Re: Aggressive JRT

In Reply to: Aggressive JRT
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Robert Getty
Posted on:  January 30, 2002 at 09:23:49

: Over the past week my 5 year old Jack Russell Wishbone has begun growling at my wife and I. In the past two months his dog companion, a black lab cross left home with my stepson. In addition my dog has had to remain inside frequently due to extremely cold temperatures outdoors in the past few weeks. He has not been neutered and full moons seem to affect him as well. He begins growling as if he were going to bite. He exhibits this behavior when he is in his crate and on our bed primarily. I love this dog but I am afraid he is going to bite. What could this be caused by? What can be done about it? How would you discipline him for this behavior?

Response:
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Hi Robert,

It appears from reading your post that Wishbone may be experiencing some stress. First he is spending more time cooped up in the house, his buddy the Lab has left, and he's an intact terrier.

You may first want to take him to the vet to rule out any physical problem he may be having. Dogs that were docile that suddenly start to turn aggressive can well have something wrong with them.

So rule that out first. The second thing I would do is get him neutered. Unless you are a serious breeder/shower there is no reason to keep an intact dog. Neutering will help to lessen aggressive tendencies, remember though it will take a few months for the hormones to dissipate before seeing any changes in temperament.

The third thing I would do is engage him a lot more exercise. Play indoor fetch with him. Get a tennis ball and throw it down a hallway or across a room and let him go get it. Just because he's indoors doesn't mean he can't get some exercise. Make some PVC jumps and teach him to jump them. I set these up inside my home to school my agility dog. They knock down easy and its great exercise.

Stay away from games like "tug" that increases aggression, also wrestling and play fighting should not be part of his activity.

Fourth is to get this dog off of your bed until he learns to be civil. When he gets on the bed he places himself at the same status as you and your wife. Getting on the bed is a privilege not a right.

Fifth if you have not already done so, get this dog enrolled into obedience school. A dog needs structure and rules. There are always rules in a pack and your dog is part of your pack. You need to elevate your status as pack leader and the best way to do that is through obedience work.

Don't ever use any type of physical discipline with a dog that is having aggression issues. This will only escalate the level of aggression he is already displaying. Make him work for everything, by that I mean give him a command to sit before feeding him, or giving him treats or a toy, even snapping on his lead to go out. This is where obedience work plays such a vital role in having a well-adjusted happy dog.

I am going to provide you some links, please read them along with my answer.