Help with our adopted Jack Russell Terrier....?

Question

We adopted a 4 year old female Jack Russell Terrier this past weekend. She was a breeding dog kept in an outdoor kennel her entire life. She is kind of shy and for some reason she won't leave our Pet room(large back mud room we have all the pet stuff in). She hasn't had any accidents in there-always waits till we take her out, but as soon as we bring her back in she runs for that room again. She will stand in the doorway and watch everything we do, but won't come out. I don't want to drag her out, but I would like her to come in the house with us so she can get to know us. Any suggestions to gently coax her out? I don't want to frighten her by just picking her up and making her come or just closing the door.

Just wanted to add that she was NOT abused. Her owner was very good to her dogs and let them out regurarly to play and such.

Answer 1

You answered your own question when you said she was kept in an outdoor kennel all her life. She will come around, but it may take a few weeks. Just do everything with her slowly. My son just adopted an English Setter and he's having the same problem. This girl was raised in a cage and knows nothing about being inside a home. He's had her a little over a week, and she is responding nicely. You little dog will soon be following you around everywhere. Jack Russell's are darling dogs and very friendly, so you'll not have any problem, just as soon as she gets the idea that she belongs to a real family.

Answer 2

I have a friend who had a breeding dog too, and it was a lot like yours sound, it would only stay under this table, and was extremely scared when anyone it didn't know came near it, all I can tell you to do is be very kind to her, she was probelly abused, and don't try to drag her out of the room she thinks of it as her safe place, since you haven't had the dog for very long yet she probelly hasn't gotten used to you and is still afraid you might abuse her, maybe try to put her food just outside the room, she probelly will come out to eat it, and just keep doing that, maybe moving it farther away, hopefully I helped

Answer 3

It can take up to a month for a dog to get fully acquainted and comfortable with the new surroundings. Give plenty of praise, and you can also keep her tethered to you with a leash while you do things around the house, which will help you bond with her as well as get her accustomed to the different living areas.

Get her a crate to put in the living room/dining area so she has her own "safe place" to run to and just leave the door to it open. That way, she can feel safe and comfortable and still be near her new family.

Answer 4

I totally understand what you mean. But really all you can do is try to talk to her making sure that she knows you are there looking at her. She might still be frightned a little from being inside of a house, being used of being an outside dog-in a kennell for so many years. Poor dog! If it was me, i woudl pick her up, to let the dog know that he or she is beign loved, and bring her inot each part of your house-introducign her or him to the new surroundings, and maybe give the dog a new toy or something to play with, to help them adjust to the home.

Answer 5

Since you just got her this weekend, I definitely wouldn't push anything. I would play with her and show her affection right now in that room so she can definitely become more comfortable with you and since that room is where she is most comfortable at the moment then just give her time. I guarantee after a little time and she becomes more comfortable with you and with her new surroundings, slowly but surely she will start venturing out and exploring the rest of the home. Since she is a little older and has spent longer time in the situation she was in, it may take her longer than a younger dog, but definitely don't push it. It will happen, just give it time.

Answer 6

I would try sitting in there with her and slowly leave the room dont drag her but carry her maybe out to the couch with you and hold her so whe knw that it is ok for her to be out there. Jacks are very smart dog but they are creature of habit also. I have one but he is only 8 months and he runs to the same spot all the time also when he runs intot the house. Talk to dog trainers i am sure they can help.

Answer 7

I have a border collie you can't reach for but she loves to sniff your lips like your kissing. Go ahead and lock him out of the room make him be with you and see you without over powering him. Let him see the everyday stuff and that its not going to hurt him. She apparently was not a good breeder "kept in an outdoor kennel her entire life" She was a piece of property to have babies to sell so the lazy a$$ didn't have to work.

Answer 8

This sounds allot like my dog when we first got her. She was in a cage for all of her life only let out to go to the bathroom. We have had her for about 9 months and she loves to play! Just give your dog about a month or two. She will come around. She needs to feel safe. If you want give her a doggy treat.

Answer 9

I would think she feels safe in that room. Sit on the floor with her favorite treats and a toy or two and try and coax her out. You could give her a blanket to sleep on and gradually move it closer and closer to the other room and finally in another room.

Answer 10

Poor girl! She was never socialized and doesn't know how to go about learning new things. You will need to be very patient with her and to an extent, let her set the pace. Offer lots of encouragement and praise.