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leanne111 · Apr 9, 2014, 02:17 PM

Okay guys so I have an 8 year old jack russell. She's been a great dog and everything but during the past few months her behaviour has changed a lot towards my mum. She sleeps in my parents room and if my mum comes in she starts growling at her, and if my mum says just one word to her like 'no' she will literally be chased out the room by my dog. If my mum says words like "give us a kiss" or "goodnight" to her she will growl a lot and on some occasions she has tried to bite my mum. Ive currently got her on her bedroom in my room now to see if her behaviour will change as she is a lot closer to my dad than anyone else in the family. Its strange though because she knows that she's doing wrong as afterwards she will try to cuddle and kiss my mum and look really guilty. Does anyone have any explanations or help as to what we can do, because if she bites my mum she will have to go. Which obviously as a family we do not want. Thank you!

Comeandgetme12 · Apr 9, 2014, 06:09 PM

Hi I'm Jules and I can think of a couple things. Once a member in our family had a male not fixed jackrussel and it had major respect and territorial issues. This can be fixed through discipline. You simply smack the dog and yell firmly 'NO'. Don't feel back about smacking a dog, that's how animals display dominance and communication, so your simply almost speaking their language. However one hard smack will do per problem with the dog. The other thing could be perhaps your mom has mistreated the dog, I don't know your mother however it is possible. Also it could be dementia, she is pretty young for that, but 8 is kind of old in dog years but with her changing towards your mom so quickly like that it could be. If smacking the dog doesn't begin to work within 2 weeks, go to the veterinarian. Hope your dog problem gets resolved. Good luck.

Lucky098 · Apr 9, 2014, 06:12 PM

As pets age, their brains change as well. Even though your dog is not acting anxious, this still could be a sign of anxiety, which older pets experience as they age. My advise, would be to get her to the vet and see about anxiety medications. With these meds, don't think it'll fix it. You still have a lot of behavior modification to deal with as well. So, while on the meds, maybe contact a dog trainer who specializes in behavior issues. Another good tool would be to crate this dog over night instead of allowing her to be nasty and territorial. Once the behavior training has begun, than try weaning off the medications to see if she has changed any. Some dogs are only on the meds for a short time, others must remain on the meds for the rest of their lives.

But first step is to get to the vet for some medications to help you handle her. Second step would be to start training with her for behavior modification. Third step would be to crate her and eliminate all of the things and space she is being territorial over.. not to mention saving everyone's fingers and limbs from her being snappy and nasty.