Jack Russell Shih tzu cross

Question
I am getting a Jack Russell Shih tzu cross in a few days, she is only 4 months old, but the people that have her now never gave her any sort of training, she was left alone often locked in the bathroom, the children were rough with her and even kicked her.. she has began biting the children, that is why the owner wants to get rid of her. I also have 2 children (6 and 10).. I want to know, if it is too late for this puppy to be trained properly (she was hardly allowed outside before) can she be broken of the biting habit. I am hoping that once she is in a loving caring home and is house trained and allowed to be treated as a part of the family will she adapt well. She is an adorable dog from what I have seen and she greeted me very well, being so young I hope my children and I can train her well and she will know she is safe and loved here?

Answer
It is definately NOT too late with loving but firm and consistent training.

I encourage you to use a crate for when you're not home and at night to start with.  I use crates also as "time out" places when a dog misbehaves.

Let's use the biting example. When she bites (it is important to differentiate between puppy mouthing behavior and aggressive-type biting), I would grasp her muzzle closed firmly but gently. Move it dies to side a little, loook her in the eyes and say "no bite."  Then put her in the crate for 10 minutes no matter how much she complains.  Completely ignore her and that is the worst punishment you can give !

I also strongly recommend enrolling her in obedience classes right away - puppy classes now, and beginner when she's old enough. This is probably an adorable breed combination, but I would expect a strong personality that will require training.

Training techniques have changed through the years, so it is important to brush up on the new and better ways to approach it.

Good luck and let me know how you make out.

-Beth