Re: Domination

In Reply to: Domination
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Bo Silvestre
Posted on:  June 28, 2002 at 14:45:45

: I have a 7 month old male JR. In the last month he barks/growls at everyone when I take him for a walk, and has now started jumping up at people. If I get in the way when he is jumping up, he bites me. I don't know how to control him? I am thinking of getting him castrated, will this help, or be more problematic.

Response:

Dear Bo,

Your terrier has entered the juvenile delinquent stage of his development; this is the time when terriers "test" their humans. At 7 months of age, your male is also "feeling the hormones." I don't think it's a coincidence that the a JRT will turn into a "JD" about the time that testosterone/estrogen hits their systems. :-)

Neutering a male terrier at a young age will prevent many unwanted behaviors -- marking, over-the-top territoriality, the type of aggression you're experiencing, etc -- as well medical problems later in life. The surgery is not a quick fix (it will take several months for the hormones to leave his body) so you need to take him to a training class. If you guys have been to class, then I suggest you use what you learned and set up several daily training sessions to remind your little guy that you are in charge.