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Re: "Guarding" and growling

 Posted by:  Carol Pierce
Posted on:  January 31, 2003 at 18:12:57

In Reply to: "Guarding" and growling
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Amy Casil
Posted on:  January 30, 2003 at 09:44:16

Question:

: Badger is a three year old JRT and I've had him for two years as a rescue dog. We moved in December and he had some trouble with the move but seems adjusted now. Before, it was just me and my ten year old daughter. Now there is my fiance and sometimes his three children. Badger is growling and sometimes barking aggressively at my fiance and sometimes the children when he comes upstairs to the bedroom or living room. We have crated Badger each time, but he only stops for a day or two, then the behavior repeats. He has done this with every family member except me. He is not over-aggressive in other ways, but he has tried behaviors like humping or pressuring to be petted one at a time since I've had him. The others were easy to stop, but this one is continuing. He will be submissive to Alan (very!) except in this one circumstance. Alan owned a JRT for many years, but that dog wasn't neutered and Badger is. Badger seems like he acts surprised when Alan comes upstairs or others, and seems to not recognize them. Are we not crating long enough or being strict enough with him?


Response:

Amy, I have a couple of ideas for you. "Behavior" is not my best area, but here goes: Jacks seem very sensitive to shifts in "head-count" in a household. I know this because I have a grandson who visits overnight occasionally, and also some step-grandchildren who visit. It seems to really shake up my terrier to have changes like this. Instead of putting Badger away, try having Alan & the kids do some basic obedience work with him - put the leash on, & practice sit, lie down, stay, and also have them give Badger his meals. Make each one take a turn, calling for a sit or lie down before the food is given, then lots of praise. I think this would do more for their relationship than crating Badger. Hope this helps some. C.P.