AboutBeth Adams Expertise I have 10+ yrs rescuing Cairn terriers. Ask me about rescue work and re-homing rescued terriers. I am also proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. I am also keenly aware that terriers are significantly different from other kinds of dogs, and often not the best choice for some owners.
Experience 10+ yrs owning and rescuing cairn terriers. Proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. My JRT is active in being a foster brother, and earthdog and agility events and we're having a blast
Expert: Beth Adams Date: 5/12/2008 Subject: 16-mo old male rescue Cairn
Question We adopted Scotty one month ago and he is exhibiting extremely aggressive behavior including growling, snarling, snapping and biting around high value treats, food, domain and crating. He is enrolled in obedience beginning tomorrow, we have been making him sit before feeding and following many of the tips in NILF reference. What that does not tell us is what the proper correction is at time of incident. For example - snarling and snapping if approached with toys...I do not want to provoke attack - but what is the best response to not let Scotty "win" and therefore reinforce the test of dominance?
Answer Kathleen -
Let me commend you for taking Scotty on. He sounds like he's having a major bout of teenaged angst and really testing you !
The best correction for incidents is a quick snatch (the main reason I recommend the use of a harness) and in the case of when you think he might actually bite, the use of a dragged leash.
Quickly, firmly, and without saying anything or even looking at him, I just snatch them up, hold them at arms length and unceremoniously stuff them in a crate (kind of like I picked up something stinky). If you are using a leash for safety reasons (your safety being the **utmost** consideration) you can either use the leash to drag him in close enough to snatch up by the harness or just drag him to the crate. The point is not that you are being mean, just that you are being matter of fact about the issue.
I then cover the crate with a towel or something to preclude their being able to see the household, or keep the crate in another room. Dogs are pretty darned social creatures and being removed from the family and ignored is something they don't like.
I usually leave them for about 15 minutes despite any protestations, then let them out but ignore them for another 15-20 minutes.
If he's being nasty about crating, consider a crate that opens on top. That way you can load him in without his being able to brace his paws in the doorway. If that's just not doable, find a place in a back bedroom where you can tie him for the same amount of time mentioned here (you will need to make sure you are using a harness and if he's a chewer use a chain leash for this)
Please make sure he has no toys to be possessive of, or that he learns they only come down when he's a good boy, and they get put away every time he's a jerk.
If you adopted him from a rescue, please call the foster mom right away to find out how she handled these issues, or if they have a post-adoption person to help you with this transition.
Please let me know if these ideas are any help or if you have any more questions.
-Beth
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I am sad to hear that he turned out to be so disturbed... and even more concerned that you did not sound like you had been forewarned... However, as I said before, your personal safety always has to come first and you have certainly made the right decision. If he has not gone back yet, you may want to consider boarding him in the meantime so no one gets into that position with him again.
