Thread: Jack Russell attitude problem

Originally Posted by Gapped axe

just a normal JR

Ha I was going to say that but extend it to typical terrier, they really do believe they are 10 feet tall and bullet proof, we have a smooth fox terrier speyed bitch and a bitch she is !!!. The most loving sweet natured girl around people and absolutely loves the grand kids and most other animals, and for the most part great around the labs, unless there is some excitement happening chasing a rabbit etc, then she just dives in and grabs the nearest Labrador going past, while it is a youngster she grabs there are no problems however occasionally she will grab the top bitch then all hell breaks loose and being a terrier they DO NOT back down, they could be breathing their last breath and still want to scrap, So now she goes to work with Hubby where she spend all day chasing rabbits. I will never have another one as they just upset the whole household, having said that, the breeder whom I got her off also breeds Jacks and she said the difference in temperament between the the Jacks and the Smooths is quite different, Jacks are far more more easy going. Have you thought of enrolling her in an obedience course, where she will have to deal with other dogs in a controlled environment.

Mate, J R's are BORN with an attitude problem - little blokes, ya know? If you're not alfa, they are

​I went the other way with a young foxy cross that would run at visitors barking and throw herself against the window in the car when another dog came into view.
The temptation is to talk firmly or harshly to the dog because of ones own lack of confidence about an outcome,, you know the outcome and try to keep the dog on track by becoming overly firm with it. Your stress levels are rising and the dog picks this up immediately.

In my view this only serves to reinforce the undesired behavior in that it signals your dog the visitor or new dog is a threat both to you and itself. It may see itself as protecting you, because you appear to be animated and nervous.

First thing for me in such a situation is to remain calm and reassuring.

I talk and stroke.. not after the dog is already worked up, that would only reinforce the behavior we are trying to extinguish , , rather, when I see it coming the dog is calmed and under control as the person comes into sight, and now the dog which sits in my office all morning and greets loads of new people every day , is also calm and pays them attention only in a calm friendly manner.

The barking at other dogs thing out of the car , and running at them in a wish to dominate manner, has also improved and is now manageable.​





Sorry to hear about the Mrs Ruff. These things can be very painfull.

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