Adopting a 4 year old Jack Russel Terrier today... what am I in for?

[HelenB]

I had a cat that got a JRT to back down, the JRT had never backed down from any creature before. The dog's people were impressed! The cat was a nine year old calico girl who used to bark to wake up the dog when there was something going on in the neighborhood.

I have a doberman mix that may have JRT in her. She really really wants to eat chickens. I wouldn't knowingly adopt a JRT or mix there of because I'm don't have the energy for such a high maintenance pooch. However, it sounds to me like you have everything figured out and I wish you all the best with your new pal.

 

[halo]

Several of my friends have them, and all have killed animals of some sort. They are very high maintenance, very high energy drive, and must be watched all the time. They are cute and adorable, but I would never have one.

 

[wingznut76]

I have a 2yo JRT male. I got him at 10 weeks old. When I brought my chicks home May of this year I took Bo out to meet them, on a leash with his training collar. I did this because living in the country we have mice around and he is a better mouser than any cat I have seen so I knew he had a strong prey drive. As expected he bolted after the chicks which I quickly corrected. I then made him lay on his back in the middle of the chicks. At first he was very tense and shaking alot. After several minutes and some coaxing with feed the chicks were walking around and on him. If he tried to move or get up I would correct him. Within ten or fifteen minutes he was completely relaxed and paying little attention to the chicks, although he would try to sniff their backsides. If they ran he would not try to chase them. I would take him out on the leash for the next week and he never showed more than a passing curiosity towards them. That was about six weeks ago, I let him out now by himself and he will go out back to the coop and check them out do his business and back to the house he comes. In fact my wife's Papillion concerns me more as he tries to get them to play. I think from the way he took off today the older BR hen I got from a friend convinced him that she isn't playing.

 

[tnchickenut]

Well, here is the update. I got him and brought him over to my mother's house first (kinda hoping she would take him after seeing him... much more dog friendly home). We brought him in the house first... he attacked my mothers German Shepard (who is the most laid back dog ever) and she, the GS, let him, so we took him out for a walk around the yard to "go" before we left. My parents have a "doggie park" built into the corner of their property... completely fenced in, so I (like a dumby) let him off the lead to run free in there for a few minutes. When it was time to leave (just 10 minutes later) he snarled at us, so here we go... off to catch the mean dog. a HOUR later and one dog bite later and we finally got him back on the lead. But he wasn't walking and when you tried to pick him up... he snarled.
I don't know what to do now. I'm scared to bring him in the house to be honest. My two boxers will eat him if he isn't willing to be polite and let them sniff him. (which is all my mother's dogs did to prevoke a attack)
I also got to mention, I like the person I got him from and I do have to work with him, but this dog is VERY scared of everything and flinches when you go to pet him. Maybe it's the new places and people?
I got him tied out with two beds to choose from... one in a dog house I had extra (I use them for chickens in our hot enviorment), and one outside (since he is a farm dog he may prefer that). I gave him food and water and two different types of toys (which he doesn't seem to know what they are). And to top it all off because I have never left a dog out all night... a solar light to light up his bed, food, and water.

I probrably won't get any sleep tonight. I put him outside my bedroom window so I can keep a eye on him, but I'll probrably go all the way out to check every hour or so. BTW, it was me he bit... bloody... but I'm going to chock that up to him being scared.

I'm off to find Ceasar Millan videos to watch... maybe even buy one of his programs. I used his method with my two boxers and they have made HUGE improvements from it. I still don't want to chance losing a JRT to a doggie social fopa (spelling?). My boxers are working boxers and, thus, not lazy and fat... they have some strenth.

Boy, I'm in a pickle now.


OH! Editted to add:
He never even looked at the chickens. He actually seemed a bit more relaxed and no snarling after he got here to my place and heard the cows and horses at the neighbors farm, and all my chickens. He did not like my dogs barking from the house, though. AGH!

 

[speckledhen]

Sorry, Stacy. I absolutely despise JRTs for many reasons, not the least of which is that a gang of them have killed many birds that a friend got from me. Nasty little things-sorry to all the JRT fans, but I just can't stand them, looks or personality.

 

[tnchickenut]

Quote:
Well, I always liked their look, but I'm starting to wonder about the personality. Im still hoping some strick (not violent... before anyone starts... the two words have different definitions) obidience might do the trick. I'm still very worried in the meantime.

 

[True Grit]

My JRT has been a wonderful dog but they are determined hunters. I haven't even introduced him to my chicks and he will never be around them unless they're in the run or coop. I would never trust my collies either and I can keep them separate without a problem so that's my plan. Good luck with your rescue boy

 

[lockedhearts]

Quote:
Well, I always liked their look, but I'm starting to wonder about the personality. Im still hoping some strick (not violent... before anyone starts... the two words have different definitions) obidience might do the trick. I'm still very worried in the meantime.

No matter what the breed is, you just took this adult dog out of an environment he has known all his life, his first reaction is defense. Give him some time to adjust, give him attention, show him that life with you is not a bad thing. All dogs, JRT or other breeds have different personalities. Each of my 4 JRT's have different personalities. He is scared and confused at this point, his whole world has been turned upside down. Obedience is great with JR's but please keep in mind he is confused as to why he is in a strange place.

 

[verity]

great reminder, lockedhearts!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

I love and adore the breed... Will I ever own one, nope! lol

My sister had one, we had one growing up, our neighbor has one, my uncle has one.

I think they are adorable to look at, fun to watch in competitions, and doing their "jobs"

I just cant deal with the NON stop energy (I have a Boxer and a Chihuahua/Rat terrier mix) so energy I can handle, I just cant handle JRT energy.

Oh and the shedding, OMG they shed worse than a Pug does!


Good luck with the one you took on, is he neutered? If not he would be!

I cant imagine how scared he is, to go from being a "wild" child dog with no real rules, to being picked up by strangers, whisked off to unknown sounds, smells, people, and other animals.

While your Moms dog may be laid back, she didnt heed his body language or warnings!!

Always watch for body language, ears, tails, eyes etc...


I am SUPER sorry you got bit!