Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As I have had my Jack Russell for a month now, we have come up with a new problem. He has become aggressive on leash with other people and dogs. It worries me that he is aggressive. He will start barking at other dogs, than when he gets up close he will go after them growling and snapping. As for people, he does nothing, until they approach him. When a person goes to pet him, he lashes out. He will growl and snap.

When I was in the car with my fiance, and our Jack Russell in the back. He allowed my best friend (female, white) to pet him no problem, shaked his tail and all. Than her b/f (male, Jamacin (sp)) went to pet him, he attacked him (broked the skin). From there he went up to me and growled on my lap.

I'm just wondering if JR's are known to be aggressive, maybe this is just a protection for either him or myself. But if this is something more than that, I will look into training for him on this particular behaviour.

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Momma, Dadda, Juliet (Calico), Buddy (Tabby), Lima (Siamesse Mix), Colbi (Jack Russell), RJ & Billy (Bearded Dragons), SweetPea (Midland Water Snake), Three Parakeets, and the 20-Gallon Bowl of Fishies.
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(Sea_Tuon@att.net)

I think your dog is showing his attachment to you, which is good, but, aggressiveness and biting is something I would not tolerate. He/she needs to be worked through this problem. It may well be why he/she was placed for adoption, previously.

I would immediately grab around the muzzle and very sternly say "NO... BAD DOG" I also use rolling over onto the back, and eye contact to reinforce what I am saying, and the dog should turn away from the eye contact. If not, he thinks he is the boss. This definitely means you need to work on this, and do it NOW, not after he has seriously hurt someone. Rolling them over onto their backs is something they don't like but will tolerate if you are the boss, and, allowing you to do it, tells you they accept you as boss. JRT's are strong little buggars, with big teeth, and very strong jaws. They can inflict serious damage. Get help from a professional if you don't feel confident with behavior modification.

That said, I would not keep this type of personality dog in my breeding program, but many breeders will. There are JRT's/PRT's with very sweet personalities, who would never be this aggressive. Mine see all strangers as a friend they have yet to meet, and they are going to meet them NOW, thank you.

Best wishes, and do start some behavior modification.
jrterrier....

One problem. I took him to the vet for a check up. He knows I am boss very much so. He will roll over on his back for me, just about any time. and I also can roll him over any time I want. He will make eye contact with me but not for long period of time.

At the vet, he attacked the vet lady didn't hurt her. but in order to get a sample of his blood they had to take him in the back and hold him down with muzzle. This maybe a job for a professional. I just wish I could work this out with him. He isn't nearly as bad when it's just my fiance.

Not sure what to think.

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Momma, Dadda, Juliet (Calico), Buddy (Tabby), Lima (Siamesse Mix), Colbi (Jack Russell), RJ & Billy (Bearded Dragons), SweetPea (Midland Water Snake), Three Parakeets, and the 20-Gallon Bowl of Fishies.
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(Sea_Tuon@att.net)

>>One problem. I took him to the vet for a check up. He knows I am boss very much so. He will roll over on his back for me, just about any time. and I also can roll him over any time I want. He will make eye contact with me but not for long period of time.
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>>At the vet, he attacked the vet lady didn't hurt her. but in order to get a sample of his blood they had to take him in the back and hold him down with muzzle. This maybe a job for a professional. I just wish I could work this out with him. He isn't nearly as bad when it's just my fiance.
>>
>>Not sure what to think.
>>
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>>Momma, Dadda, Juliet (Calico), Buddy (Tabby), Lima (Siamesse Mix), Colbi (Jack Russell), RJ & Billy (Bearded Dragons), SweetPea (Midland Water Snake), Three Parakeets, and the 20-Gallon Bowl of Fishies.
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>>Sea_Tuon@att.net)>>>

Sounds like an evaluation by a behavior specialist in person with this dog is in order. To determine how to handle aggressive behavior, you have to first know what is triggering that behavior, a job for an expert. This person could help you determine whether or not the aggression can be helped, and whether or not it's a task you can reasonably take on with your specific lifestyle.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com