The Importance of Socializing Your Dog [Archive] - Dog Forums

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queenkarlata
10-19-2006, 11:31 AM
This is not the greatest dog story, but as a dog lover i have to tell it so that people will understand just how important two things are: 1) socialization and 2) training.

So my neighbors down the street have a jack russell terrier. They leave him out in the back when no one is home. He doesn't like it very much and barks and whines and cries alllll day. That is, until he finds a way under the gate. Then he roams around the street (i live in a cul de sac, thank god).

Well, today i was taking out the trash to the street and found the little guy in my front yard. usually he's a little friendly but bossy. Today, he ran through my open gate to my backyard where we have chickens (in a pen, again thank god). Well the little guy went crazy. I understand why, chickens are exciting for a dog and my Brittany loves them to death. But this Jack Russell was out for the kill. he was riling up the chickens, growling and barking. Again, that's fine, he's a dog, it's what they do. BUT, i decided it was time for the little guy to leave my chickens alone and go back where he came from. i took ONE step towards him and he turned to me, baring his teeth, and went to bite my hand off. I got a little scared for my fingers so i decided to walk past him to get a broom to push the little guy out of the yard (i know it's not the best thing to do but i was flustered). So after an attacked hand, foot, and brrom, i finally got him out of my yard and closed the gate. everyone was safe and there was peace in the home again. Then, five minutes later i went outside for the mail and brought my dog out with me and the little Jack Russell was WAITING on our doorstep and imediately attacked my dog who has a good 30 pounds on him. Well, my reliable boy beelined right back into the house. I stayed outside to get nipped at by the monster. My neighbor (not the owner) came out of her house to ask if he was mine. i told her: god no. Then she told me that a couple days ago he had gotten out and was very aggressive towards her and her mother-in-law and also attacked their shi-tzu.

I know this is long, but i just need people to understand that dogs with aggressive tendencies need to be socialized and trained. Training gives them some sort of order in theirlife. if aggressive dogs have the rule of the home, they think they have the rule of the world. training humbles them. they may not lose their aggression, but they will understand that people and other dogs are not the objects to take it out on. also SOCIALIZE that dog on a leash. take it to the park, let it sniff around. if it gets aggressive, walk away from the dogs and come back to them when he's calmed down. please please please for all humanity and dogdome do this for your animal and your peace of mind. a trained dog is a happy dog and stress-free family.

Diana
10-24-2006, 04:25 PM
A Jack Russell really did that? I always thought they were so sweet. Well, I guess any dog can become a monster with poor handling...

allinthehands
10-30-2006, 05:27 PM
my friend had a jack russell that used to growl at babies. totally nice dog, but any kid under a year old was its mortal enemy.

PrincessCare
10-30-2006, 05:30 PM
that's crazy, i know a brittany spaniel that is just the same. he is nice to everyone EXCEPT for children.

Amie
10-30-2006, 05:51 PM
it's definitely alot to do with socialization. but also, breeding plays a part. some dogs have aggressive genes. these genes get passed on to their young. if its a purebred, then there's reason to believe that this was a puppyfarm puppy. caring breeders wouldn't breed an aggressive dog. be careful about that kind of thing when buying a dog.

Mrs. B
05-25-2007, 06:18 PM
My dog is VERy well socialized but he is getting a tad bit older and his hips and joints hurt him somtimes. I know he gets cranky so I know to keep him on a short leash when we're out. he used to be great until he started getting achy. He just doesn't like being touched a lot anymore. But if your dog isn't going to be good with people, keep them under control!!! I will tell ppl not to approach him. In a nice way of course. i have had one woman chew me out because I would not let her son touch my dog! But dang it, he was in a foul mood that day and i could tell by the way he kept leaning on my that he was in no mood for young strangers!

Tomba
05-30-2007, 11:58 AM
Really? That's weird, seems like she'd have thanked you for being honest and keeping her son safe. Some people just don't get it. Tyler

letsgopoopy
06-05-2007, 08:44 AM
this is very sad. this is a very bored dog that needs more attention and exercise, unfortunatlely with the behavior he's demonstrated he'll probably get less interaction with others, already his owners have failed him at providing the basic needs of exercise and mental challenge

terriers were initially bred for the purpose of chasing and killing, care must be taken when choosing a breeder and socialization must begin very early

letsgopoopy
06-05-2007, 08:47 AM
mrs B,

that is sad, but is not infrequent when dealing with a dog(any animal really) that is protective when he is in a "injured" state. aspirin helped my old boy a lot

any ruffles you caused are well worth the avoidance of the kid getting nipped

Mrs. B
06-05-2007, 08:16 PM
as for the Terrier, if approaching the neighbor and kindly asking them to keep their dog retrained doesn't work, do you guys think a noise maker would do it? I have never owned a terrier but is it possible say a can of coins rattling could startle him enough to make him back off or would it provoke biting?

RobinP
07-09-2007, 06:34 AM
I don't post here alot but I have a question, why have you not called the Animal Control? The owners don't care about the dog or they would have better acomadation for it. He is attacking people and other dogs and needs to be taking away from the owners. If the owners know that he is doing this and not doing anything about it then they don't need the dog. IMO
I work at a Vets office and I would rather deal witha big dog any day then a small dog because of this reason. Small dog owners baby their dogs and when the dog gets to growling and biting they say "Oh it's okay" and doesn't even correct the dog. Well it's not okay, a small dog is quicker and harder to hold than a bigger dog. it is all in how you raise your dog, correction never hurt anyone. Thanks for listening hope I didn't step on any toes.
Robin

JDawg
09-26-2007, 04:58 AM
A good way to wean him from his aggressiveness toward you is to mix up a mild solution of apple cider vinegar and water. About 10:1 water to vinegar should do. Put it in a spray bottle with the setting on "stream." When he comes at you, squirt him full in the face. The vinegar will burn his nose and eyes enough to turn him around without doing permanent damage. He should get the message by the 2nd or 3rd episode. He'll probably still raise sand when he sees you...but he'll keep his distance.

I don't suggest this method on large, aggressive dogs. Pisses'em off. If a Jack Russel reacts with more anger...at least you can keep him at bay. Most of'em sneeze a couple times, then run off and rub their faces on the ground for a few minutes after the "vinegar cure" though.

kent.c
05-12-2008, 09:49 AM
A Jack Russell really did that? I always thought they were so sweet. Well, I guess any dog can become a monster with poor handling...
I totally agree.

JDawg
05-12-2008, 10:03 AM
Jack Russels can be little terrors. I saw one whip a full-grown male Chow once.

Chows often use intimidation in order to psych out a potential opponent. This little Jack wasn't buyin' it. He skipped the preliminaries and got straight to the task at hand. He charged straight at the Chow...confused and thrown off balance by the fact that his posturing didn't have any effect...ran between his front legs, and proceeded to tear about a bushel basketful of hair and some skin out of his chest and belly. The Chow wasn't able to get a fix on the target, and finally broke and ran...yelping like a whipped pup with the Jack giving chase...yapping at his heels.

"Jack the Giant Killer" then turned his back...scratched the ground with his hind feet in a doggie victory dance...and trotted back to the shade to finish his nap.

Funny as hell...