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Post by theresahicks111 on Jan 30, 2006 16:14:00 GMT -5
I am SO stressed out! Ever since we brought home my now 7 month old daughter, our Jack Russell terrier has been a pain in the butt. Already a very hyper dog, he constantly, and I mean constantly, follows her from room to room panting endlessly. He pants so much his saliva eventually gets slung all around the house. When we play with her excitedly, he starts barking and runs in circles. This would be fine if it were occasional. But it's around the clock. Only stopping when we sleep!
I can't tell what his feelings or intentions are. I don't think he wants to hurt her... ? It's so exhausting! He's more work than my baby girl is!
I want to hire a trainer to come into the home, but they are so expensive. Any suggestions? I'm at my wits end! Thanks!
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Post by willow on Jan 30, 2006 16:40:01 GMT -5
Hi There's,
If you don't like your dog's behavior, it is up to you to change it!
Does your JRT get any exercise other than constantly following your daughter around? JRT's are very active dogs and need a lot of structured exercise and training.
Do you spend "quality time" with your JRT, exercising, training and giving him affection? Dogs need that too.
Besides giving him plenty of exercise and attention, Your dog should be ob trained and taught that he simply cannot constantly shadow your daughter.
...and be thankful he is not aggressive with your daughter, but if you do not take control of his obsessive behavior immediately, it could come to that, which would be devastating for both him and your daughter for obvious reasons.
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Post by Aussienot on Feb 5, 2006 2:20:58 GMT -5
I think that since a baby has joined the family, the dog has been getting a lot less attention and exercise. (Understandably, of course). He's a high energy terrier, and all of his behaviors sound normal. JRTs are rarely human aggressive, btw, but they are perpetual motion machines and not for the faint-hearted.
With a hyper dog, you either give them a positive outlet to release the engergy every day, or you deal with the consequences.
Obedience training and tons of exercise will turn him into a better behaved pet. Training is part of the solution, but exercise is bigger part. You can exercise him yourself. You can obedience train him yourself if you have a few basic skills. The question is, how much time do you have to devote to him each day? If he's had no previous training, and if you are not currently alloting him much of your time, you may be signing up for a big project.
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Post by sibemom on Feb 5, 2006 11:20:19 GMT -5
How did I miss this one I agree with what has been said about the excersise ;D I also agree with Aussie that usally JRT's are not aggresive to the human family they are in. My neice has a JRT and he is the best with her two young daughters but he too gets very excited when it's play time, he is also very PROTECTIVE OF THEM, so I would start laying the law down to your little furry bundle and just show him what is acceptable behavior around your daughter. OB training can be done at home but he is a high energy breed so you are in for alot of work. I think since you have not seen him show an aggresion towards her he is just over stimulated because of the new situation, and they do love to play. You should see DUKE (my neices JRT) play with the girls he is wonderful and always is very gentle with them, but she has worked very hard at making him that way So yes this is up to you to get him under controll and I think once he figures out that there is time for him he will be fine
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Post by Aussienot on Feb 6, 2006 2:17:19 GMT -5
I had one other small idea for you to try - frozen Kongs. Get a couple of the small black kongs, fill them with ground beef, yoghurt, dog treats, peanut butter . . . . (filling of choice) and stick them in the freezer.
When you can't take terror terrier any more, chuck him outside with a frozen kong. I guarantee at least 1/2 hour of peace, and he'll be happier. Just remember to cut down on his food to allow for the Kong, and you still need to provide proper exercise.
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