Jack Russell Dog.

Question.
I have just bought a nine-week-old jack russell dog, but he seems very snappy - and has drawn blood - and I'm worried that he's going to be nasty. How can I stop him nipping my face and hands? I have grandchildren and I'm worried that he may hurt them.

Answer.
Small jack russell dog puppies of all breeds do use their mouths a great deal and this is normal puppy behaviour. They use their mouths in play with other dogs and in doing so learn 'bite inhibition' - the ability to control the strength of their bite. Dogs who fail to learn this skill and who bite as adults can inflict serious injuries on both other dogs and humans. If they do not have the opportunity to practice the skill of biting they miss out on developing bite inhibition.

The best way for your jack russell dog pup to develop bite inhibition is for him to have the opportunity to play with other dogs. Either other puppies or socially normal, older dogs will tell him very firmly when he is causing pain and will then withdraw their attention to signify their displeasure. He will gradually develop the skill of playing with other dogs without causing pain or damage.

Unfortunately, this phase of social development often occurs at a time when the vets are recommending that puppies should be isolated from contact with other dogs until the vaccination programme is completed. In this situation it is necessary for us to take the place of the canine companions and do our best to teach the pup this essential lesson. Puppies under 12 weeks of age often respond well to a sharp squeal followed by complete withdrawal of attention for a few minutes.

However there are some who merely get excited by this and come back, biting harder. In this case try freezing until the jack russell puppy withdraws. 'Time out' can be very effective. The moment that teeth touch skin, whisk the pup up and isolate him either in an indoor kennel or in the garden. It is helpful with older or larger pups to use a house line (a light line about ten feet in length attached to the collar) to make this process easier. Whatever strategy you employ, the aim is to work through the following phases, gradually reducing the level of pain inflicted: . Under no circumstances may you bite anything except my hands.. No hard bites.. Mouthing only.. Mouthing my hands is OK until I say 'Enough'.. Only start mouthing if I initiate the game!

Playing rough games with excitable puppies, such as Terriers, is usually a mistake as it teaches them a disregard for human skin. Treated sensibly, puppy biting does usually stop in time but a good puppy class should help you deal with this problem. Consider diet as a possible cause of excess biting. Too high protein content and/or artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives, do affect some dogs. Choose a food that is naturally preserved without permitted additives.

_{source Your Dog Mag.}