Jack Russell Barking at Household Chores?

Question

I have a 10 month old Jack Russell and she is really friendly and great with other dogs and people. However, it is impossible to get anything done in the house. She barks if someone in the family is shoveling snow, washing the car, doing the dishes, wiping counters (sponge), dusting, blowing drying your hair, and any other type of household cleaning, etc. I'm pretty sure it is the movement of the sponge or rag that she wants to go after. The most recent thing she is doing is sitting and watching me on the computer. If she sees the mouse(cursor) move on the screen or a little icon blink, she will bark the entire time. I was wondering if anyone had any solutions. I don't want to have to separate her every time something has to get done. Her teacher from training class said to continue enforcing the "leave it" command, but jrts are so persistent that it's difficult to really stop her and get her attention for more than a minute. She has tons of exercise, play time, &socialization

Answer 1

JRT's are a tough breed to train. The same drive and intensity that makes them fun to own, translates to stubbornness when it comes to training time. What is the consequence of 'Leave it'? If it is to simply repeat it again and again then she has won the game she is playing. Be the pack leader and say 'Leave it' only once. Follow up with a stern correction. Sometimes a firm touch is enough; two fingers at the hips or neck to simulate a how a pack leader would control a dog with their maw. If she persists roll her on her back or side and let her know you are in control. Do not use pain or fear, and NEVER use her name when you are correcting. Choose a negative word or sound. Display the confidence and energy that you are in control. Only offer praise after you are done with your chores and she has behaved appropriately. Practice daily and she will figure it out, Jacks are as smart as they come.

Answer 2

Unfortuanately, in some situations, Jack Russell terriers have an extremely high eneregy level. If you are not meeting that energy level by execrcising him every day vigorously, he will cause trouble when you aren't around. Its also possible that he's developed an anxiety disorder so that when you leave, he doesn't like to be alone. Any veterinarian will be able to do an examination, and combined with the behaviors of your dog, this exame should tell them what is really wrong. He may perscribe a medicine for your dog toi take. Even if nothing is technically wrong, it wouldn't hurt to check out some classes at your local Petsmart or Petco. They are inexpensive, and can often provide solutions through behavioral changes.

Answer 3

Your teacher is on the right track - using "leave it" is good, but only if the rewards you give her are better than chasing after the vacuum cleaner. I would not let this dog get obsessive about the computer cursor - crate her when you're online so that she doesn't develop an OCD.
Teaching leave it : I don't say anything to the dog the first few times I'm playing this game with my dog, I just keep my hand ready to block the treat. If she's having trouble, I just keep the treat in my hand, closed fist first, then open palm after she understands to back off from the treat. I add the cue to get the treat (OK! Get yer cookie!) instead of a 'leave it' just because it seems less confusing.

For 'leave it' I use a really low-value treat on the ground and hold high-value treats in my hand, dog on leash, walk towards cookie, instantly reward dog for looking at me instead of that cookie on the floor. Repeat, making it harder for the dog gradually, then add 'leave it' cue when dog is consistently checking in with me when we're approaching the cookie on the floor. The more kinds of places you can do this exercise = the more successful you will be!

*Please don't use punishments and intimidation with this dog. The Cesar Milan techniques teach learned helplessness and create a very unhappy dog. Teach positively, using rewards, and recognise the things that send your dog over the top. You should never alpha-roll or hit your dog. You want to keep your Jack happy and well-socialized, right? *

Answer 4

I have a 3 year old Jack, (Sony), and she does the same thing! We have some what curbed her barking by putting some coins in a small tin and shaking it when she starts to bark, at the same time we tell her "No Bark". This works about 65% of the time; however, there are still some things she will never stop barking at; vacuum cleaner flickering lights (lasers), and when we are using Windex on any glass and it makes that squeaky clean sound. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Hi there,

I'm not a dog trainer but I think one of the best websites out there to help you with your training challenge is Cesar Millan - his show is the "Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic channel and he's amazing. I watched an episode where he helped a family with the exact same problem as yours - except they had yorkies. I would check out his website: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/index.php

I'm sure you could find an answer there...

hope that helps.
:)

Answer 6

Those types of dogs can be obsessive compulsive...exercise her more beforte starting chores...correct her negative behavior every time she does it....do not reward her with affection for acting bad, watch the dog whisperer...he's great!