This is my first post and our first time owning a Jack Russell. We rescued a four year old male from the shelter and he is as sweet as can be. But tonight while he was sitting on the couch with my wife and daughter he started a low growl and bit my daughter on her nose. What are your suggestions? My wife is shook up and I'm not happy. He exhibits other traits unlike other dogs, we've owned. He is the most bullheaded dog I've had, insistently pulling on the lease and singlemindedly focused on searching for squirrels and what ever he wants. Is this breed, prior experience or training specific? He has been in and out of the shelter at least twice. We would like this to be his home. Thank you!
Does the shelter you got him from offer support and behavioural advice to new owners? May be worth contacting them to ask. The growl was his warning and should always be listened to. When the dog bites, that growl has gone ignored. That said his behaviour isn't acceptable. In the mean time I'd not allow him any sofa time uninvited, and not with your children around. You don't mention how long you've had him? But this will also effect behaviour initially. You may find the following links helpful - http://grishastewart.com/resource-guarding/ https://positively.com/dog-behavior/aggression/resource-guarding/ If your daughters are old enough and you all as a family want to make this work then I'd be looking at contacting a good, positive based, trainer and/or behaviourist. Someone who can help steer you on the right path and increase your and your dog's confidence in each other. Pulling on the leash and wanting to pull at every Squirrel he sees is a training issue through and through and not a unique trait. Again, training will help in this area too. I assume you're in the US so this link may be of use in trying to locate a trainer in your area. https://apdt.com/trainer-search/
I agree with all that has been posted above. Did you ask the shelter the reason(s) why so many previous attempts to rehome him have failed? If this turns out to have been a repeated problem, I'm afraid that he might be better in a home where there are no children.
I would honestly take the dog back. Biting and growling out of nowhere isn't something I toy with. The dog has been bounced around for a reason, and now you see it. Also, are you sure he's 4? He looks older in the photo. That may have some bearing on his behavior.
Hi & welcome - I own 6 JRT's [mum dad & their 4 hooligans] Some of these little dogs don't like to be touched, unless its on their terms & never ever touch a dog if its sleeping. If he as been allowed to hunt/chase rabbits/squirrels by his previous owners then you will have to keep him on a long lead & re-educate him not to hunt/chase them. You will find walking him on harness will reduce the pulling & will give you more control of him.
