Jack Russell - aggression and biting

Question
QUESTION: I have been searching around on the internet this morning, seeing what advice has been given for the type of behavior problem I am having with my Jack Russell. I am not alone. It seems that they become particularly aggressive when you try to invade their space, or what they see as their space. I have a JR who is about 3 years old, and we rescued him from the SPCA. I don't know his whole history, but i do know that he was not neutered when we got him a year ago, and his yard was not secured, so he was picked up by animal control. All I really know is that the owner was not a good fit.

The first time we saw him exhibit aggression (about a week after we got him) is when I asked him to get off the couch, as it was time to go to bed. He growled, and bared his teeth. Scary. I have learned a different technique, I call him to come with me, I don't tell him to get off. He also exhibited aggression when my daughter told him to get off her bed. He is never allowed in her room now. One morning, he bit my husband because my husband didn't want him to have a piece of food that had dropped. I blamed my husband, because he tried to face-him-down by putting his fist out.  The JR didn't back down.  I have done that same scenario, where I drop food, and I just say,"leave it", and he does. He seems to respect me, but not my husband. He doesn't like the dog, but is also not ever mean to him, he just ignores him. The dog never barks at him, and seems to just ignore him as well.

We have another dog who has NEVER been aggressive with us (she's a 10 year-old min-pin, terrier mix), and she loves to sleep on my bed, at least for a portion of the night, if I allow it. I let him on too, but the rules were that he had to stay in one location, so that they didn't fight for a place. I thought I was the dominant leader, allowing him a small place.  Usually, I allow them to get on the bed when my husband is not in it. Occassionally, i have allowed it, but they are both on my side, away from him. This morning, my husband came home from work and got in bed before I realized it. The JR was on the side closer to my husband, he was startled, and then charged at him and lunged, biting his hand. I kicked him off, but he didn't seem to even think he had done anything wrong. He was just looking for breakfast,like the usual routine. I have him sequestered in his dog bed right now, which is where he goes when he's done something wrong.  He knows to stay there until I tell him he can come. That's where I am feeling so exasperated. I have taken him to obedience class, and I try to do everything you're supposed to do with JR's. I exercise him with walks, and ball-playing, and I am home a good deal of the time. I could explain the first biting, blaming my husband's macho action as an act of aggression, but this morning... the guy was just trying to get in his own bed.  

I am not sure that my husband will allow me to keep the dog now, and I haven't seen any rescue shelters that will take him because he's bitten people. I may have to put him down. But, if you can suggest any help, I'd gladly listen. I do love the little guy, but I don't want an animal that bites people.  I've been trying the best I can to rehabilitate him, but I don't know if i can. It's crazy how he can turn from a loveable, floppy puppy into Kujo in a matter of seconds.

Randy

ANSWER: Hi Randy,

I'm so sorry you have to go through this with your jack. You were so kind and good to rescue him from the SPCA, and it must be so frustrating and sad to see him get aggressive with ANYONE.
Rescue dogs always need more attention, correction and time to learn the right way of life.
Unfortunately those first few years living with an abusive person has done it's damage. He
is in "protect myself" mode.
He definitely seems to view you as his equal and your husband as his submissive.
You've done everything right so far and you've tried all the suggestions that I usually give - LOTS of intense exercise to get rid of that pent up energy is the best start and smart, but I know it's not always an option. Do you have a treadmill at home you can put him on? Once that energy is spent, they really do become less anxious and less aggressive.
Try very hard not to let him feel you (and your husband and daughter) being nervous toward him. They pick up on it quickly and will take advantage. Speak in a low voice when engaging him and
as Cesar says.... keep calm positive authoritive energy.
I know this last incident was because he was startled, but try VERY hard to catch him in the act (growling, getting aggressive) BEFORE he can strike out - and nip it in the bud - what you're trying to do is break that focus of aggression at that moment. Cesar uses a sound "pssst" to startle their brains out of the aggression mode, and also uses his hand to poke the dog, also breaking that aggressive focus. Of course this can only be done if you're not going to get bitten.
It's a learned technique. Try to catch some of his episodes on the National Geographic Channel.
I don't agree with a lot of his ways, but his work with aggression has been proven.

I would never let him on the bed again. He lost his privilege, and I would crate him during the night. He won't mind. Stick to a firm and consistent schedule so he know what to expect. They thrive on consistency.
For instance: Walk him at 9:00pm, bring him inside and put him right inside the crate for the night. He will learn that the crate is HIS place and where he is required to go at night time.
After doing this consistently for a while (could be a week, could be a month) he will automatically know that is where he is going.  
Get your husband involved more in the training. The dog doesn't trust him and he thinks he is protecting his territory (you).  Have your husband share in the walking, feeding, discipline, and play time.
I am assuming you've had him neutered, but if not, definitely do that.
This dog definitely has trust issues and has most likely been hit or hurt for doing something wrong, so don't ever use corporal punishment on him.  Have a different crate or room (not near the one he sleeps in) away from everyone else in the house and put him in it for 10 minutes as his punishment. No rawhides or blankets or anything comforting should be in there. Don't keep him in there for long periods of time, they forget why they're in there after a few minutes.  Basically you want to separate him from the family to teach him that he can't behave that way.

Sometimes these dogs are so imprinted from the negative start they had, that they just can't be rehabilitated.  Know in your heart that you've done everything you can!!
I respect you so much and send you the very very best of luck!!!
  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This is not actually a question, but a follow-up. I do watch Cesar, and I think he is right on the mark. I do try to follow his procedures, and he would be so angry for letting me keep a longer leash on the walks.  I am trying to tire the dogs out. I even run with them part way, which is beneficial for all of us.  A treadmill might be a good idea, if I can make the dog think it's his idea. I am thinking of having the dogs stay on beds on the floor, rather than being on the couch, and they're certainly banned from any beds from now on.  One of the joys of having a dog is cuddling with them, so that does hurt all of us who love them.  But, we can always move to the floor when we need the love.  Unfortunately, I think I would have to implement a pen for both dogs, if I went that route. I feel badly for my older dog.  She was also a rescued dog. Her previous owners worked all day and kept her in the garage and what do you know... she barked all day and the neighbors complained.  They even used a bark collar on her, and she has problems with her throat now (she gags easily).  She used to escape every chance she got, but now she has become a mellow dog who can go off-leash.  She obeys me so well, and respects and even likes my husband, although he's never been a part of the training and walking. He never will, unfortunately, although my daughters do. But, one just went off to college.  One day it's just going to be and my dogs in a trailer somewhere out in the boonies.

So sad, because the dogs give me a lot of companionship and pleasure. I am active with people, but the dogs are like my kids.

Thank you so much for your prompt and personal reply. I do appreciate that there are people out there who are willing to help and connect with people.

Randy

Answer
I completely understand what you mean about enjoying them in your bed, I used to too.
Having said that, they really are content on their own beds on the floor next to you, they still feel like part of the "pack", and I bet they sleep better too. AS long as they can see, hear and smell you, they'll be content. You can get your snuggle time in on on the couch during the day, and don't worry, they won't be hurt about the bed. It will be an adjustment at first, but it will all end well. Try keeping them uncrated on the floor in your bedroom first - on a big dog bed they can share.  The pen is for the jack when he needs some time out.  Hope I helped and made some sense.
You're a smart person and doing a great job, I do know it can be challenging.
Very best of luck Randy, take care.