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Aggression Problems With The Jack Russell Terrier
Due to its background, the Jack Russell has a slight tendency to be aggressive. Today however, these household beasts no longer need to showcase the aggression of their past.
Controling Jack Russell Aggression
But, before we get into how to control it, let’s start by looking at the two main types of Jack Russell aggression. One is completely in their nature and will be harder to control, whereas the other should be stopped in its tracks before it’s given the chance to get any worse.
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Dog-on-dog aggression
This type of aggression is the most typical for Jack Russells, triggering the most protective part of their character. Because they are possessive and territorial, Jack Russells never hesitate when faced with a potential threat. A quick temper and valiant attitude, while somewhat admirable, can lead the Jack Russell into risky situations, such as confrontations with much bigger dogs.
Aggression toward humans
This, thankfully, is less common than the previous, but is also a more serious form of aggression. Dogs who demonstrate this aggression tend to do so out of a struggle for dominance, often feeling overly entitled with a need to defend their title. Alternatively, some dogs are overly suspicious of new faces and are aggressive only in order to defend their families.
What You Can Do
Fortunately, owners can work to resolve these aggression issues before it’s too late. It’s important to start from an early age so the habit of good behaviour and reduced aggression is ingrained and if you practice consistent obedience training with positive reinforcement it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve.
So how do you stop these aggressive tendencies in their tracks? Early socialization is vital. By mixing your dog with other sizes and breeds early, your dog will see these friends as equals, not foreign enemies.
The same thing applies when it comes to people. Allow your dog to interact with people early, so that visitors are a welcome source of enjoyment, not a potential threat. Provide your pet with a range of experiences by allowing him to accompany you on outings so he can grow familiar with different surroundings. Even if some people still strike your dog as suspicious, frequent outings at an early age will instruct your dog that the majority of people are friendly.
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If your dog is being aggressive at home, you may have given him too much freedom which is now skewing the hierarchy of the home. This needs to be stopped immediately. Display your own dominance and clarify your role as Alpha Dog of the home.
Make sure he knows that you’re the head of the pack by doing things like waiting to greet him until you’re ready, eating before he does, forcibly removing him from furniture and totally ignoring any bad behaviour. Such actions on your part will demonstrate who is in control and that the only way for your dog to win praise is through good behaviour.
Simply because Jack Russell aggression is part of the dog’s nature, you can still modify it. Make sure you start young and show consistency and you’ll soon see results and you can have a loving family pet that knows his place and won’t even consider being aggressive.
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