Re: Pet sitting a JRT

In Reply to: Pet sitting a JRT
Category:   Barking
Posted by:  Gina
Posted on:  March 27, 2002 at 12:55:23

: I am a pet sitter, and am currently caring for a rescue JRT (along with another dog and three cats in the home, who are not the problem).

: When I was here with the owner, the dog barked until she picked him up, then he was fine. But now that she's gone, Rocket has been much more aggressive.

: He jumped up and bit me on the arm when I arrived this morning, and has been growling and charging at me nonstop. I'm not afraid of him, I just want him to calm down. Should I crate him? Ignore him? Win him over with treats?
: Is this just a bad case of separation anxiety?

: I thought that I had a lot of dog experience, but that was before I met Rocket!

: Any suggestions will be tremendously appreciated!
: Thanks,
: Gina

Response:

Hi Gina,

It's hard to give any real advice for this situation as I don't know how long your client has had this dog. If this dog is fairly new to his surroundings his aggression could very well be stemmed from the fact he is confused. However, that being said, this level of aggression is not acceptable.

Once you have taken him out to relieve himself then I would definitely crate him while you are there. From his crate you can try to "win him over" with treats but don't put yourself at anymore risk than you have to. Chances are this guy needs some pretty heavy doses of exercise to take the edge off of him and please tell your client to get this dog enrolled in obedience school.