advice needed

DKLS

I wish people would take more consideration in choosing a breed for themselves.
Especially people who take on working breeds or from the hound group, often in the wrong hands they make terrible pets and can be downright dangerous.
If you wanting a new dog do as much research as possible to ensure the dog fits your lifestyle. e.g. Its no use getting a collie if your idea of exercise is a wander to the fridge and back.

~Chameleon~

marshallka wrote: »

Our is not neutered either. We did ask our old vet when he was young and she said it would not calm him down at all. I think it would have done. I really wish we had done it now. Its too late though now at 8.5 years.

What makes you think your dog is too old to be neutered? It's never too late, unless other health problems would put them at high risk of undergoing anaesthesia. Neutering your dog would help prevent future problems such as prostate and testicular cancer.

BOBS

Butting in on a thread here ... but interesting reading...
Has anyone experience of Jack Russell Terriers .... my male is 1 1/2 years old and has started snapping when eg i try to put him outside and he doesnt want to go etc. Does anyone think getting him neutered would make a difference?? He is great with the kids but i am starting to worry he will snap at them.

orlao

BOBS wrote: »

Butting in on a thread here ... but interesting reading...
Has anyone experience of Jack Russell Terriers .... my male is 1 1/2 years old and has started snapping when eg i try to put him outside and he doesnt want to go etc. Does anyone think getting him neutered would make a difference?? He is great with the kids but i am starting to worry he will snap at them.

TBH (no offence intended!) neutering won't solve what sounds like a cheeky dog trying it on! That's not to say that neutering is a bad idea- certainly reduces the chance of him disappearing under the fence after the ladies and of course the obvious health benefits!

If he's objecting to going somewhere like outside when he doesn't want to....have you tried reward based training? Rather than have a row about going out to "do his business" maybe call him from the garden ie you go out and give him a treat (cheese is the holy grail of treats as far as my dogs are concerned) when he follows you out?

JRT are great dogs (I've got 2) but they are usually bred to work so need plenty of stimulation and exercise, just because they are small doesn't mean that they don't need exactly the same level of training and manners as a big dog.....apologies if you already know this:o.....but it is a particular bugbear of mine that some people don't feel the need to have a mannerly dog just because it's "only little"...again, not directed at you OP.

I can understand your worries about the children (I'm assuming they're not littlies?)but you can put precautions in place until you're sure that the snapping is under control.....no eating around the dog, all play carefully supervised etc and look into a training class as they are very helpful.....the kids can usually join in too..