My Jack Russel terrier

Question
Hi,
My family got an almost year old Jack Russel this past summer. We have a Westie and had a Carin already so we thought that we could handle him. His name is Joey and even though he is now well over a year old he still is having trouble with potty training. He uses a bell which is on a string at the door when he has to go out. He usually rings it when he has to go out or he barks. But not always. Also, because of his hyper behavior we can't leave him alone anywhere but the basement.  When he is in the basement he automatically goes on the carpet. We've tried everything to try to teach him not to go there. Like I mentioned before, he is hyper. When he gets upstairs loose he hides under the bed which is so low to the ground that we can't get him out so we have to wait until he wants to come out. He does usually come when we call him but not when he's under there. In his obedience classes they said that he only did that because he has too much energy but we walk him several miles daily. Could you please help us? Thank you.

-Sue and Joey

Answer
Sue and Joey -

Oh no - you got one of what people sometimes call a "crack russell" because they are so wound up and such a handful.  (I was lucky enough to have a calm one - very very sneaky, smart and conniving, but at least he's calm).

I have a couple suggestions right off the bat.

First - Crate that sucker.  When you cannot be home (like 99% of us), use a crate. That way you will not have to banish him to the basement, but he also cannot mess up the house.

Second - Make sure you are cleaning with something that contains the enzymes required to break down the pheromones in the urine.  We can't smell them, and most "cleaners" just mask the odor.  I recommend a product called "Get Serious"

Third - I would leash him to me (or a family member) so he could not sneak off in the corner and mark the furniture.  An alternative is a belly band, but you have to be diligent about making sure he does not get it off.

Having him drag a 6 ft leash around the house would also be helpful for those times he decides to get under a bed, etc.

I recommend that you read through this article for a way of handling a dog called Nothing in Life is Free. It is a good way to consistently remind this little character how he is expected to behave.

http://www.cairnrescue.com/docs/NILIF.pdf

On a final note, he is in his terrible teens.... and will likely be at his worse from now until he's about 2 - 2 1/2 and then will start getting a little more focussed (with any luck).

You may also want to look up a local breeder who may know someone who could help hands on and has JRT experience.

Best Wishes

-Beth