Protective Jack Russell Bites and Attacks Sister

My brother adopted a 3+ yr old female Jack Russell and has bit me twice on my thighs. She attacks me, when I've approached my brother. My brother has medical problems and does require human assistance.

Editor Comment - Protective Jack Russell

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear that. Jack Russells are known for their high energy and can be aggressive if not trained properly. Here are some tips to manage your Jack Russell’s aggressive behavior:

Here are some suggestions to help with the situation. If your Jack continues to exhibit aggressive behavior, I would recommend consulting with a professional for guidance. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Create a positive association: Gradually help the dog associate your presence with positive experiences. Start by tossing treats from a distance without approaching or making eye contact. Gradually decrease the distance while continuing to provide treats and positive reinforcement.

Avoid sudden movements: When approaching your brother, move slowly and calmly to avoid triggering the dog's protective instincts.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning: Gradually expose the dog to your presence while also providing positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, to help change her emotional response to you.

Establish boundaries: Teach the dog to sit and stay at a certain distance when you're approaching your brother. This can help the dog feel more secure while also allowing you to provide assistance without fear of being bitten.

Obedience training: Enroll the dog in an obedience class or work with a professional trainer to improve her overall behavior and responsiveness to commands. Teach your dog non-aggressive behavior such as sitting, staying, and coming when called. This will help your dog learn that he can get what he wants without being aggressive.

Keep him busy: A bored dog is more likely to become aggressive. Keep your dog busy with toys and games that challenge him mentally and physically.

Consult a professional: If the dog continues to display aggressive behavior, seek help from a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can assess the situation, identify potential triggers, and recommend a behavior modification plan.

Manage the environment: In the meantime, manage the environment to minimize potential conflicts. You could use baby gates or closed doors to separate the dog from your brother when you need to provide assistance.

Remember that it's important to address the issue as soon as possible, as aggressive behavior can escalate if left untreated. Always use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment, as this can exacerbate the problem.

Let us know how you make out,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Jack Russell Terrier Pictures