Re: Best decision about a biting Jack Russell

In Reply to: Re: Best decision about a biting Jack Russell
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Posted by:  Shannon
Posted on:  May 15, 2003 at 07:01:46

: : I have a two year old male Jack Russell who has started to bite. He had not broken skin until today when he bit a 10 month old in the face! The wound could have been much worse. He has known and been protective of this child since the child was 3 months old. My dog is so attached to me, and I to him. He has been obedience trained but continues to be aggressive toward other dogs, our cats, (which we have been able to handle) but now he is biting humans due to his inate protectiveness. My partner says he is an accident waiting to happen and that today's incident is a warning. He feels the next time Beau could disfigure a child or adult and we would have to live with that the rest of our lives. Is it in Beau's best interest to put him to sleep since he is a biter and very attached to me, or to try to find him a home through Jack Russell rescue? I would not trust any other medium to try to find him a home. This is a nightmare as I love him so much. Please advise.

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Response:

: You dont say whether or not he is neutered, this would be a great place to start. Also check for some trainers in your area and work with them one on one with this problem.
: Recommended Books FAQ, Aggression FAQ

Response:

I would add that JRTCA Russell Rescue is not a dumping ground for owners who have JRTs that bite or are dog-aggressive. This is not an "out" for you, Stayce, nor is putting him to sleep. What is in Beau's "best interest" is you taking responsibility for his behavior and doing something to change it. Loving him as much as you claim to, I expect you'll do whatever it takes to keep him with you...as in, be the companion you want him to be.