We have had our Jack Russell Terrer 3 years, he is nearly 6, we are out at work 4 hours at a time each day in the week and thought for company we would adopt another dog from a home who is the same size and about 4. Well we have had them together for nearly a week and they appeared to get on so well, until last evening Louie our jack russell jumped on to Max and was showing his teeth, there was no reason for this, Max was just lying on the floor and Louie on setie.
Max did not fight, we pulled them away from each other and put Louie in another room then gave time out, we then let them back in the same room and they seemed fine. Is this our other dog trying to just show he is above max in the pack, both are male and been castrated.
It is the first time we have had two dogs so it is new to us, what do people think or advise.
Thanks in advance, Wayne
2006-07-06 23:30:43 · 9 answers · asked by Waynepr72 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sometimes two male dogs won't want to share space especially when you've had the first one for quite some time.
I'd get some professional assistance if you really want to keep the adopted dog. Treat your first dog like he's the "alpha" dog -- say hello to him first, feed first, etc. It's also good to introduce new dogs on neutral territory (not the home).
Hope it works out for you, if not -- consider a female dog for companionship.
2006-07-06 23:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jack Russells are very territorial and will try to be the dominate dog even if the other dog is larger. Since he has been the only dog for quite a while he will take some time to adjust and will probably occasionally still have to show who's boss. We have a male (fixed) Jack and a female mutt about the same size and they get in a tiff once in a while even after a year together. They haven't actually hurt each other so far but it sure sounds like they should be. Separating them for a while is a good idea when it happens, even after a few minutes they are buddies again. Hope this helps.
2006-07-07 06:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by golden oldy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You hit the nail on the money when you said that Louie is just showing he is above Max in the pack. Dominant males will always try to dominate a new pack member. But on the same note the new dog will also try to better his position in the pack with occasional challenges. As they both get older the pecking order will change but for now I think you are doing a good job. Talk to a vet behaviorist if you need more in depth advice. Good luck.
2006-07-07 06:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by concerned vettech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh dear, poor Louie - You should have put Max out of the room. Louie is the dominant dog, he was on the sofa (the dominant position) and Max was in the subordinate position on the floor; but you then reinforced Max's dominance by pushing Louie out of the room.
In future, you must keep Louie as top dog. He gets fed first, he has his lead put on first, he walks through the door first (after you - you are Alpha) and so on. Heres an address for the Association of Pet Behaviour Therapists; dominance issues are one of the biggest problems, you can learn how to keep a lid on things.
If they play together ok outside of the home (Off theor territory) then you should be able to sort it out.
2006-07-07 08:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same sex aggerssion is very common.
Sometimes you just can not keep two males or two females in the same house.
When getting another dog the place where you gotthe first should have told you that this can and does happen. They should have suggested to you that you look at only female dogs.
Then you would not be having the problem.
You might have an inital conflict as they establish who will be the dominant dog but after that it is usually over. However with two males it can happen at any time and most likely will get worse.
You need to keep them seperated when you are gone for their own protection.
Good luck.
2006-07-07 09:35:41 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its all about dominance. your jack Russell is trying to show the other dog that he is more important in the pack order, as knowing your place in the pack is one of the most important things for a dog. if you new dog excepts his place and submits all will be fine, if not you will have to show them that you are in charge and that fighting or squabbles and not acceptable in your pack.
2006-07-07 07:05:12 · answer #6 · answered by Joanne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a fox terrier myself ( coincidentally call MAxi) and they are both likely to be fighting for the alpha male position. your jack Russell may feel threatened by Max e.g. you paying more attention to the new dog,
2006-07-07 06:37:30 · answer #7 · answered by drummagirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are terriers, what do you expect? Multiple terriers need to be managed with a firm hand.
2006-07-07 10:30:46 · answer #8 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JRT are KNOWN to be VERY HARD to "pack"! Two males?? Recipe for disaster.
2006-07-07 07:25:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋