Dog behavior?

Question

I have an 8 month old Jack Russell Terrier and got her when she was 10 weeks old. She has always been very submissive and scared of EVERYTHING! If she sees another dog, she will bark and growel like she is acting tough but then run away from it with her tail between her legs. If there is someone she doesn't know, she will not go near them and run by me to "hide". Only she will go by them if they "ignore" her and such. She also, will pee a little when you reach down too fast to pet her or pick her up. We do have another dog and she is just fine around her and will be rambucious as usual playing with her. With my boyfriend and I she is just fine but most other people she is afraid of. We don't hit her or abuse her in any way but her behavior is funny. She is a friendly dog and loves to be around people and kids but never understood why she is so submissive and timid.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I did do some reasearch on them before getting a Jack and knew how hyper they were before getting one. I wanted a dog with tons of energy and who could go on long walks and such with me. I just wish she wasn't so scared of other people so when we have company over she wont just hide by me or my boyfriend.

Answer 1

I wonder if your dog would take treats from you while she sees dogs from farther away (so that she didn't feel that she had to hide) Even if she's barking, it'd be a great idea for you and your BF to associate seeing other people and dogs with getting fed. If she won't take the food, you are too close to the things that are scaring her. Try this - and remember to be fair to your dog. She will tell you if you are pushing her too far by not taking treats, and going back to her old behaviors. Remember too that dogs go from this kind of fear behavior stuff to full-on aggression; it's great that you're asking about how to solve it now, before someone loses an eye...

Answer 2

I don't know about other JRT's but my sister's is the same way. She acts like Billy Bad A** from a distance then runs when it gets too close and hides. She nips at little kids when they run past her out of fear, not aggression. And every time she gets too excited or scared, she pees herself. May just be a timid JRT behavioral thing. Talk to your vet about it to be sure or to see if there is anything you can do. My sister has no luck so far. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm not an expert (first time using Yahoo! Answers) but I have a dog of a similar breed and her behaviour is quite similar. Pepper is very loud when she sees other dogs on walks, but she hides between my legs if our other dog isn't also nearby. She also looses bladder control occasionally when over excited. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I think its always well worth understanding their psychology though, especially when multiple dogs are involved since this can affect their pack mentally.

Answer 4

She sounds like atypical JRT. Go to the bookstore and get some books on the breed. They should include behavior and training. JRT, I feel, need owners who understand them. Wonderful lil tikes, but need special owners! I give those who have them credit! I couldn't handle a JRT! Wears me out just thinking of it!