Jack Russell Cross problems

tinkerbell73

Hi

When my Ex boyfriend left me last year he left me his dog as well (we hadn't been together very long living together a year with the dog) I kept him for the kids as much as anything as they adored him and there was enough going on in theirs lives at the time. Now bit of background I have never owned a dog in my life (infact am allergic to him) so not sure what is normal behaviour. He is a Jack Russell cross 4 years old very bouncy and loving but can be a pain guarding socks or anything else he nicks.

We got through winter but now weather nicer he seems to be barking all the time in the garden and am worried about the neighbours, and digging holes in the patio, garden, my leather settee the carpet!!

I was working part time but am now full time so he spends a lot of time in the house alone as kids are all at school has run of kitchen dining room and conservatory when we are not there. Not sure whether to keep him or rehome him (where do i even start with that?)

So my main problem is the barking the digging and then if keeping him is not fair on him because of the hours i work how do i go about rehoming him ??

I don't know anyone with a Jack Russell so not even sure what is normal behaviour

[Deleted User]

How often is he walked?

tinkerbell73

Daily now - my ex never walked him just threw a ball in the garden morning and night so he is getting a lot more walking now then he ever has had

Dovah_diva

A JR is too hyper to be left alone all day. He sounds bored. Ideally a JR needs at least two good walks a day and someone to visit at lunch time. Can you engage the services of a dog walker?

Ultimately, it depends on how much you care for the dog as to how bothered you can be to resolve his issues. If you're not that fussed have him re homed to give him the best chance of an owner that will meet all his needs.

MrsNorthman

Its funny you say that about the barking, my JR has gone the same since the nice weather started, at first I thought it was since he was neutered. As soon as he is let out he goes looking for next doors cat and will bark at it till he can get through to it or is brought back in, if he sees someone on the street he will bark at them till he cant see them anymore, neighbours, kids playing in another garden, birds, everything!
All he wants is constant attention, as soon as whoever he is barking at gives him attention he shuts up.
The other day my husband was talking to a neighbour and the dog just wouldnt stop barking, in the end I had to bring him in.

Sounds like yours is very similar to mine.

tinkerbell73

Well that's made me feel a bit better his barking at the moment is sending me a bit bonkers :-( Maybe it is just a Jack Russell thing

Treevo

A daily walk isn't enough for such an energetic dog. Walk him for at least 45 minutes in the morning (plenty of free-running play too) and an equivalent time in the evening.

Ideally he needs to be walked for this long at lunch too.

His not being properly exercised before is not an excuse for not doing so now. He'll calm down when he's properly stimulated too. Interaction is the key. And leave something like a Kong with food in to occupy his for part of the time.

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi

Glad to see you are trying to get things sorted for your little dog. I have grown up with Jack Russells and adopted my own last year from Blue Cross. He had been neglected and we are just starting to get his problems sorted out.

Jack Russells are not always the easiest dogs and dont like being on their own a lot. Blue Cross wouldnt have rehomed ours to someone who worked full time. They are busy little dogs who need company, stimulation, exercise and socialisation. The more the better.

I dont want to be unkind but you really need to think about whether you want to keep this dog long term. I can guarantee that if he doesnt get enough exercise and stimulation the barking and destructive behaviour will get worse. If you work full time you just may not have the time to give this dog what he needs, thats not your fault but you need to think really hard about it. The longer you leave it the worse your relationship with the dog may get.

If you do keep him you really need someone to come in and walk him in the middle of the day. He needs two good walks a day and play time too. JRTs are clever dogs who love training but you need lots of patience. Dont reward the barking with attention, try and ignore it if you can. If he gets enough attention in other ways some of the barking may stop anyway.

Maybe you should have a chat with a reputable dog rescue. Somewhere like Dogs Trust, Blue Cross or whoever is in your area. You could just test the waters and see how you feel about it once you have spoken to them. They are really nice and wont make you feel bad about things, it wasnt really your decision to have this dog after all.

Good luck, its not an easy decision but you need to do whats right for both of you.