Getting our Jack Russell tomorrow

[joystir59]

We are off to collect a rescue JRT tomorrow- 4 year old Milo who has a crime sheet bigger than his small body. We had to listen to a huge litany of his failings before we were allowed to meet him. He's nipped people, barked, , doesnt like anything new, been aggressive towards other dogs and gotten possessive about his toys. I felt nervous waiting to meet him- and in bounded this friendly happy and affectionate little character who immediately came to us wanting cuddles and play. Anyway here is Milo and we cant wait: www.battersea.org.uk/dogs/little-milo

[joystir59]

So my question is- do you all think I'm insane?

[MissT2095]

He looks adorable! But be strict. If you let him get away with things now he will always push his luck! I find smaller dogs to be the naughtiest because owners feel bad disciplining them.

[Wolfiefan]

Find a decent trainer to work with. ASAP!
He needs a kind and consistent trainer.

[joystir59]

Yes to kind consistent training and being firm. We fully expect him to be naughty and to need firm positive reinforcement.

[umberellaonesie]

You will never go back once you have Jrts they are the best dogs.
Here is my rescue JRT he also has ' history'
But we love him and he loves us.
I am a terrier convert will never have anything else.

[Wolfiefan]

I didn't mean to imply at all that you wouldn't. I hope my post didn't read that way?!
I meant when looking for trainers. There are still some that peddle dominance theory and that you need to be the boss.

[joystir59]

We wont feel bad disciplining him- we've had experience with naughty dogs and will not be soft and silly with him. But I think he's going to be a lot of fun and shake our lives up.

[Wolfiefan]

I'm sure he will be fun. You're obviously more experienced than me! I chose a trainer before I even got my pup. First dog!!

[Ilikesweetpeas]

Love Jack Russells! He is so cute, have fun

[umberellaonesie]

We call him 'the General' our poor Husky gets bossed about something rotten.
So he definitely needs firm boundaries but is an absolute joy and so responsive to training. He is a clever cookie. Had him 7 years.
So yes get to classes, be consistent and don't give an inch he will take several miles and more just cos.

[WinkyisbackontheButterBeer]

He looks gorgeous.
I agree with pp start as you want things to continue with him. Jrts are tenacious, stubborn little buggers by nature but can be absolutely amazing.
I have often found bad then to be one-person dogs who become very attached to their special person.
We have had a couple of nippers too.
My family have always had them and they can be fab little dogs.

[joystir59]

Ahhh Umbrella he is so sweet. So glad he found you, and you found him. Wolfie thank you for your comments- you didn't come across as anything other than helpful.

[Nancy91]

He is so sweet! JRTs may be small but they are proper dogs. They have MASSIVE personalities and they are so intelligent so they play up if they get bored or aren't trained properly. But I will probably never own another breed as they are so loving and fun as I'm sure you'll see. You need to set boundaries immediately as Jack Russells take the piss if you don't.

Stock up on little toys, like puppy kongs and mini tennis balls. And get ready to go on some long walks as most JRTs never tire out.

Always reward good behaviour and completely ignore bad behaviour, don't react at all.

I'm excited on your behalf, Milo is a real cutie! More pictures when you get him pleeeeease

And good on you for giving a difficult dog a chance, more people should.

[joystir59]

I love everything I read and know of this breed of dog- I like that they are small but every inch a real dog and we are really looking forward to getting to know Milo- thank you for your encouragment Nancy I have had a bright feisty terrier before- a little Greek mixed breed dog. She was as sharp as a tack. I loved her to pieces, and she loved me all the way back. She was also always very skinny (in a healthy way). I lived in a tourist spot and always feared that a tourist would 'rescue' her.
Anyway- tomorrow is Milo Day.

[Wolfiefan]

Phew. Thought I had sounded like I was accusing you of all sorts then!
Terriers are big dogs in little bodies. I have a friend with several of a giant breed. And a JRT. Guess who the undisputed boss is?!?!

[joystir59]

Lol Wolfie I had a big soft Lab- type dog and a feisty skinny little terrier- guess who was boss?

[ninjapants]

He looks lovely! I have a 13 yo JRT, he's strong willed and very much his own boss but he's the most loyal dog you could wish for. He's slowing down now but he's still up for long walks and play time. As others have said, terriers, particularly Jack Russells, have big personalities, totally at odds with their little bodies, they're definitely not lap dogs!
I hope Milo is very happy in his new forever home and you have many fun filled years together. Good luck!

[Wolfiefan]

Hahaha! I have a wolfhound. I'm not brave enough for a terrier!

[joystir59]

Thank you Ninja for sharing- and it is lovely hearing about all the other Jack Russells out there, and receiving all of your good wishes for us and Milo.

[Corneliussnitch]

He looks lovely, I have a female JRT the same age as Milo, She is very loyal to her family, exceptionally stubborn but great fun. Has big ears like a gremlin

[joystir59]

Big ears like a gremlin makes my heart melt Cornelius

[joystir59]

Milo already settling in at his new home, although we are all knackered this morning after a whiny and difficult night with Milo in the kitchen. Our issue is that our house is open plan downstairs, so we had to devise a barrier to cordon off the kitchen- we decided this was the best place for him to sleep because a) that's where he slept when he was with the person who fostered/rehabilitated him b) Any accidents would be easy to clear up c) the only other option is for him to sleep in our bedroom and this feels wrong. The barrier was not as Milo proof as we thought and so he managed to escape and run upstairs twice, and we also visited him once to check he was ok and let him out for a wee (he had settled and slept for 4 hours at that point, and started whining- I should have ignored him, I know). What a night. There was a wee waiting for me this morning and a sheepish Milo sitting in his bed looking totally knackered. Let's hope its better tonight- we have figured out a Milo-proof barrier now. Otherwise he is an amazing little dog with none of the issues we were warned about. When we went to collect him we spoke to the woman who fostered him and she said she felt sure all the issues his previous owners reported were issues they created. He is gorgeous!

[Corneliussnitch]

He looks at home already, here is my "gremlin"

[Nancy91]

Aww the pictures are so cute, look at the little sleepy guy!!! I love a good picture of a pooch.

Accidents aren't unusual for the first few days in a new home, I wouldn't be too concerned.

[Wolfiefan]

Oh bless him. He will take time to settle.
Be aware though that once he's got his feet under the table any issues might then emerge.
Hoping "gremlin" settles well!