My husband and I adopted a Jack Russell back at Christmas. He will be three in June, and is fullly trained. However, he came from a home with no children, and we have three girls. He is loving toward them, but will only allow the girls to get so close to him or he snaps at them. Any suggestions on how to prevent this; how to make him more comfortable around the girls. We love him dearly, and just want to provide the best home for him!
2007-02-13 00:50:34 · 12 answers · asked by carolina gal 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
he needs to know that he is not in charge. I highly reccommend watching some episodes of the dog whisperer (runs on national geographic channel, they have a website too). The dog needs to learn that anything with two legs ranks above him. In addition, maybe helping the girls to be calm and assertive with him could help since children often amplify problems by responding in a high-energy way. Good luck, and thank you for being willing to take on this task instead of just taking the dog back! :)
2007-02-13 00:57:09 · answer #1 · answered by raerae_2001 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My aunt has a jack russell and they are pretty hyper dogs (her's is 7 years old now). It's really in the breed of dog you have, not necessarily the dog that you have. Although, each individual dog is better. My best advice to anyone before getting a pet is to really research it. A lot of toy breeds are not good with children. I know you love the dog, but maybe the best 'home' for it isn't around children. Good luck to you.
PS: I know you are really attached to the pup, so my advice to you before thinking about getting rid of him would be to maybe do some dog training with him. You can find trainers at local pet stores like Petsmart and Petco. Try that first and also, if he isn't neutered, get him neutered and it should calm him down.
2007-02-13 01:02:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First thought, start watching Cesar Milan. Second thought, get rid of the dog. Saying JRTs can sometimes be snappy is an understatement. When it comes to a dog or your children - your children have to come first. Having a dog in your home that is 'snappy' is unsafe and unfair to all concerned. If you are unable to train the dog out of the snappy behaviour then get rid of him.
To give everyone a chance to get along and learn to live together, give your daughters more of an active role in the care of the dog. Allow them to feed - with supervision of course, take the girls and the dog to obedience classes - I know you say the dog is already trained, but it will allow the girls to learn things, and will re-enforce the dog's existing training. In short have the girls become more active in the dog's life. Good luck
2007-02-13 01:05:29 · answer #3 · answered by jojuzach 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jacks (And many other small breeds) tend to be snappers. When he does it, you need to firmly tell him NO and try to train him not to do it.
If it continues, I would get rid of him - You can't put your kids at risk of being bit, no matter how much you love the dog! There are a lot of rescue groups that can help find him a childless home.
2007-02-13 00:55:48 · answer #4 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My JRT is 2, and our kids don't live with us, but visit a few times a year. We've had the JRT since he was a pup, and on occassion will snap at the kids. Now, they are 15 and 8, and they have learned when to stay away from him, or just to generally ignore him. For me, its hard to train consistantly when the "trigger" isn't here all the time.
Here is what I suggest....have your girls sit on the floor with a treat (you are right there with them) and if the dog comes up, give him a treat, but no petting. Just quietly have them say "good boy". Don't push anything....after about a week (or more, depending on his attitude) they can give a treat and easy petting. But if he walks away, don't chase or call, just let him go. He needs to learn that the kids aren't a bad thing, but the kids need to learn not to chase him, move suddenly at him, or scream/talk loudly. Both sides have to learn to live together.
2007-02-13 01:06:56 · answer #5 · answered by vomdeitrichgiants 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
when he snaps use a firm no and time out in another room..and he should get the picture,
if this dont work i would try obedience classes and im sure he will stop it....
as many ppl have already said small dogs r snappers but if trained properly can be family friendly
also getting ur children 2 give him treats is a great idea as others have also said
hope this helps
good luck
2007-02-13 02:07:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would get rid of it. I love dogs.but I love kids more. I would never be able to trust it. It may have been mistreated by a child. Anyway I wouldn't take a chance. Not with kids.
2007-02-13 01:02:37 · answer #7 · answered by oldmanwitastick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He could of been abused by children as a pup, he needs to learn that your children will not hurt him. I agree with the person that said let the children feed him treats. Animals tend to love the person that feeds them. Have your children take turns feeding the dog. Tell them to move slowly, no quick movements that would make your dog anxious.
2007-02-13 01:14:16 · answer #8 · answered by Cheryl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would reccomend the girls approaching him in a more calm manner with a treat each day and hopefully he'll associate the girls with treats and wont snap at them. But if he continues to snap at your girls, I would reccomend finding him another home without any children. Good luck to you.
2007-02-13 01:00:54 · answer #9 · answered by Ashley R 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they tend to be hyper dogs and they do sometimes snap at people
it may help to tell them to be careful because when he gets in a mood he is going to snap
2007-02-13 00:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by Mike H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋