Community Chat

[LovemyJRT]

Okay, here's the scoop. Long post so I understand if its too much to look into for problem solving.

We took on a 9 yr. old JRT from a home that had 5 other rescue dogs from Katrina. He belonged to a woman and her husband and 3 older teens to early 20's. The home life was chaotic. They lived in a large home in separate quarters with her in-laws. The in-law had the other rescue dogs that had access to the JRT. 3 of the dogs are aggressive. The Mother-in-law claims there were alot of fights with the wolf-hound and JRT due to the wolf-hounds instinct for survival with food from the aftermath of Katrina. So, she claims the wolf-hound was the one starting the fights. I beg to differ because since we took in this JRT he keeps attacking my 10 yr. old JRT who is normally very laid back. The rescued JRT has been hit by a car and ATV 3 years ago. He had also killed a cat at the prior home.

After his accident he went into shock and wasn't expected to live. He had a metal plate put in for his hip and had a crushed bladder repaired. He has snapped at people so he can't be trusted with being around someone. I'm the only one that seems to be able to handle him without getting growled or snapped at. I took him to an animal behaviorist and she advised me to give him meds (vet prescribed Prozac) and put him through a program of Relaxation Protocol similar to dog show training. Its supposed to help calm aggressive dogs.

Well, he's been attacking my older JRT so we have to keep them separated at all times.

He might be okay in a home with no kids and no other pets but thats no guarantee.

My question is, do you think its worth it? My poor JRT has been attacked a few times and went from laid back, submissive to attacking back to just plain scared all in 4 mths. with this rescue JRT. Does working with aggressive JRT's ever work or should I throw in the towel? I want to give the little fella a chance but this may be over my head. The prior owner said she would take him back but doesn't sound too enthused and the environment is worse for him there.

What would you do? The only other option is to euthanize him.

Thanks for any input.