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My Jack Russell Aggressive towards me

20 9:29:57

Question
Hi,
I have jack at least 4rs old that was adopted. He is very aggressive towards
me, especially at nite or when I get near my husband. He growls, shows his
teeth all the time and will not even let me get in my own bed without a fight. I
have tried being calm and of course getting excited. Holding him down on his
side but he never quits. I know he thinks he is master over me but I can't see
how to let him know I am boss. We tried the crate but he cries and whimpers
the whole time and we have to sleep. The house is too small to get away from
him. I can't leave him outside he will bark and keep the neighbors up.  I feel
like he won't back down from anything. Once he gets mad he even snaps at
my husband. I am about ready to get rid of him but I don't have the heart to
send him the pound and no one would want him this way. He is running my
house and I can't take it.
HELP,
Shannon Taylor

Answer
Geez Shannon, I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with him. Before you give up all hope there are a couple of things you can try. Unfortunately he was probably not introduced to being in a cage in a good way (was he in the pound when you adopted him?) So he views that as a "bad" place. You'll have to re-train him to enjoy and like his crate.  Keep it in a general living area and always keep it open and comfortable for him to go in and out of as he pleases.  Put some extra delicious treats or some cheese in there so he will want to explore it.  Every time he goes in it, show him how happy you are and give him a treat (even when it's open).  You are trying to recondition his thinking that this is actually a good place to be.  When you do have to lock him in it, make sure you give him a big treat and something to chew on when you're gone. Fill a KONG with peanut butter and dry dog food. He'll have to "work" on it for a long time, and won't mind being in there so much.
As far as the aggression goes - this is more serious and as you know should be corrected right away.
Have you heard of Cesar Milan "The Dog Whisperer" ????
He has a show on Friday nights on the National Geographic Channel starting at 8:00pm -  I strongly suggest you watch it as he does many many shows on aggressive dogs and can teach you lots of tricks to use.  He also had videos out you can rent and some books too.  
I'll try to explain his method here as best I can.
You have to become the leader again.
You have to go back to basics and treat him like he was a puppy again. When the mother dog corrects her puppy this is the way she does it.  No words are involved, only actions so don't waste your time yelling at him.  
Use your hand as the mother would use her mouth. Everytime he even THINKS about becoming aggressive you have to give him a firm "bite" (bite) with your hand on his neck. It helps to use a noise also. Cesar uses a "psh" sound and uses the two together. You can't show fear or submissiveness to him - you and your husband HAVE to be the boss's.  If you are afraid at first, you can try it with a leash first and yank it at the instant he starts to show aggression. What you are doing is correcting the negative behavior the second he starts it.  It has to be an immediate correction, otherwise he won't understand what you're doing. Pull and "psh" at the same time. You have to be calm and assertive - in control - and not nervous or wimpy! He'll be able to tell!   It's VERY important that your husband do the same thing. You are sending him a message in dog language that you are the boss. It will take time and practice and patience but I have seen it work first hand.  I hope I've helped at least a little bit.  Eventually after he's learned this technique, all you'll have to do it give him a "psh" sound and he will back off.
GOOD LUCK!!!! You can do it!
You're a kind soul to have adopted him. I wish you the best.
Carol