Hi everyone, hoping I can get some helpful advice. We have a 13 week old female Jack Russell Terrier puppy. We've had her for a little over a month now. She is crazy smart and I have started the training process already. She knows how to sit, lay down and stay pretty well. She is very high energy as all Jack's are. We try to exercise her as much as possible. She doesn't have all her shots yet so we haven't taken her outside per our vet's instructions. We are diligent and assertive owners and don't let her get away with anything. I have two questions.
1. She is a VERY dominant female. When we first got her, she didn't like being on her back at all. I knew it was a sign of dominance. We are very loving and affectionate with her, but also are diligent about showing our dominance. She gets snappy and aggressive when playing sometimes. She'll "kill" her toys (shakes them aggressively while growling) we discourage this as much as possible. If we pick her up or hold her back while she's focused on playing or getting to something, she'll sometimes snarl and bar her teeth for a second, like, "let me go!". We always correct her by putting her on her back and getting her to submit, firm and assertive. But once she gives up and submits and we let her go, she gets up and continues playing like it never happened. She continues to do this and I'm wondering if she's even learning that we are the pack leaders. Is this normal behavior for such a young puppy? Will this ever change? Our last dog was very submissive and super sweet so this is a big change for us.
2. I know it takes repetition and time, but she listens really well when I have treats. She sits, comes, lays down and stays just fine. When I don't have treats, it's a different story. She sees that I am empty handed and doesn't listen. I always praise her besides the treats. Will this just take time and repetition before she listens without treats?
Thanks in advance!
1. She is a VERY dominant female. When we first got her, she didn't like being on her back at all. I knew it was a sign of dominance. We are very loving and affectionate with her, but also are diligent about showing our dominance. She gets snappy and aggressive when playing sometimes. She'll "kill" her toys (shakes them aggressively while growling) we discourage this as much as possible. If we pick her up or hold her back while she's focused on playing or getting to something, she'll sometimes snarl and bar her teeth for a second, like, "let me go!". We always correct her by putting her on her back and getting her to submit, firm and assertive. But once she gives up and submits and we let her go, she gets up and continues playing like it never happened. She continues to do this and I'm wondering if she's even learning that we are the pack leaders. Is this normal behavior for such a young puppy? Will this ever change? Our last dog was very submissive and super sweet so this is a big change for us.
2. I know it takes repetition and time, but she listens really well when I have treats. She sits, comes, lays down and stays just fine. When I don't have treats, it's a different story. She sees that I am empty handed and doesn't listen. I always praise her besides the treats. Will this just take time and repetition before she listens without treats?
Thanks in advance!