6 Reasons Why Your Jack Russell May Be Overly Aggressive Toward Outsiders

jack russells that bite or show aggressiveness toward people outside the family group usually feel insecure about their relationship with their owners and/or their property, or have been frustrated relative to people at barriers, on leashes, etc. Some of these dogs may have been mistreated by strangers or former family members, often not known to the owners.

Pack (family) and property protection tendencies naturally begin to appear at about 6 months of age. At this time the dog may show slight signs of hostility toward outsiders who threaten the integrity of its property or group. This behavior may become extreme in the following circumstances:

1. The Jack Russell’s owners do not have a uniform leader relationship with the pet (dog is submissive to some, dominant toward others).

2. The family has very few visitors.

3. Fear, hostility or aggression is commonly shown toward outsiders by family members (often by the children).

4. At the dog’s first signs of hostility toward outsiders, the owners have encouraged the behavior.

5. The dog has been frightened or teased by outsiders.

6. The Jack Russell has been shut away from the family when guests visit (often because of other types of misbehavior).