Jack Russell's behaving badly

[Amanda8]

two girl JR's who have total rule in the house, don't like other dogs, won't play ball in the park, Having severe problems house-training them, obsessed with their owner - feel am at wits end. any sensible solutions please.

[riapnash]

Hi There

I am sorry to hear that you are having problems. When did all this start and how old are both dogs? With the house training if you are at home all day, I would start letting them out every 2/3 hours at least - use a timer that will go off to remind you of your task. Stay outside with them and if they do the deed, praise them loads straightaway. If they start sniffing in the house, immediately put them outside. I am afraid with house training it's alot of patience and persistence which does pay off eventually. It sounds like you may need to make efforts for the dogs to 'detach' themselves from you and that you only give them attention when you see fit and not the other way around. When the dogs start wanting attention - ignore them, fold your arms and turn away - they wil get the message. I had the same problem with a rescued dobermann I took on in April, she had never had any affection and every time I sat down, would try and climb onto my lap or jump up so every time she attempted this, I stood up and turned my back. It took about 2 days before she finally got the message, now she comes up and sits down. When you say they dont like other dogs? how do they react? Have they not been socialised much with other dogs? It may be worth in employing the services of a dog behaviourist if you can afford it - he/she would be able to better advise you really.

Best of luck.
Maria

[Amanda8]

thanks all being considered - your answers were helpful.

[pussnboots]

Try Victroia Stillwell she's fabulous, What she doesn't know about training dogs isn't worht knowing.

[legerimports]

the best advice i can give you is what i did...you must kennel them at all times while they are in the house, take them out to potty, play and spend time with them o/side. feed and drink at the same time daily, until you have established a pattern for them. bring them in and kennel. keep them kenneled, as a rule they don't like to potty where the sleep, when you feel you are making head-way allow them on a stationary short lead in doors. this teaches them to lounge while you are sitting on the couch, cooking, cleaning etc. then do the same---o/side to potty and play...i have trained 3 little bitty yorkies by doing this and all i have ever had to say is 'get in your bed' and they do just that...you MUST be consistant and dedicated for as long as it takes...it'll be worth it...good luck

[kita1]

This is a list of articles dealing with each problem:

http://www.ttlntl.co.uk/1/behaviour.htm

If you click on the bit at the top where it says forum you can join a free forum and get lots of more in depth advice. They have a lot of behaviourists/trainers on there some of who have JR's so they understand totally what you are going through! They will have lots of ideas on how to get them to play ball etc. and other games you can teach them.

[kita1]

This is about JR's and some 'games' you can teach them.

http://www.ttlntl.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic= 202.0

(its too long to write it out in here!)

[smudge]

Talking of Jack Russell's reminded me of another thread way back in 2004:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nat ure/Question71804.html

I'll never forget what our friend's JR did in our kitchen/diner -scroll down to read.

Good luck with your's Amanda!