I often tell pet parents to differentiate between possessiveness and love. If you leave your dog to become overly possessive, it can lead to aggressiveness.
You don’t have for your dog to grow before you tame it to become calm and less possessive. I have two Jack Russells that took me time to train because of their possessiveness toward me.
I had to bring in a professional to handle this situation because it was my fault. I overpampered them and allowed them to have their way until adulthood.
I finally got married, and they would not want my husband to come closer to me. Here is what I want you to know about Jack Russells.
First and Foremost Hunting Dogs
Many experienced and inexperienced dog owners are overwhelmed by the demands of a Jack Russell Terrier, leading to the dogs being abandoned even before they reach adulthood. Jack Russells are first and foremost hunting dogs.
The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs (i.e., digging, barking, aggressive nature, ability to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.
Jack Russell Terriers require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise, and entertainment… their unique character, intelligence, and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy (when they’re happy!) or great grief (when they’re not!).
Same-Sex Aggression
Same-sex aggression and aggression towards other breeds of dogs are well documented with this terrier. It is strongly recommended that no more than two Jack Russells (of the opposite sex only) ever be permitted to stay together unattended.
Jack Russells can become very possessive of their owner or a favorite family member or what they consider their personal property if allowed to do so to the point of showing aggressive protective behavior that must be controlled from an early age.
- Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity, and exercise.
- A Jack Russell Terrier that bites can be a big problem. You must stop this behavior before it becomes dangerous.
- Don’t allow your Jack Russell to win any games of aggression. The outcome could certainly send the wrong message to him.
- Exercise, exercise, exercise! A tired dog seldom wants to pick a fight.
- Never put your hands between two fighting terriers.
- Jack Russells require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely intelligent and continue to test their limits throughout their life.
Jack Russells can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed! Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity, and exercise.
If you’ve only seen perfect, well-behaved JR’s, they are ones that were lucky enough to be exercised, well socialized, and trained.
Contact a qualified animal behaviorist for serious canine aggression and/or canine behavior that causes you to fear that you or someone else is in danger.
Nipping and Biting
Nipping and biting are how a puppy explores its world and learns its boundaries. When you allow a puppy to nip or bite at you, or your clothes, without an appropriate correction or consequences, you are teaching this youngster that it is acceptable behavior. Not a good idea in the long run!
Time outs are great; they teach the puppy that if they can’t play nicely, they can’t play at all!
Time-outs are great, they teach the puppy that if they can’t play nicely, they can’t play at all! When I have puppies that bite I have found two types of corrections that work well for me.
I don’t recommend hitting a puppy or holding a puppy’s mouth closed for biting, rather, putting your hand OVER their muzzle and just pushing her lips into the teeth, if they exert pressure downward, they only end up biting themselves.
This does two things: it gives them a correction and simulates another dog putting its mouth over its muzzle. This mimics a common sign of dominance among canines, allowing you to reemphasize your dominance over them! I also will use a little pinch on the lip as a correction.
With both corrections, I give a verbal correction “No bite” and when they stop, I praise them. With perseverance and patience, you will eventually be able to give only a verbal correction and have them stop.
It is often a good idea for puppies to quickly distract them with an appropriate chew toy, so they don’t go right back to “finger attack” mode!
If the corrections don’t seem to work, give time out, because they are either too wound up or too tired and need a nap! It might seem endless, but keep up the corrections you need to win this battle! Be persistent, and they’ll soon learn that nipping isn’t a fun game after all!
How to Solve Your JRT’s Hyperactivity
Jack Russells are pretty hyper by nature, but many are excessively hyper because their owners don’t help them release their energy. If your dog is excessively hyper, it very likely needs more exercise.
Add an extra walk to your exercise regime, make walks longer and more challenging, teach your dog to swim, and start playing lots of games.
Perhaps invest in a tennis ball launcher to help you throw a ball further in a game of fetch. This is about the only way your Jack Russell will get tired before you do.
FAQs
Why is my Jack Russell so possessive?
Jack Russells can become very possessive of their owner or a favorite member of the family or of what they consider to be their personal property if allowed to do so to the point of showing aggressive protective behavior that must be controlled from an early age
Are Jack Russell possessive?
JRT aggression is often a symptom of underlying problems. Their behavior might result from fear (they’re going with the “attack is the best defense” tactic), lack of socialization, possessive behavior, or even boredom and pent-up energy due to lack of physical activity.
What dog gets along with a Jack Russell?
Lapdogs such as the Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, bichon Frise, or Shih Tzu are small, highly social dogs that are similar in size and intelligence to the Jack Russell terrier. When the Jack Russell and the lap dog grow up together, they can make excellent companions