the little bit of additional time for a short period of time to reduce his normal puppy behaviour which he is currently displaying and you genuinely want to do it then try and see if you can keep him.

I wish you all the luck in the world with your decision - if you choose to give him to a good home (NCDL etc) then it is right choice.

Answer 7

Hi. Sorry to hear about your problem.. It's a lovely ideal to have pup and chld together. It's 2 babies together really! What a handful. It is always best to put your child's needs to the forefront and for the parent to give the youngster undivided attention. There has to be a point in the day that is entirely given over to your own needs too. A puppy needs training in order to become manable - more time out of your day and less peace and calm. We all have very fraught moments and many exhausting situations to overcome everyday. Make sure you are in control of your time, and your commitments don't overly control you. Give the pup to a loving couple, When your daughter is older, in school, you can devote the extra time to having a puppy and enjoy sharing it and teaching an older, more receptive interested child about how to look after a pet. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose. I wish you calm and peace with no heartache.

Answer 8

If you do decide to rehome him, RabbitMage has great advice, but I'd like to suggest some other options.

Crate training: Crates are an excellent tool! They are not cruel and they are meant to help the dog. Place your dog in his crate when you can't supervise him. It will keep him out of trouble.

Obedience training: He can be trained not to do a lot of the behaviours you are mentioning.

However, you do need to do some soul searching to see if this dog is the right one for you. If you don't have the time or energy to devote to helping him become the pet he could be, it's best to let someone else have him. The crate is not meant to keep him in full time with very little time out and obedience training takes commitment. He will always be an active dog. Also take into consideration how your daughter feels. Does she like it when the dog plays with her or is he hurting her? Whatever you decide, don't beat yourself up this time, but please do be sure you choose a more appropriate breed for you next time.

Answer 9

I would try to find a new home, for the little JR. He will always be that active. Far better to give him the time to settle in elsewhere with new owners while he is young, then it is to let time roll on.

If you want a real good breed to go with kids then I would recommend a Labrador. Mighty loyal, obedient, but greedy dogs.

It is no accident that these beasts are the main choice of guide dogs for the blind.

Please avoid further heartbreak by doing a little research into a breeds characteristics next time. Just ask for opinions on here.

Answer 10

Your Jack Russell puppy is not going to calm down, it's the nature of the breed. I would recommend you find a permanent, loving home for him with people who are better situated for this type of dog. Your daughter may be upset but in the long run it's better for the puppy. Try researching breeds if you intend to get another puppy, or ask your vet.