Re: Discipline

In Reply to: Discipline
Category:   
Posted by:  Lauren
Posted on:  May 30, 2002 at 13:06:17

: Hello,

: For the first time in my life, I choose to buy an older puppy of 6 months instead of a 10 week pup. The breeder told us she was crate trained and housebroken. She has had accidents in the house but we expected that since she is in a new environment. However, she does not like her crate at all and it is plenty big enough for her. She will not sleep in it -- she cries so loud that we cannot sleep even with ear plugs. My husband allowed her to sleep in our bed and now she thinks that's "her" bed too. My actual question is this: what is a good way to discipline her when she does something, like jump up on the furniture? We have tried yelling at her and she just continues to do it -- she acts like she cannot hear us. This morning, I caught her on my living room chair -- which she has never been allowed to sit on -- and when I yelled at her to get down, she rolled over on her back expecting a belly rub! Any suggestions on discipline so she knows who the boss is? Thanks.

Response:

Hi Lauren,

First things first -- when you yell at a dog and it rolls over on it's back, it is not expecting a belly rub. This is a submissive position acknowledging dominance. In this particular case, it appears that the acknowledgement was out of fear/intimidation.

The thing is, you don't need to use fear or intimidation to teach your terrier who is boss. I assure you that it is far more satisfying to have a pet who willingly obeys rather then one who only reacts out of fear of discipline.

A training class will teach you how to teach her to obey your commands and also provides the necessary socialization with other dogs/people. There is no age limit for attending a training class; be it 6 months old or 6 YEARS old, every dog will benefit from the experience. And every owner will benefit as well. :-)

Positive reinforcement training seems to work best for this breed. I suggest you ask your vet, breeder, other JRT owners for recommendations. You may also want to contact your JRTCA state and/or Russell Rescue representative for suggestions (links below.)

Best of luck,
Leslie