Jack Rat Terrier

Question
10 years ago I rescued my now 12 yr old Jack Rat from a horrible situation. She has always stuck to me like glue. I have problems with her barking at and trying to bite everyone, including family members she sees everyday at the same times. IE: hubby coming home from work, grandson coming home from school. Company causes tense moments because the company can't move around the house comfortably without the dog running behind and nipping at hills while wildly barking. It becomes embarrassing. If I leave the house she goes nuts when I come home; screaming, barking and climbing on me until I sit down and take her on my lap and give her undivided attention. The vet said she suffers from anxiety, possibly from prior treatment, and prescribed anti-anxiety medication. This worked for a couple of days because she slept through them but was uneffective within the week. It's hard for me to understand that she is still suffering from the abusive situation I took her from 10 years down the road. It has gotten so bad that I've considered having her put down but I do love her and I feel there's help out there for her. Thank you

Answer
Hi Donna,

If we were talking about a 12 week old puppy, there would be much that we do to improve your dogs behavior.

But that is not how the cards played out for this little dog.

While yes, the life your dog led prior to you rescuing may have contributed/caused her irrational behavior, she has also has a decade plus to continue the pattern. Rehab ability is not high here unfortunately.

What you can do is to reduce stress wherever possible:

1. Get a senior wellness check to rule out anything that might be making this get worse. Realistically, behavior problems left unchanged always worsen with age.

2. Address the separation anxiety so her world does not fall apart when you leave and begin when you return. Anti anxiety drugs like Clomicalm need 6 weeks to build up to sufficient levels in the blood stream to help and are only a help. Without a program of modification, you are taxing an old girls liver por naught.

3. People should be able to move freely in your house. there is no shame in putting her on a leash and gradually getting her to point where she can be put away without losing her mind when people come over.

4. Pick your battles, this is an older dog who has long term ingrained behaviors. Focusing on resolving the separation anxiety may ultimately get you the biggest behavioral bang for you buck.