6 Ways You Can Reverse The Roles Of A Demanding Jack Russell Dog

Dominance aggression is a very common form of aggression because of its inherent nature. In order for the human owner to achieve and maintain dominance, he must understand the Jack Russell’s urges and know how to diffuse them in a positive manner. It is important to note that dominant jack russells generally escalate their aggression when physical corrections are administered via leash and collar. Overwhelming physical force has backed many of these dogs down yet often proved to be only a temporary solution.

Treatment: Management generally consists of learning how not to trigger aggressive responses. If you call your dog and he will not come, leave him alone. If you want to pet him and you call him over with success, you may pet him; otherwise, do not go to him. Praise him only when he responds to your command to come. Do not go to him and stroke him when he will not come to you. Furthermore, remember not to pet him when he comes over, nudging you with his nose, pushing at your arm for some strokes. It is important that you don’t acknowledge demanding behavior in order not to encourage these demanding tendencies.

The common areas to recognize and control the hierarchical structure include:

1. Who sleeps in the best spot. The best spot is that area that is considered either most comfortable or closest to the dominant figure in the pack.

2. Who eats first. Survival of the fittest insures that the strong eat before anyone else. Feed yourself first.

3. Who walks in front. He who is in front is the leader. If you are always following your Jack Russell, he is the leader and you are the follower. Commonly, dogs are walked on a lead, and they pull their owners constantly around the neighborhood. Why would the dog think that the owner is in charge?

4. Who protects the pack. The strong protect the pack. When your dog has a hard time settling down when a visitor arrives at your door, and the barking appears to be somewhat aggressive, the dog assumes that it is his job to inspect and decide who can and who cannot enter his domain. This may be a manifestation of a protection or dominant drive. It is up to you to teach your dog that he is not to be involved in protection issues because you will take care of such problems for him.

5. Who owns the toys. The dog that can control his toys may be inadvertently trained to guard his toys. Leaving his toys around for him to play with at his will may suggest ownership of these toys. It is a good habit to take your dog’s toys away when he is not using them and give them to him when you wish to play.

6. Who controls the play time. jack russells will almost throw their toys or balls in your lap in an attempt to elicit play from you. Although this can be a harmless act, it may also be a dominant act as well. Be sure to initiate play on your terms; it is amazing what a dog will do for his owner for a short play session. Use play as a reward for your dog’s compliant behavior.