Training a dog?

My freind has a 7month jack russell terrior....she has tried everything to teach him not to chew up the couch,wires,trash, etc.





he also has a pee pad, he used to be good about peeing on it and recently, he hasnt been, and he wont poop on the pee pad, ever, nor does he give any indication to go outside when he needs to..





she usually shows him what he choowed/where he went to the restroom and then spank him and put him outside, however it isnt working b/c he continues to do it...





he knows hes doing bad b/c the moment we get back to the apt he rushes under the bed...





what sould we do?

Training a dog?
First, accept the fact that he's a puppy, and the behavior you describe is not unusual for puppies. Next, understand that a Jack Russel Terrier is a very, very high energy dog; and that the breed is a handful for experienced dog owners.


To solve the problems, start training the dog properly. That doesn't mean that a punishment or correction is offered every time the dog misbehaves. It means that the dog must be taught proper behavior even when he's not doing anything wrong. Enlist the help of a local obedience club. They can show you the proper techniques for teaching a dog proper behavior.


Good luck.
Reply:sounds like the little boy is getting restless and turning into a little man - have him fixed and start taking him to obedience class if your friend is at wits end. Some dogs just don't care about being spanked (especially the dominant ones) how often does she exercise him? jack russels are high energy dogs - if they don't burn out that energy they will get restless and destructive despite their size. when training dogs, they respond better to positive reinforcement (giving treats) rather than negative (hitting) this goes for humans and other animals too. You teach them an alternative behavior and reinforce that. Despite obedience training looks simple to some ppl- it takes a lot of focus for dogs that can not sit still. It helps train the mind.
Reply:If your friend is hitting/spanking her dog it is no wonder he is being problematic and running from her. What he needs is to go to dog training lessons.
Reply:Read up on crate training, and do it. The dog could not only tear up your things, but get hurt or sick doing it.
Reply:your friend shouldnt be hitting a dog first of all and hes probably acting out because he feel rejected if a dog doesnt feel loved or cared for he will continue to act out
Reply:First off, don't spank the dog. Hitting a dog does not teach the dog anything, if you don't catch them in the act they don't know why you are hitting them, it can create physical and emotional damage and can change the temperament of the dog.





When no one is home with the dog, he needs to be crated. A crate is not a punishment, it is the dog's personal space - their safety net. Dogs are den animals, and a crate will become their den. Make it a happy place, when you put the dog in the crate, give him a favorite toy and a cookie. Never use the crate for punishment.





Get rid of the pee pads - they only encourage the dog that it's okay to go inside the house. Instead, get the dog on a feeding and walking schedule. When you go outside, always go to the same area in the yard that will be his "potty place". Do not allow the dog to leave this area until he goes potty. When he does, a lot of praise, petting, and the occasional cookie.





as for the dog knowing, he does not relate the punishment to the problem. Dog's attention spans and memory are extremely short - they live for the moment. He is most likely running because he can sense the anger/mood in the people when they come in. That is why the punishment is not working. And showing the dog the problem does not relate - again, the dog does not realize what you are showing him is something he is responsible for.
Reply:It's a myth that dogs "know they did wrong" because they look guilty. They just know you're mad about something, and they're about to get it.





Dogs have like a 2-second recall. If you are going to punish or praise, if you don't do it within 2 seconds, you are wasting your time, because they don't know what you are talking about. ;) You basically have to catch them in the act.





When you catch him doing wrong, redirect him with something. Say he's chewing your shoes .. say "No!" and give him a toy that he can chew on.





If he pees/poops inside, and you catch him in the act, just startle him (don't hit him!) so that he stops, then pick him up and carry him outside.





He's smart, and he wants to please you. Really, he does.





Pick up some books from the bookstore or the library and read them. Learn a little about dog psychology. It helps to know how they think.





Look up "Jack Russel Terrier" and learn about the breed. Learn all you can about what they were bred to do.





Educate yourselves, and you will be better equipped to help him.





EDIT: ITA with the PPs on crating, exercise, and professional training.