I have a Jack Russell Terrier, just over a year old. I live in an apartment complex where a lot of people own dogs.
When I am walking my dog and he spots another dog, he wildly tries to pull me in that direction. If the dog is close, my dog lets out loud shrill screams and continues to try to pull me. It is almost impossible to control and its embarassing.
Other than that he is very well behaved for a JRT and he is real smart. Just a little wild in certain situations, this being the worst.
So what can I do to control this behavior?
he’s not aggressive in a mean way. He just is curious I think and wants to play. But he plays rough with other dogs like wrestling around and nipping (no intent to hurt). If I let him check out the other dog, They sniff, then start wrestling and the leashes get tangled up.
7 Responses
2008 Nov 27
you can enroll him in a training class. there he can learn the proper way to behave around other dog’s and in different situations. you’re trainer can give you ideas and what to do right there on the spot. if he’s a smart dog the class should be fun for the both of you. good luck.
2008 Nov 28
Say no and train it. If it doesn`t work, tell a vet.
2008 Nov 29
I had the same problem with my pitt bull terrier. whenever he pulls then snap him back and say in a kind but firm tone,”NO.”
it is a matter of him trying to be the boss. when taking him on walks always keep slightly ahead, if he runs past then abruptly turn and go the other direction or pull the leash and make him trip.
this method works and is not harmful to the dog.
2008 Dec 02
Socialise him more. Something he sees all the time is not as exciting to him.
2008 Dec 03
And then what happens? When he gets closer to the other dog, does he just say Hi and sniff ? Most JRT I’ve met are friendly. I’m not sure if you’re saying the problem is aggression, or you just don’t like his excited approach.
Okay, I just read your added comment. I think you need to arrange with other owners to let the dogs play together off-leash. Find some enclosed place where the dogs can be let loose and let them play. It looks rough to humans, but among dogs, it’s just play. There’s a lot of chasing and mock-biting. Choose dogs his own size. I don’t think your dog did anything wrong. I would not punish him.
2008 Dec 04
I have a pit bull, who is about 15-16 months and is fairly dog aggressive. Meaning, when he sees another dog, he wants to eat it. He doesnt try and pull because he knows it’s not allowed. When you walk him, keep him close (like head in line with your legs) and when he starts to pull, continue walking like nothing is wrong. You might want to seek out a trainer or a correction device like a head collar or choke collar. If he senses from you that something is wrong with what he is doing, he will continue to do it because it gets your attention. If you ignore the behavior and continue your walk as usual, he should catch up pretty soon. And for the times that he does pass dogs and doesnt do anything, give him a treat and LOTS of lovin.
2008 Dec 05
If you have a PetSmart near you they have an excellent dog obedience class and they will show you a harness that allows you to control your dog. We just lost our Jack Russell Terrier two years ago. She had epilepsy and no one wanted her. We had her for 12 years and she was a perfect companion.