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: 6/29/2008 Subject: 3 Year Old Adopted Male Cairn/Schnauzer Mix
Question We adopted our Baxter almost a year ago. We love him very much and he obeys most commands and walks nicely on a leash. He will not eat unless we sit down with him and it usually has to be both my husband and me. We can deal with that but the main problem is his lunging and biting strangers and especially small children. He has done this 3 times this week. Today he vomited in the floor and when I told him to get in his bed, he ran to another room to sit beside my husband. I went into the room, called his name and told him to come on to his bed. He ignored me. I walked towards him and put out my hand to motion for him to come with me. He growled, jumped up and bit my hand. He did not break the skin but it hurt. My husband took him downstairs to the basement.
We are very concerned about the biting and we never know when it's going to occur. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated as we are very frustrated.
Thank you,
Billie
Answer Billie -
Let me address the food thing first - No dog has ever **ever** willingly starved itself to death. Put down his food. If he does not eat in 15 minutes, pick it up and try again in 12 hours. I have had a number of dogs go into the 2nd day, but never had one go into the 3rd. He will eat, and by refusing to without you with him, he is controlling you.
As for the aggressive behavior, the first thing you need to rule out is a medical problem. Dogs do not usually change their behavior like this without a reason.
Without being there to watch him, it sounds a lot like he is resource guarding and feeling defensive.
He obviously thought he was in trouble for vomiting and felt the need to defend himself from you... which would also indicate he's not feeling well.
If your vet does not find anything wrong, I would strongly recommend finding a trainer or behaviorist to work with. Many behaviorists can help figure out what the causes are because they can watch his behavior to look for triggers.
I'm just not there to watch his body language, so I can't tell you what the cause is. In the meantime, I strongly recommend having him drag a leash around the house all the time so no one has to get really close to him to get him to do what you want him to do.
I would also recommend that you read through this article. You may need to re-establish the proper relationship with each other.
I sure hope this gives you some ideas about where to start solving this problem. You need to get it under control ASAP as well as remember that your safety has to be the first priority at all times.
