Need immediate help with our JRT

We have a beautiful 4 year old JRT, she was a make a wish gift for our son. The whole family loves her to pieces and she has brought much joy to us. Recently she has started fighting with our 9 yr old cock-a-poo and has injured her. All over territory of a bed or couch. Last week she got into a fight with her and bit my husband while he was breaking it up, badly enough he got 6 stitches on his forearm. My dog training friend, whom is a godsend is suggesting we adopt her out due to the fact we have teeanage children and a very active home. I am sickened over this. I am looking for other options as far as retraining. Any ideas?

PS... neither dog is allowed on any furniture anymore and I am reiterating the alpha role specifically to the JRT. The cock-a-poo was already extremely submissive before the JRT ever became part of the family.

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Aug 14, 2012
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by: Anonymous

Thank you for your advice. We started working with a trainer to reestablish order among the dogs. It also appears Natalie had an ear infection in BOTH ears, by the vets standards she had nevr treated an infection that was so bad.( We felt terrible, she never let on she had any pain, until the attack.) The thyroid panel came back normal. Natalie has been much better, so much so that with much supervision in the back yard the 2 dogs have started to play together again on occasion. We will be starting level 2 obedience training with her in a month and plan on moving forward in all areas of JRT with her. My son and husband are drawing up plans to build her a "dig box" where my son plans on filling with dirt and hiding certain toys and treats in there for her to dig up, oh yeah she has become quite skilled in playing soccer with my son as well.
Again thank you for this site and your advice. We remain cautiuosly optimistic.
Jul 30, 2012
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by: Anonymous

Having a comprehensive physical can be very helpful including a full thyroid panel. Also dominance theory is not supported by science. Please look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and use management strategies in the meantime. Resource guarding can be addressed but it may take some time.
Jul 14, 2012
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by: J.C.

Im so sorry to hear about everything going on. It worries me that things have become a bit vicious. Have you had your Jack checked out to make sure nothing medical is going on. I would look into getting a behavioral therapist to come to your house as a last ditch effort. In the meantime, make sure you keep the dogs apart and do everything separate for them. Separate meals in separate rooms, separate walks, etc. I know how it would be heartbreaking to adopt him out but Im just concerned about the safety in your house. Let us know how everything goes!

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