Re: Ripping up napkins, drinking toilet water and more

In Reply to: Ripping up napkins, drinking toilet water and more
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Rusty Johnson
Posted on:  September 26, 2002 at 00:30:27

: Hello, i have a 11 month old jack. Whenever i leave the room or take my eyes off him he always gets into the trash in the kitchen or bathroom, or he jumps on the table and gets napkins or tissues. How can i solve? And my dog always tries to drink toilet water. And whenever i try to put a leash on him to go for a walk he struggles and bites. It may be because i let him free outside most of the time but briefly just to pee. Thank you for your help

: Rusty

Response:

Hi Rusty,

Usually when a JRT is getting into this much trouble, it's a sign of not getting enough exercise.

Our motto here is: "a tired terrier is a good terrier." Try getting him more exercised with some real physical workouts. Just walking doesn't cut it with this breed.

Then get you and him enrolled in basic obedience. This is a MUST for this breed, not a luxury. If you want to keep your house in one piece, and have even a semi-serene life you have to get your terrier proficient in the basic commands.

You will love the day your terrier really knows the command "LEAVE IT"...trust me!

Try to keep the lid down on your toilet (I know it's hard for guys to do haha) and that will "cure" the toilet drinking problem for now.

You are going to have to do some work to teach him to be used a leash. It will be horrible before it gets better, but if you work with him in some short 5 minute sessions every day he should finally accept the leash.

Oh, and when you can't keep an eye on him, crate him for now until he learns some house manners :)