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Hes coming home!

20 9:23:45

Question
Hi. I brought a JRT pup and had him for over six months before I had to re-home him because I didn't have enough free time to take him out.  I found a lovely home for him on a farm with other dogs and animals.  Unfortunately, after a year, the new owner has contacted me to say that she can't cope with his behaviour.  Apparently he is aggressive towards the other dogs and her.  Personally I believe that he hasn't had enough one to one attention, which he had while he was with me, and he likes to be top dog.  He has now been castrated.  Anyway, because of this I'm considering taking him back, I have missed him, but he is really hard work.  My circumstances have changed a lot since I had him, I now have a one year old grandson who stays for weekends, and I still have no garden.  I'm not particulary concerned about the aggression, I will try a muzzle if I have too.  But my concern is how he will be affected by coming from a place with plenty of space to run around to a place where he will only get out when I take him out.  Do you think it's a bad idea?

Answer
Hi Donna,

It's definitely going to be a very hard transition and adjustment for the dog. One on one attention is very important but exercise for a jack russell is equally important. You have to ask yourself if you will be able to provide him with at least a couple of hours of real high energy run around time. It is a physical and mental NEED he has.  Also, you definitely should worry about the aggression, especially now if you will be taking him from his routine and changing his entire life. He is more likely to get worse before he gets better because of such huge changes.  You definitely can re-train him but make sure you know what you're getting into. It will be a lot of hard work for both of you!! If you will be gone most of the day at work, I would not recommend bringing him back into your home and lives - this will be a major project!
If you take him back, be sure to keep your grandson safe when he is around. The dog will be unpredictable until you can establish the pack leader position and get him to respect you and the rules.  Big decision, best of luck Donna.