Jack Russell driving me nuts!

Question
Hi...
I'm the owner of a twelve week old female JRT. (not by my choice) My husband and daughter got this puppy without discussing it with me first! I have grown attached to her though and she is quite lovable. However, she has some really bad habits that I'm trying to break.

She refuses to use the potty outside. She has chewed huge holes in my wall. Even though we exercise her daily, she is still extremely hyper.

My biggest issue? The middle of the night wailing sound she makes. It's ridiculous. I let her outside thinking she has to go potty. As soon as she's back in the door, she goes in the laundry room floor. I haven't had any sleep since we got her. Any ideas on how to make this stop? She is being crated at night to curb her destructive behavior.

Thanks!

Answer
Tanna -

This does not bode well for the future. If you do not like her personality now, you are not likely to like her as a young adult when she's even more hyper than she is now.

I encourage you to use the crate at night and any time you are not home.  Then take her out immediately upon coming home or getting up, again about 10 minutes after you feed her, and she will need to go outside every hour or so.

Puppies at this age cannot be expected to hold their bladder. She will do better with time and patient persistent training.

As for the middle of the night, I would recommend picking up her water about 8 pm, making sure to take her out late in the evening (just before you go to bed). This way she is less likely to have to potty at night.

There is some chance she is wailing to seek attention. If you think that is the problem you may want to consider moving her crate into your room so she does not get lonely.

You may also want to get a kong toy and stuff it with cream cheese or peanut butter and freeze it before giving it to her. That makes it entertain her longer than just a plain toy.  It works well for giving her in her crate to spend her time with.

I also want you to make sure that your husband is committed to this dog for a lifetime. Jacks often live 15 yrs or longer.... If he and you do not like her now, you are not likely to like her through the rest of the roughest parts (now through age 2 yrs or so).

Breed choice is such an important part of pet choice. You may just want to play with what this webpage tells you about an appropriate breed for your lifestyle:

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp

Let me know how you make out.

-Beth