Getting our first JRT in a few days-any advice?

by jarn
(usa)

We are adopting a ~10 month old male JRT, (named Sal)next week from a shelter- he was a stray brought in by animal control, shelter will have him neutered before we get him. I have done the usual research and know what to expect but thought experienced owners could give me extra tips! 3 adults and one aloof 8 yr old cat in the house (2 of us will be home full time)At our shelter visits, he seems very sweet, friendly and playful-interested in the other dogs and cats, but not at all aggressive.

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May 03, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		It's going great!
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much for the response. We have had him for a few days now and things are going great! He is very intelligent and quick to learn -I keep a pocketful of small treats on me at all times and rewarding his good behavior certainly paying off. He is only crated at night for about 5 hours, and tolerating it well. He is sweet and friendly, rarely barks or whines, and not at all destructive(except his toys!)The cat hates him, but the house it big, and I am able to arrange it so they are never anywhere near each other. We don't know much about his background, other than he reported to animal control as a stray after wandering around a rural area for nearly a week, and subsequently turned into the shelter.
May 02, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		JRT & Cats & Training
by: Anonymous

Be very careful about the cat, a JRT's DNA can kick in and if you do not watch for signs that he sees the cat like a rabbit you could have an incident. JRTs are sensitive and you must crate train and train the dog every day to get the basic commands down... 4 hrs tops in the crate in the day time. JRTs need exercise, buy the book on this site...use Cesar Millan's pack leadership but not the bite of little kick as JRTs take these movements like a challenge...use positive reinforcement for training and ignore the dog and walk away when they act up, NEVER HIT OR YELL AT THE DOG as this will make him stress out. You are getting your dog as he is beginning his teens and at this stage of growth the dogs get frightened and can act just like you kids at 13 to 16 years of age. Most dogs end up in shelters between 6 to 9 months of age because people get angry that the dog will not behave or listen to to them. Dogs do really mature until about 1 to 3 years.
Be patient and remain calm, if you get upset or start to get angry, walk away. They are a wonderful little big dog...good luck...

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