Fighting Jack Russells

Hi I also have a male and female. From different litters but same mum and dad. I find that because they are so reactive, stubborn, brave, and hyper, that when theyve had a good walk that built up energy is nowhere near as bad and most of the time not there at all. I honestly really struggled. I thought i was going to have a nervous breakdown and about rehoming the younger boy. He still teies to bite me now when I tie them up to go in a shop but thats hos anxiety and he knows now that its wrong. Also my partner said because you dont bite the hand that feeds you that people wouldn't have been good to him, or he might not have made it. Now the girl growls all the time and he looks at what my reaction is . So I just say cime in shes being stupid. He is the most living spoult dog Ive ever owned. I prefer bitches. Bit wouldn't be without him even though hes not perfect. Hes special needs loving and funny. They make my life worth living. Good luck. Let us know how you het on please.

Book a check-up with the vet to see if there’s anything that could explain it, like pain or discomfort... it could be joint issues or digestive problems, etc.

And get some help from a behaviourist.

Hi there,

Based on what you've described, things have become serious enough that you shouldn't wait for another fight to happen.

For now, you're doing the right thing by keeping them separated. Absolutely avoid putting them back together "just to see how it goes," especially around toys, food, or any situations that seem to trigger the conflicts.

Be careful not to underestimate the severity of the injuries, whether to your dog or your husband: a bite can be much deeper than it looks and can become infected very quickly.

Next, I would advise you to seek help from a veterinary behaviourist or a dog trainer/behaviourist. You’ll need to try and figure out exactly what is triggering the attacks (resource guarding, over-excitement, pain, fear, their interactions with each other...) and put an appropriate management and retraining plan in place.

Don't lose hope; a permanent separation isn't necessarily the only outcome, but after several attacks resulting in injuries, you really need professional guidance to manage this situation.

All the best,

Maëlla