Re: baby & jack russell

In Reply to: baby & jack russell
Posted by:  Mary Ellen Magee
Posted on:  December 29, 2001 at 11:01:29

: We have a 6 mth old JRT named Max that we have owned for 3 months. We are training Max with sit, down, and come commands, and working on housebreaking. He is learning slowly. My concern is that we are expecting a baby next summer, and Max doesn't interact with children well. What specifically should we be doing in our training to better enable Max to interact with children? I am concerned about his nipping and other typical traits.

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Hi Mary Ellen,
The first thing you need to do is read the FAQ on Children and start preparing Max as soon as possible. There are also three excellent books listed at the bottom of the FAQ for further help, and you maybe able to find them at your local Library. My favorite is the Killcommons book and I have found that to be most helpful in preparing dogs.

If you haven't taken Max to Obedience classes enroll him ASAP, this will help both of you to get a grip on any situation that arises.

I can tell you that all of my dogs love kids, I don't have a problem with nipping and if you are having a problem with nipping with Max then your Obedience instructor will be able to help you with this also. Socialization is a big key in this breed, and Obedience classes will help you with this also.