Jack Russell Problems

[Suzanne]

I have a 9 month old Jack Russell dog.
This past couple of months he has turned very vicious. 95% of the time he is great, but when anyone goes near his dinner, bone or something he classes as his own he turns very vicious and goes for us.
I have 2 kids who love him very much but am afraid incase he turns on them.
He is also not used to strangers, and when any stranger comes round he gets very defensive & growls at them. He has also in the past went for them!!
I am at the stage now where i am seriously considering the future of the dog!!
Does anybody have any ideas of what we could do or is there nothing at this stage can be done!!

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by Suzanne

I have a 9 month old Jack Russell dog.
This past couple of months he has turned very vicious. 95% of the time he is great, but when anyone goes near his dinner, bone or something he classes as his own he turns very vicious and goes for us.
I have 2 kids who love him very much but am afraid incase he turns on them.
He is also not used to strangers, and when any stranger comes round he gets very defensive & growls at them. He has also in the past went for them!!
I am at the stage now where i am seriously considering the future of the dog!!
Does anybody have any ideas of what we could do or is there nothing at this stage can be done!!

There is plenty that could be done, but I don't feel that a forum is the appropriate place to address such dramatic concerns.

Enquire at your vets for a respected behaviour specialist and take it from there.

Where in the country are you...I may be able to suggest someone?

Nick

[Suzanne]

I am in Northern Ireland.
Will ask at vets to see who I can get
Thanks

[nick_j007]

I know Carol, and she is in N.I.

Down Dog - Behaviour & Training - Northern Ireland

Nick

[Suzanne]

Thanks Nick
Do you think a behaviourist will really work?
He can be very vicious so not sure if this will work especially with the kids
Really dont know what is best to do

[nick_j007]

If I were dealing with this as a job, I would be looking at risk assessment as much as how much I thought the dog could be improved by. If the risk is unacceptable (a good behaviourist would be able to advise on that with your cooperation) then either rehome or if he's too far gone and utterly nuts maybe PTS?

Some hard decisions there to be had no doubt, but they need to be made for a number of reasons.

Speak to Carol, say I sent you, and just get talking with respected people that can guide you in the right way.

Nick