I found a puppy about two years ago on the road. I took him in and he has always had a mean streak in him. He has had the rabbies shot. He growls and snaps, but never has bitten anyone. I tried disciplining the dog and it seems to have made things worse. He doesn't trust me at all now. I'm pretty much set on having him laid down to sleep. I have a young child in the home with me and it scares us. Could obedience school help? Could I do something that would regain his trust in me and become a nice, sweet dog? Or should I just lay him down to sleep? I really wouldn't like giving him away because he could turn on that person. And I would hate the thought of him being in a gas chamber at the pound. I also refuse to take him for a "ride" because I wouldn't want him having searching for food, shelter, and such. He's a very small dog, most likely a mix of terrier and jack russel. He's muscular and quite fast.
2006-12-26 06:58:22 · 11 answers · asked by lauriecherie 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ask your veterinarian for the name of a board certified veterinarian specializing in animal behavior. A consult with this veterinarian will cost you several hundred dollars, but it can really help you make the decision. He or she will evaluate the reasons for your dog's behavior, as will be able to give you every possible method that could bring the situation to an appropriate solution. As sad as euthanasia is, you are right to consider it. A violent dog, big or small, cannot be tolerated with young children in the house. Additionally, keep in mind that if you know your dog to be violent, giving him away is a liability to you and to the members of his future home.
It's great that you are considering all options in dealing with this situation. It's so hard!
2006-12-26 07:08:33 · answer #1 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jack Russells are very wired dogs. They can go off at the least stimulation. First of all, I would definitely not keep this dog where your precious child is. Better safe than sorry. It sounds like he has never really trusted you, and that seems to make him the ruler in the house. You don't need that. Perhaps you can take him to the Vet and have him tested for Distemper, or other problems. Or the mean streak may be in his genes. If you do have to have him put to sleep, the vets give the animals individual care. First the animal is given a sedative (shot) which will make him fall asleep. (Not put to sleep). After the animal is very relaxed, the vet will then give him another shot which will make his heart stop. This is not at all gruesome like the gas chamber was, where the animal was not respected. I feel for you, having had animals leave this way. Mainly, my concerns would be with my child. Good luck.
2006-12-26 07:15:09 · answer #2 · answered by Bud's Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those type dogs are just very hyper. He may need a home with other dogs to keep him entertained if anything to keep him in line.If you put him around older dogs he will eventually know where his place is amongst them. If not he may need more attention than you are giving him. He's not a bad dog so there is no reason to put him to sleep. Actually if you got him 2 years ago he may just start to calm down with age. Dogs are a baby for 2 years. Another thing you may want to get him fixed. This will calm dogs down also.
2006-12-26 07:17:39 · answer #3 · answered by Noclue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obedience school is a good bet. Check out Cesar Milan on the "Dog Whisperer" on TV or some of his books at the library. You seem to have felt so bad for this dog and his past that you have given up the alpha position in your own house.
2006-12-26 08:14:32 · answer #4 · answered by dracomullet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love animals, but you have a small child to worry about. Sounds like you have a hard decision facing you. Does he growl at your child? At you? At everyone?
If you decide to keep this dog, I would strongly suggest that you NEVER leave your young one alone with him, but I am sure you are already taking that precaution. Good luck with whatever decision you make. I hope there is a way he can be saved, but sometimes decisions have to be made.
2006-12-26 07:10:53 · answer #5 · answered by nike54_la 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recomend seeking a professional to help you. Your Vet can give advice or a professional training center for dogs could help for a fee though. Training a dog is very difficult but if you love the pup at least see if there is help out there for him.
2006-12-26 07:11:26 · answer #6 · answered by nessalove_9 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sam Malatesta has a great training tool for this.
http://www.whosthedog.com/
http://www.kyra.ws/samwscc.html
Its basically returning the dog to the nesting box. Starting all over with him and regaining his trust. Its excellent and is meant for shelter dogs that have been through traumatic experiences. You regain their trust in order to train them properly.
2006-12-26 07:29:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When does he growl and snap? It may just be out of fear, and if you meat his fear with hitting him or other rough discipline, he'll just get worse.
I think a good obedience school is a good idea. It'll help you get to know him, and you'll learn constructive ways to teach him manners.
2006-12-26 07:01:56 · answer #8 · answered by Funchy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call your local JRT rescue, you can look on www.petfinder.com or find one at www.terrier.com. Someone may be able to help you figure out what to do. Obedience will and can help. Dogs like this have most often had a terrible life and have trust issues. Please , please, please do not take him and drop him off somewhere, this will not solve the problem. What state are you in?
2006-12-26 09:49:55 · answer #9 · answered by IDesign_2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Rat terrier who never can be trained. She is what she is. I would give it away to a old lady or man who needs companion. Never trust that dog. Mine is mean too, and I have to cage her when my grand daughter comes over.
2006-12-26 07:06:29 · answer #10 · answered by lorry42766 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋