I have a Jack Russell. He is about 2and a half. Within the last week, he has become aggressive to both my boyfriend and me. He is allowed on the couch, but I needed him to get down the other day and he showed me his teeth when I told him to get down. The same thing happened when my boyfriend came home, as well as the growling. We decided not to let him on the couch when we were there. Then two days later, when my boyfriend got up in the morning, he made the dog get off the couch, once again the teeth came out and the growling, so my boyfriend when to get him and put him outside, and the dog bit him. What's going on? Is it the age? Testing his authority or ours maybe? :Please help!!
2006-11-26 07:22:40 · 8 answers · asked by michellen_19 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It could be that he had gotten used to being on the couch and since dogs don't like their routines to be changed, he was letting you know that he wants to still be able to get on the couch when he wants to. Maybe next time he does it, remove him from the couch and then offer him a fun alternative such as giving him a dog treat or playing one of his favorite games with him. After while, he will learn that he gets something he likes when he is OFF the couch instead of ON it. This way you are giving him positive reinforcement for getting off the couch rather than negative attention when he is on it.
2006-11-26 07:27:22 · answer #1 · answered by rivkadacat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone recommended an obedience class if you have trouble with that because of the aggression ask your vet for a referral to a Dog Behavioral Specialist. They will work 1 on 1 with you and the dog and get to the root of the problem and teach you how to work with the dog. Right now the dog does not see you as the Pack Leader and that is a BIG problem.
2006-11-26 15:34:44 · answer #2 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your dog neutered? If not, that is the first step. Then you need to establish who is the dominant one in the house. Currently, that seems to be your dog.
First, never let a dominant dog on the furniture. Especially the bed. He will think that he is on equal footing with people, and then get uppity. Give him his own special place on the floor, and make him stay off the furniture.
Next, get him to a training class. Terriers can be very tough, even when they are small. Having some professional help will allow you to learn some valuable things without having them happen the hard way.
I have a very dominant dog, and she routinely needs to be reminded that she is not alpha. Once she tries something and I don't back down, she gets it.
Good luck, and please get professional help. You will all be a lot happier!
2006-11-26 15:37:11 · answer #3 · answered by clovicat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's something you should have expected with this breed. He needs to be neutered if he's not. He's also in desperate need of training. People with jack russels need to make sure right from day one that the dog knows who's in charge. This dog should be taken to a qualified trainer because he's only going to get worse. You need someone who can teach you how to teach the dog and be able to see the interaction between you to know exactly what's going on.
2006-11-26 17:31:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jacks are terriers and they have attitude. They are bred to.
You need to get with a behavioral trainer to work with you and your boyfriend and the dog to teach you how to gain control of yourhome.
You are going to have to set rules and make them work. You are going to have to take back control. Right now the dog is in charge and you are the room mate who apys the rent and caters to the dog.
Get help from a trainer and learn how to set rules and make the dog live with them,
Jacks are great little dogs but they are pushy and will take over if you let them.
Good luck.
2006-11-26 15:44:36 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this dog is two and half years old he's not testing your authority, he's showing you who's boss and it's not you. You need to be very stern with him, Set boundaries and KEEP them. Enroll the two of you in obedience classes immediately because if you don't you will be obeying the dog for the rest of his life.
2006-11-26 15:28:50 · answer #6 · answered by Lynn K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog is just like that,he is a beagle-jack russel mix i think it is just in the j.k's nature
he is 5 years old and very grumpy:)
2006-11-26 15:51:05 · answer #7 · answered by super nerd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tictree.. and others are correct
You dog is 'Top - Dog' and he proved it when he bit you.
you need a professional to work with you thru this.
neutering at this point is moot ... and with good training not necessary.
2006-11-26 18:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by redsquirrel_55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋