My 4 year old male Jack Russell Mix doesn't like my 9 month old. Any suggestions?

Question

He just seems very unsure and growls and shows his teeth if my son gets within 5 feet of him. Will neutering help? I'm afraid of him when he does that, he growls at me and my husband too. We tried to get him in the submissive position like The Dog Wisperer, but he never submits! HELP

Answer 1

It' s simply jealous. It' s afraid that the baby would take away the master. Next time you feed it, also take the baby with you, to make it understand that you still care for it.

Answer 2

Neutering will not solve this problem. This dog needs serious training and needs to know his place in your family and I do not think this is a problem that your family can handle because it has escalated in the dog growling at everyone in the family and as far as I am concerned a growl is a precursor to a bite. You should definitely get rid of this dog before your child gets bit. Seriously, if you are afraid of the dog you have a problem that is too big for you to manage and to solve the problem will take time and bad things could happen during the time it takes for training. You need to seriously think about how you will feel if your baby gets bitten by a dog that is clearly becoming dangerous.
That stuff shown on the dog whisperer does not work and could cause you to get bitten. Please do not try it anymore.

Answer 3

That is a huge amount of exercise for a youngster. Imagine if you were encouraging a 14-year old human boy to run thhat distance very day. He would develop shin splints or something, as will your not-yet-mature Russell mix. I bet your 4-year old (fully mature and in the prime of his life) GSD mix has much longer legs than the Russell mix. The length of legs makes a big difference. Notice how the Russell has to almost jog to keep up with the GSD's fast walk. So, the still maturing dog is actually getting more exercise than the older dog. I'd cut it back to less than half until the Russell is about 18 months old.

Answer 4

Get a canine behaviourist to help. Dog Whisperer isn't right technique for your dog. Use Turid Rugass's 'Calming Signals' book instead.
If it were me, I would rehome the mixed dog for your child's sake and start over with a new puppy from one of the herding breeds which succour children. Bearded collie, rough or smooth collie, australian shepherd, . Or an extremely laid back breed which will easily handle at childs clumsy ministrations such as a Great Pyr, Labrador Retriever, or Collie.
Best,
Karen in PA, 11+ yrs. in collie breed.

Answer 5

He is probably jealous of your son as he was your baby till your child came along. you could try neutering unless you want to breed with him they say it quietens them but you never trust a dog around children especially if they have shown agresiveness towards them

Answer 6

Our friends, when they welcomed a little one........whilst she was in the hospital still they bought home a blanket that the baby was wrapped in for the first couple of days and put it in thier dogs kennel, to get him used to her smell, and it seemed to work, they get on great, also your dog maybe a little jealous becuase once he was your little baby!! ;)

Answer 7

my parents had a dog like that when my sister and i were babies. it had to bite me AND my sister in the face (leaving her with scars) before my dad would get rid of it. i resent him for that to this day. protect your child and either get rid of it or keep him separate from the dog.

Answer 8

Once a dog show aggression like that to a child it can no longer be trusted.

Answer 9

first of all remember to keep your kid safe ffrom the dog.

make sure that you make it clear to the dog that u still luv him and not just the baby. he wants attention, continue to take him on walks and play w/ him daily
hope this helps&good luck

Answer 10

He was socialized around kids enough. You might have to get rid of your dog, which is bad because its not his fault he wasnt socialized correctly.