Re: Male and Female JRT companionship

In Reply to: Male and Female JRT companionship
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Donna
Posted on:  August 28, 2002 at 12:11:48

: Hi! I have a 1 1/2 year old male Jack Russell, Dice...recently we have been discussing getting him a friend and today a friend of a friend just got a 12 month old female JRT that they have decided they can't keep. I asked if we could get the two together for a trial run...does this seem to be a good match. My boy has been "fixed" and we are current with all his vaccinations. They said they have papers and that shes upto date on all her shots. I just don't want to get over my head. Will they destroy my house...lol?

: Any thoughts or concerns would be appreciated. Thanks

Response:

Hi Donna,

I always advise people when they are thinking about getting a 2nd dog to make sure their reason is because THEY want one and not as a pal for the dog they already have.

Many times the lone dog is happy being a lone dog. Many people get surprised when they think that their first dog is going to be really happy to have a "friend" and when they find out Scruffy hates the new dog it comes as a big shock.

This is not to say the above scenario happens all the time but it does happen with enough frequency to mention it.

You are on the right track seeking an alternate sex terrier and I would also make sure that you introduce the two on neutral territory. Get your dog out of his house and yard and go somewhere that he doesn't feel territorial about, likewise for the female too.

Make sure that they spend some time together before heading back to your home. Ten minutes is not going to cut it, so make sure to block out some time for the intros.

Don't expect things to go smoothly, all that will do is set you up for some disappointment. There is likely to be some squabbling and even after some time, jockeying for pack status, female JRT's tend to be "bossy" lol! Respect the pack status they establish even if it means the female is now alpha over your male.

Make sure you have crates for both in case there is a need for some time outs. Every dog should have a safe place to go to.

They will only destroy your house if you allow it. Make sure both get to obedience school and the likelihood of house destruction drops considerably ;)

Regards,
Marie