Aggressive Jack Russell – Little Dogs With Big Attitudes
An aggressive jack russell is a little dog with a big attitude! Known for his strong possessive streak and lack of fear, the aggressive jack russell is nevertheless an intensely intelligent, loyal, and energetic dog with an ingrained sense of fun and play.
Why The Attitude?
Jack russell terriers were bred as hunting dogs. The barking, digging, aggressive nature and boundless energy that they exhibit are all traits that make them skilled hunters. Digging to go underground, barking at prey, following scents and investigating is what they do.
STOP YOUR AGGRESSIVE JACK RUSSELL
Their big hearts and attitudes come from the same breeding. Although they are small dogs, they often do not back down from dogs three times larger than themselves and are fearless. In the same vein, they are dominant dogs and, if not socialized and trained properly, will try to assert their will upon their owners.
Signs To Watch For
An aggressive jack russell may claim a favorite seat and challenge you to remove him. Another common sign is if you notice your terrier is habitually going through an entrance before you. Does he snap or growl if you approach him when he is eating or laying down?
If you are watching television, reading, or on the telephone, does he persist in making a nuisance of himself to get your attention? When you spend time with another person, an aggressive jack russell may even try to assert himself by growling, snapping, or possibly nipping at the other person.
If your jack russell terrier is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s time to get firm and ensure he understands that you are the dominant player in the partnership.
What Can I Do?
One of the first things you need to do is run through a mental checklist to ensure you are giving your aggressive jack russell the things he needs daily in order to be happy and healthy.
Is he getting lots of exercise? Not just a few lengthy walks on a leash, but running full out, jumping over obstacles, chasing objects, and, if possible, finding places to fulfill his need for digging. A jack russell requires more exercise than most.
If he does not get enough exercise to make him happy, he will find other things to get into. Usually that means things that the owner would prefer not to deal with.
Are you, intentionally or not, “allowing” your jack russell to take a dominant position?
Are you removing him with a firm “No” when he insists on claiming your favorite seat? Do you allow him to go through an entrance before you without doing something about it?
Jack russell terriers are extremely intelligent dogs who need consistent discipline to keep them from asserting their dominant natures. Keeping them well exercised with lots of outlets available for them to expend energy will help to minimize their aggressive natures.
They must be trained to realize that you are the dominant partner in the relationship. They will need to be constantly reminded of that in a firm, consistent, but loving manner.
Even though an aggressive jack russell may continue to try to assert his dominance, a smart owner who understands the nature of these terriers will ensure his dog comes to realize who the boss is.
