Jack Russell behaviour problems

[benny3008]

Hi, i am in need of help desperately! my 10 month old Jack Russell doesn't seem to be learning the difference between right and wrong, i have tried crate training, i have tried shouting and grabbing the scruff of his neck etc... (which i was told to do by dog trainer), I've tried ignoring him and giving him no dinner when he's naughty but he still wont learn, this evening he has jumped up onto the worktop and pulled a plate of food onto the floor, this is not the first time he has done this, it is really starting to get to me as i am growing more and more concerned that i have trained him badly! i have tried so many different disciplines but with no luck, it's even got to the point where he knows when he is doing wrong, he sees me coming towards him (about to tell him off) and he cowers. it is really getting to me and i don't know what to do, to give you an idea of his character, he is in no way an independent dog, he is very clingy and has very bad separation anxiety which is getting better, he is very playful but will do anything for food, i have done research on how much to feed him, and he has two meals a day, breakfast and dinner, my sister has a jack Russell also, he is a little diamond compared to mine which makes me feel worse about it, she has trained him really well but she has also run out of ideas on how to deal with mine. admittedly, i have not been able to take him for many walks recently as i have just moved house and struggle to find the time, but he gets plenty of playtime during the day, i don't think this is an issue though because he was the same behaviourally when he was walked more regularly. please can someone help. :-(

[RATTER15]

A jack Russell is a high energy dog, I think I said a while back, Rule him or he will rule you!!

They will take you to your limits, no need for rough treatment or shouting at him, that will just excite him and learn nothing from it except fear.

Watch and study the Dog Whisperer and get his videos, it takes a lot of time and commitment, if you don't have the time and commitment, get a rescue mature Labrador.

[B00]

ha ha!

See, wasn't it only the other day I said JRT's were as mad as a box of frogs?

[Andyvon]

I love Jack Russells and I had two several years ago Benny. Not only are they wonderful characters but they have bundles of energy. They also need to have lots of companionship. I used to walk mine several miles a day. I took them out for an hour and a half in the morning, a long walk in the afternoon on the beach or the woods, and another hour at night. I also used to take a heavy leather football down the park and they would run and run chasing that, either by themselves or while I was kicking it around. Although they only have little legs they really built up their chest muscles and leg muscles. However, the walks used to tire them out and they spent the evening happily snoozing till the next day.

It sounds to me like that might be the problem. I don't think playing with toys is enough as Jack Russells have so much energy. I think you are going to have to take them on long walks of several miles a day. I regularly wore out pairs of walking boots! If you live by yourself you may have to find plenty of time for the dog from your own things. Dogs are very much like children in that they need someone with them most of the day. The dog didn't ask to come along and they need plenty of attention otherwise things start to go wrong.

[benny3008]

thanx for advice ratter, i shall look into dog whisperer thing, lol B00, hmmm! you were right!

[benny3008]

thanx andyvon, i will aim to take him on longer walks and more regular. :-)

[B00]

Should have added in my post...sorry I can't offer advice. Hope you get it sorted soon, as you've no doubt already discovered ,they are ruddy hardwork, but lovable, quirky little scamps.

[NoMercy]

Benny, I had all the same problems with my dog (Red Setter/Cocker Spaniel cross). He damaged furniture, made a mess of the car, stole belongings and food and never did as he was told. When he was about 13 months old, I had him done and he was a different dog after that.

I could tell you some tales about his destructive ways!

[benny3008]

that's one thing i intend to do soon when i can afford it, giving him the chop. i hope it makes a difference but i worry about him losing his character (the good side) :-/

[Andyvon]

I think that might be the answer Benny. Look at it another way. You'll get lots of exercise, lose weight, bump into other dog owners for chats. It might sound like a pain in the neck but it is enjoyable and it does become a major part of your life. The dog will love it too.

Good luck.

[benny3008]

yeh, i do enjoy walking him, i love being out in the country. :-)

[NoMercy]

Alfie still has a wonderful character and is now a more contented, loving little boy. He's only really naughty now when he's distressed. If he sees suitcases coming out, he gets very stressed and may empty the dustbin all over the kitchen floor, but other than that, he's a little angel.

[Andyvon]

That posted badly! I was talking about walks! The chop does make a difference too and it won't affect his character - just his aggression.

[benny3008]

and like you say, he enjoys it too!

[carmalee]

benny3008 - you have a dog programmed to do a job (kill rats/vermin) -you are trying to keep it in an unnatural environment. - join the local ratting fraternity and don't screw up your dog - you are on a hiding to nothing and the dog is going to suffer. sorry to be so blunt but JRT are essentally 'working dogs' - not pets

[benny3008]

not the chop, the walks he enjoys lol.

[woofgang]

You have tried loads of different things and confused him, you have with held his food and are surprised when he steals, you have limited his exercise and say he's unruly......and he now cowers away from you. The poor wee boy doesn't know if it's bum or teatime.
STOP go back to basics and give the poor wee boy a break. Stop leaving food where he can get it. Start teaching him things he can do to please you. JR's are smart dogs and need mental exercise as well as physical. Yes take a look at the dog whisperer but his confidence building stuff, not the red zone dog stuff. Be calm and patient and set things up so you and the dog are prevented from failing. Let us know how you get on.

[welshlibranr]

I totally agree with earlier posts, JRTs need to work and be kept busy, otherwise they become naughty!.................He needs stimulation!.................He needs to work!......that's what he was bred for!......If you want a cuddly lap dog, then he is not the dog for you!...............