this dog is like 10 or something he's okay with adults. But not kids or other dogs. he usually growels at them and sometimes attacks. My mom says its cause he's old& territorial. but I just think he wants a bullet in his head.
2006-08-23 16:15:37 · 6 answers · asked by lisas_lost 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am sorry you are going through this. I purchased a JRT for my daughter she is 7. I was hoping it would be her best friend. I have to say I have never seen a more nippy puppy. Well let me say it the way it should be said. That lil fellow was just MEAN. We ended up selling him because we did not research the breed right. JRT's are not dogs for families with little children. Visit the http://www.terrier.com/ and you will find all the information there is on JRT.
Here are some facts from that site I found very informative when we were having problems with ours:
Jack Russells ...
... are first and foremost hunting dogs. The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs (i.e., digging, barking, aggressive nature, ability to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.
... are bred to go underground, following scent to locate and bark at quarry until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. If they do not have an outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new and fun jobs for themselves, which frequently include guardian of the world and/or their possessions and family, chasing cars, hunting birds, bugs or leaves, or endlessly digging in the soil.
... are a big dog in a little body. They have the same need (or more!) for exercise as a much larger dog... and the mentality to match -- they think they are at least 150 pounds, and are fearless, often challenging other dogs three times their size.
... are often aggressive with other dogs. Same-sex aggression and aggression towards other breeds of dogs is well documented with this terrier. It is strongly recommended that no more than two Jack Russells (of opposite sex only) ever be permitted to stay together unattended.
... are NOT a non-shedding breed! All coat types shed! Smooth coats shed the most, dropping hair continuously year round. Rough coats maintain the guard and dead coat, requiring manual shedding a few times a year. The broken coat is an intermediary coat, between the two types.
... require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely intelligent, continue to test their limits throughout their life. More often than not, train their owners before the owner knows what has happened! This ability to train their owners can include displays of aggressive behavior. Their assertive nature must be understood and handled properly!
... can become very possessive of their owner or a favorite member of the family or of what they consider to be their personal property if allowed to do so to the point of showing aggressive protective behavior that must be controlled from an early age.
... are commonly known to harass, injure or kill other small pets, such as cats, birds, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., simply due to their strong natural hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cat's life-long safety!
... remain active well into their 15-year-plus life span; their need for activity and desire to hunt continues for their entire lifetime. Untrained, unsupervised dogs rarely meet their life expectancy.
... require at least basic obedience training. The dog's life may depend on it! Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase something interesting, or even disappear into a hole while you are not looking. Off-lead is always a dangerous situation for a Jack Russell unless in a safe environment with experienced JR owners.
... absolutely need a securely fenced yard! Jack Russells will roam due to their hunting instincts.... even if left in an unsecured for a few minutes! You can let them out every day for three years with no trouble....but one day they will disappear and may never come back. Many JR's have been killed by cars by darting into the road in pursuit of a squirrel, cat, etc. They can also dig under, climb or jump over fences; some can climb trees and any height chain link fencing.
... can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed! Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise. If you've only seen perfect, well-behaved JR's, they are ones that were lucky enough to be exercised, well socialized, and trained.
... are country dogs. When made to live in a city or suburban-type environment, their needs and instincts do not change. It would be unreasonable to expect them to be anything other than what they are genetically bred to be -- a serious hunting dog. Your lifestyle must be adjusted to meet their needs; they must have jobs to perform -- an outlet for their considerable energy and intelligence.
... are NOT recommended as apartment or condo dogs. They need a great deal of exercise and outdoor activity, and are usually too loud for such high-density living. They need room to run; leash walking does not satisfy their boundless energy. Unless your schedule permits many hours at home and a lot of outdoor activity, with a safe place the terrier can run, this is not the dog for you. MANY rescues come from apartments, condos, or homes where the owners work away from the home for long periods of time.
... will NOT TOLERATE even unintended mistreatment from a child. They will not put up with typical child handling such as pulling of ears, tails, etc., or taking or "sharing" of the dog's bones, food, toys, etc. They are very assertive and demanding, and never still... jumping all over whoever will allow it. Jack Russells are not recommended for households with children under the age of six unless you are previously experienced with this feisty little bundle of energy.
... are NOT as they are portrayed in the movies, on TV, or other forms of media. Those dogs are professionally trained and handled, and are very obedient only for VERY short periods of time. Celebrity dogs have their needs met by the trainer, and perform their jobs accordingly.
... require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise and entertainment... their unique character, intelligence and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy (when they're happy!) or great grief (when they're not!). If this type of relationship does not appeal to you, then consider another breed. Jack Russell Terriers are always a work in progress!
2006-08-23 16:28:45 · answer #1 · answered by Pan 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Is this your mother's dog or yours? I hope it's your mother's because anybody who feels that a bullet is an answer shouldn't have any sort of a pet. Hopefully that was a joke on your part. Regardless, read on for your own or your mother's edification.
Jack Russell Terriers (as with most smallish terriers) are known for their nipping bites. In fact, it's considered to be a sign of good breeding and Terrier 'spirit'.
Even though there are those who would be proud to have such a spirited dog, you aren't going to the Winchester Dog Show, you most likely have a pet quality dog. You need to work on his training. Their are all sorts of styles. It's usually best to go with a group with a reward, not punishment method. Ask the breeder of your puppy, your vet, and even your local animal control for a list of good trainors.
Until then, get an empty soda can, put in several coins, and tape off the pop top. Whenever your dog looks like (or is actually in the progress of) biting somebody, give the can a good shake. It will startle him and as soon as his teeth are off skin, tell him he's a good dog. Yes, praise, he hasn't earned a doggy treat but don't go chasing the dog around shaking the can like a maniac for it will only make him worse. So, positively reinforce his not biting with the can. Try to do it as discreetly as possible, stop shaking the can as soon as he starts towards biting somebody or stops biting someone, and don't start going into unnaturally high pitched praise that will make him hyper. Eventually he'll become wise to it, "Oh, heck, there's that blasted can. Better be good right now." If you have him properly trained by then, you shouldn't need the can except as an occasional reminder.
The average lifespan your breed of dog is 15 years (generally the smaller the dog, the longer lifespan they will have). Yes, he probably is territorial as your mother says, but old dogs new tricks and he's not as old as she thinks. You should always have your dog under your control, he shouldn't be in an unfenced yard if he's regularly going after kids and dogs. He shouldn't be off-leash on walks and you should scan ahead to try to avoid walking by another dog or kids playing. If you see something that will rile him up, cross the street. Avoidance is the best route.
As to your daughter, he should not be allowed access to her, particularly alone, until these issues are under control. Put him in the yard or another room.
By the way, the AKC is no longer calling this breed Jack Russell Terriers. Back in 2003 at the request of the Jack Russell Terriers Association of America the breed name was changed to Parson Russell Terrier, though I'm not sure why.
2006-08-23 16:57:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're feeling like you want to put a bullet in your dog's head, I think it's time to find another home for it. Chances are it will never stop biting your daughter, and either you're going to have to make arrangements to keep them apart, or get rid of the dog. I'm sure there are Jack Russell shelters that will take him in, or advertise at pet stores for an "adult only" dog.
2006-08-23 16:24:25 · answer #3 · answered by hop0409 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
its cause he is a Jack Russell Terrier - terriers are bred to hunt.. he is just doing his job
I dont know who owns the dog but he doesnt sound safe with kids and shouldnt be around them, he should be kenneled when kids are over.. being old isnt the point he wasnt socialized properly when younger
2006-08-23 16:21:25 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I previously read that you should introduce babies to dogs. Like when the dog came first and there's new member in the family, you should like allow the dog to sniff the baby to familiarize itself to her..or something like that. Some dogs would think they're actually the master.. those are dominant dogs. They've been spoilt too much. Rebuke your dog, eventually it'll behave.
(Yes, there are dogs who obey only certain people in the family)
2006-08-23 16:22:20 · answer #5 · answered by Jerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whose dog is it? If the dog is a danger to kids and other dogs, maybe he should be put down before he does some serious injury. They usually get worse with age.
2006-08-23 16:18:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Instead of shooting the dog in the head why not give it away to an older couple lol
2006-08-23 16:21:54 · answer #7 · answered by brenda4ever 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋