This debate is starting to remind me of the same old Pit Bull
argument. It has the same answer, too. There are wonderful
Jacks/Pits that are companions and friends to their famililies their whole
lives, who are well behaved and loving, and cherished by all who know
them. Their are also Jacks/Pits who are unholy terrors to everyone and
averything in their path, who cannot be controled, and who are relly better off
being put out of everyone elses misery. This is true for any breed of
dog. However, there are a few things you can do, regardless of your chosen
breed, to ensure you but the loving, family dog described above:
1. Research your breed. I don't just mean talking to
people who have them, though that can be useful. Go to the library or book
store and look up your breed in a dog book. Read about the standard for
appearance and behavior. Check out www.akc.org as well. If the dog you are
looking to buy has been bred for a specific job, FIND OUT WHAT THAT JOB
IS! Dog's who have been bred to work will want to work, and if you
don't provide a job for them, they will make up their
own!
2. Find a good breeder. Make sure their dogs are AKC
registered, and that the puppies are also eligible. Both parents should be
on the premises, or at least available for you to veiw in person.
Some breeders contract out to a stud, so if he iatn't around, that's fine, but
definitely pay him a visit. Are the parents around kids? How do they
act? Does the house look like it's been destroyed? Are the parents
(God forbid) kept outside in kennels all day? Picture this as your
house...do you like what you see? Spend some time interacting with both
parents, and pay attention to their personalities. Like parent like
puppy. Ask the breeder what sort of training their dogs have, and what
activities they participate in. Agility? Hunting?
Flyball? Find out what and look these up. Their chosen "sport" will
tell you alot about the dog's energy level. That's the kind of activity
you will probably have to participate in with your dog. Also, ask to
speak to a few people who have bought puppies from this breeder. No
less than three. Ask how good the breeder is at giving "tech support" to
new owners, how the contract held up, and if the puppy has turned out the
way the owner expected. Ask what "sport" those puppies play.
3. When it comes time to pick a puppy, ask the breeder which
one you should buy. If you've gotten to this point, you've found a good,
trustworthy breeder, and s/he knows the puppies better than you do.
S/he'll know what their personalities are like, and which would be best suited
to your home. Never choose a puppy because it's cute. If
it's too energetic/dominant/ submissive/curious/destructive for you, it
won't look cute for long.
4. When you bring your puppy home, immediately start
to socialize and desensitize it. Take it in the car, take it to the
barn, let lots of people pet it while you carry it and while it stands on the
ground, walk it past noisy cars, mowers, and schoolbuses letting off
screaming kids. Take it with you everywhere. Some vets advise
not letting a puppy around strange dogs or areas where neighborhoods dogs poop
until certain vaccinations are complete...but the minute they are, take you
puppy out to meet every size, shape, and color of dog on the
planet.
5. Invest in puppy kindergarten. Stupid name, great
program. This is the age that training and socialization to other dogs
will really sink in. Train your dog within an inch of your patience.
You're not being mean or overly demanding. Dogs need as much training
as kids and more. Kids don't go around biting people or other animals
(usually). Remember that sport that you discovered back when you were
researching your breed? Ask the local kennels and training centers where
you can play! They really don't take long, can sometimes be played at
home, and are great bonding time for you and your new dog. Really don't
have time for that? Find specific tasks around the house for your dog to
do. Teach him to bring you the mail from the mailslot, do tricks for his
meals, carry out the trash with you if he's big enough, alert you if
someone comes to the door, or anything else that would be useful.
Dogs need to feel useful. As for basic
obedience, it only take ten minuted a day to have a well-trained dog. Once
you get through a basic class, continue to practice a little bit everyday.
Sit in a chair with some treats on hand and have your dog sit, lay down, speak,
stay while you walk away, and come when called. On walks, have your dog
sit at every corner, and never accept pulling, no matter how small the
dog.
Wow, this turned out much longer than I intended. It's
all solid, tested advice though. Just remember that all dogs are good dogs
until they are taught not to be. Dogs are like kids...they are always
watching, and learning from your every action. To a dog or a small child,
an oversight on your part look like permission to do something "bad" from their
POV. Training is the key, for dogs or kids.
Have fun with your Jack, they are great little dogs when given
a job. But then, you'll love whatever dog you settle on, I'm
sure.
