Aggressive Jack Russell Terrier Behaviors Can Be Minimized

The small but aggressive jack russell terrier can sometimes be too smart for his own good. This terrier breed is known for its intelligence and fearlessness. If he thinks he’s the leader of the pack in your home, that combo could mean big trouble for you.

He Thinks He Is The Boss – Why?

First, you need to assert yourself as the alpha in your household. Your aggressive jack russell terrier may have taken that spot because he thinks he’s bigger, stronger, or smarter than you. In his mind, you come under him in pack leadership. You need to make sure he understands that you are the leader, not him.

STOP AGGRESSIVE JACK RUSSELL TERRIER BEHAVIOR

Remember, the aggressive jack russell terrier was bred for hunting. They have fierce convictions and stubborn attitudes because hunters have to be fearless and focused to track down their prey. It’s not just your pet, it’s the breed.

How Do I Turn His Thinking?

First, you have to work on your thinking and attitude towards your dog. You may not have realized that allowing him to go through a door first tells him that he is before you in pack order. In his mind, the leader goes first.

If you’ve always allowed him to enter the house before you, to him, that means you handed over the alpha position.

If he chooses to sit down in your favorite chair before you sit down, do you accept that? Do you just sit somewhere else? If so, again, you are allowing him to believe he is the alpha male, not you.

You need to ensure that you enter a doorway before him from now on. Give him a sit-stay command as you approach a door and enter it. Once you are through the door, then release him from the stay command and invite him to go through the door himself.

Ensure you are consistent and do not allow your aggressive jack russell terrier to re-assume his alpha position.

The same for when you approach a favorite seat and he hops up on it before you get a chance to sit down. Give him an off command. If he does not remove himself or growls, grab his collar, give a small shake and a firm “No” and drop him to his feet.

If he snarls, barks, or acts agitated, remove him from the room and do not allow him reentry until he is calm. You should not need to continue this action more than a few times before your aggressive jack russell terrier understands that he has been dethroned as the pack leader.

How Do I Stay In The Alpha Position?

You and your aggressive jack russell terrier should have a progressive training program in place which will cement you as the alpha leader in the household. If your terrier has mastered basic training commands, move on to an intermediate level of training.

The time spent together with your jack russell will allow for a stronger relationship in which you both will be rewarded in loyalty and love.

STOP AGGRESSIVE JACK RUSSELL TERRIER BEHAVIOR