Jack Russell / Foxy X fearful when around other dogs

Hi! We adopted 6 mth old Buster (Jack Russell/Foxy X) when he was 12 wks old; he had a broken leg due to severe abuse from previous owners. He lived at a Vets for 2 weeks, with lots of dogs barking etc. around him. Buster is doing very well, though when he sees another unknown dog eg. whilst walking on his lead, or at Puppy Pre-school, he displays 'manic' behaviour, he barks and pulls on his lead, becomes fixated on the dog/s, his personality totally changes. Puppy Pre-school was a disaster, as Buster and I couldn't join the group due to his aggressiveness, so I'm not sure what I can do to help him become more socialised with other dogs. Any ideas?? I would be extremely grateful!
Posted: 24/07/2006

Answer: This is typical Jack Russell behavior. My Jimbo still does it to a lesser degree, and more likely if the other dog is larger than him. Hopefully Buster may grow out of it as he is only a baby. Do your best to ignore the behavior so your not encouraging it. Take lots of treats with you on your walks to entice him to behave correctly. Get him out to dog parks, but keep him on the lead. Lots of patience and love is the only thing that will help him.
Posted: 15/08/2006