Interaction with baby boy

by Diana
(Mexico)

Hi! I have a three year old male jack russel and I would like to ask for ur advice. I have a 1 year old son and my dog has growled at him three times now, once for crawling on his tail, the second time for trying to throw him his ball (which my son has done several times before) and this last time for accidentally stepping on his foreleg (which my son has also done before). Additional to this situation, my dog bit my hand yesterday for the second time and he has bitten two other persons before, mostly because he focuses on attacking other dogs that are far away and hadn't even noticed him. I don't want to give him away, but I'm really scared for my baby boy, a lot of people tell me to separate them, but it's hard since we live in an apartment. I've realized that maybe its because he's bored since things changed a bit when my baby was born, I don't throw him his ball to fetch as often as I used to. I've considered neutering him, actually we're about to do it, but since he's 3 years old I don't know if thismismhe solution to our problems. I've had male dogs all my life and I have never neutered any of them, I think it's a bit cruel. Please help I need urgent advice!!!! Thanks in advance.

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Mar 14, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you everyone for ur advice & concern
by: Diana

Many many thanks for all ur advices!!! I will certainly put them in use right away! As some of you said, it's pretty hard to take care of the baby and the dog as well, but I love them both very much, I'll start to research on professional trainers that have worked with JRTs and for sure let you guys know how it's going!

Thanks again and have a great evening!
Mar 13, 2012
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by: Anonymous

darlin i have a jack russel she is 5 now an a have a son also she used to have an issue with him the problem is ur dog might not feel like u care u have to show that he was not replaced an sit down with both of them together an show him that that is ur son an it is not okay to be jelouse balance it out when ur son is takeing a nap or when he gos to bed at night take some time an spend it with ur dog its a jelousy thing ur dog feels kind of abandond an that wouild also be part of the reason for biteing but as far as other dogs jack russels dont like very many other dogs u can also try to find ur jack russel a friend i do know they get along great with rat terriers an mixed small breeds of like chis mixed with pugs an stuff i wish u the best of luck an i hope i could help
Mar 05, 2012
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by: MichaelL65

I think what the dog may be experiencing is a bit of jealousy. He may feel that he has been replaced by the baby and is reacting to that. You need to be very careful with the dog around the baby. If the dog is showing signs of aggression beyond what you have said, i.e., stepping on tail accidentally, then you should consult a behaviour expert. It may come down to realizing that the dog and children are not compatible together. Some dogs just do not take well to kids. Secondly, it is not cruel to neuter your dog. It may help with some behaviour issues, but ideally it should be done when they are very young.
Mar 04, 2012
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by: Shelly

The growling is your Jack's way of communicating that he is uneasy about his place in the house....if he is not baring his teeth, it is not too bad. The fact that he bit you does concern me a bit. I agree with Deborah. A professional pet behaviorist might help you solve things quickly and also put you at ease. In the meantime I would make sure you have a solid routine of walking and exercise in place for him (I know how busy you must be with a baby in the house! Maybe even hiring a walker if necessary). Running him through commands daily can also help because you can work on things such as "wait", "sit", etc because that will also help him learn that his is not the dominate one. Also, try reintroducing the dog and the baby. Hold the baby while giving your Jack a treat so that he associates the treats and the baby as a positive experience. Still though, be vigilant when your baby is around the dog to make sure the baby is ok and your dog is not feeling scared about being stepped on. As your child gets older I'm sure you won't have to be as protective.
Let us know how things go!
Mar 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Baby boy
by: Deborah

Your best bet would be to get a trainer in to make and give you some tips on what to do and the trainer can train your Jack better then yourself some Jacks can be very possesive and some are very loyal I would be afraid for your son too.I would get a proffesional in to take care of this for you instead of getting rid of your Jack.I have 2 JRT,s and mine are perfect with kids they can do anything to my 2 anything!

Good Luck and Please let me know how it goes here is my email address debwhite4@verizon.net

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