Help! Dog getting too big for his boots! ;)

sammy_kaye18

Raksha

I completely agree with you about rolling a dog. If I were to even attempt it with myJRT it would be an enormous challenge but just from the way he is treated (meaning his routine etc) he knows Im boss.

I once heard someone say before 'having a JRT is a constant battle of whits and stubborness'. you have to be one step ahead of them at all times.

I agree if you dont want him chewing dont give him the opportunity, have your boundaries and if you think he will chew the babies things then make the babies room a no go zone. I know this wil be difficult as your always bound to leave things lying abotu with a new born - do you have a crate??? if he does chew etc maybe you can put him in his crate as sort of a time out zone, I know when we seperate our dog from us if we have visitors (he gets excited by new faces) he is literally whining to come in but he gets 5 minutes chill time and then is much calmer (well as calm as you can get him anyway).

can i also suggest these forums - they are specifically JRT owners with a behaviourist who specialises in JRT behaviour.
http://www.jack-russell-terrier.co.uk/forum/index.php

Some Characteristics of the Breed

Jack Russells are unique.

Every one has a unique personality, they have feelings and moods, and their only want is to love you and for you to love them in return.
Jack Russells want to be the centre of attention.

If you want a dog that is happy to sleep quietly in the corner, then don't get a Jack Russell! When bored, they will create new and fun jobs for themselves, or alternatively start destroying things!
Jack Russell's are great guard dogs.

They can become very territorial, protecting their domain with endless effort. They are fearless and embody the cliche "a big dog in a small dogs body". They will defend you if you're approached by strangers in the street.
Jack Russell's do shed!

They shed all year round leaving white hair all over the place especially your clothes. If you're precious about your appearance and your furnishings, Jack Russells are not the breed for you!
Their traits

They will dig, both in the garden and they'll dig "phantom" holes indoors (which is hilarious!). They'll bark, guard, hunt insects and react aggressively to external noise. It is essential that you have a secure outdoor area for them.
What are they like to walk?

They have unlimited energy and require a lot of exercise. Be prepared for long walks in all weather. Such is the strength of their instinct and natural curiousity, they will bolt or "go hunting!" They do not fear larger dogs, indeed aggression is sometimes foolishly displayed.
Discipline and training

The relationship between owner and Jack Russell is a constant battle of wits. They are very stubborn and will always try to challenge your authority. Never back down!
With Kids

Despite anything that you read from other sources, a Jack Russells relationsh ip with children depends entirely on the individual dog. One of my Jacks adores children of all ages whereas the other becomes violently possessive of me in the presence of kids.

orlao

Fantastic post Sammy Kaye

That described JRT's perfectly!
They are feisty working terriers and the problem with most in pet homes is that they don't get enough mental stimulation so start to amuse themselves usually in ways that are not acceptable to their owners:eek:

OP,

With a baby on the way it is vital that you start a training programme asap as the stealing objects will be the least of your problems once you have a small child and very active young dog. That isn't a problem as long as you work on it now before the baby arrives because if the dog is still attention seeking when they are born you will then have to deal with it while you are already busy (and probably knackered) or there will be another dog possibly heading for rescue or worse. Whatever method you use please research it throughly and understand the principles behind it as 1) it will be more effective and quicker acting 2) It can be very dangerous to try some methods, particularly dominance based methods if you get them wrong or are inconsistant.

I think I know what Hinza means when he posts about the ways that have worked for him and I have seen that type of thing work for some people and dogs but they do require a very experienced and intuitive handler...which most people aren't!