Advice on how to handle a stroppy JR x

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MyBoyChe

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I am housesitting for my neighbour, am in charge of 2 cats, 2 hamsters, 2 geckos, 1 rabbit and 1 small JR x. Snoops was a rescue who they have had for about 18 months (about 2/3 yrs old). He is a bit spoilt and has quite strong opinions. He is staying in his own house with a dog flap in use whilst its daylight, I will close it overnight. The plan was for him to come and stop in my house whilst Im at home and go back next door whilst Im out but he is constantly hassling my 3 so its not worth the grief. He is very happy next door, radio on, food and water on tap and the run of the house, which is normal. I am planning to take him for a walk at night when hubby and I take our 3 as he will have to stay on his lead and cant travel in the pickup with them but will have to be in the cab. This morning when I went to open his flap he was upstairs on one of the beds (this is where he usually sleeps) I went upstairs to encourage him down and he growled and when I tried to sit next to him and talk him down he went for me. He was stopped in his tracks by my boot up his derriere and he was sent downstairs in disgrace. I dont want to get too heavy with him, I accept hes a bit miffed at being left behind and is a bit out of sorts with his life, but on the other hand, I will not be growled at or bitten. Best way to deal with him? Should I just go in, open the flap, feed and water down and ignore him until he gets fed up with being ignored. That might mean he doesnt get walked as I have to put a harness on, he has a huge dog proof garden so not too much of an issue. If he tries to bite me whats the best way to grab hold of him and stop it (in 50 years I have never had a dog go for me so not up to speed on defense mechanisms)
 
Personally I would attach a line (cut the end off a crappy lead or whatever) about a hand's length and not so long as he can grab it or chew it, to his collar or harness so you can physically remove him without you having to put your hands too close to his mouth and as you have intimated, deal with it swiftly, firmly and without emotion, no grabbing or snatching or conflict, remove him from your space and once it's done, it's done, all back to normal, if he tries to bite you, you can hold him away from you by the line and prevent him from doing so.
 
Good advice, CaveCanem - also are there any doors you can shut to stop him going upstairs? As you are only looking after the dog, your prority is to keep him from harm tiil his owner gets back. I would be tempted just to take him for short walks on his own, or play ball in the garden, unless you're absolutely sure he'll get on with your dogs. Also, is there any reason he HAS to have a harness on? You might have more control over his head (and teeth) if you just have a normal lead....
 
He sounds like he is very stressed with his owners away. I wouldn't push the situation and definitely would not place my hands on the dog to pull him, push him or move him around. See if he will come for his feed and then see if he gets at all more co-operative at the idea of a walk when you show him his lead. How long are you housesitting for? He can survice a short while without walks.
 
In fairness if someone my dog didn't know came and sat on his bed and tried to remove him he would probably say 'and who the hell are YOU?' also. Agree a harness will give him much more freedom of the head and neck. You could even bring a slip line and loop it over his head if you really need to lead him about.
 
Thanks guys,just to summarise, Cant stop him getting upstairs although I could shut the bedroom doors,he'll still sit on the landing and sulk though! They are away for 10 days, he doesnt have to go for a walk, I just thought it would break his day up a bit, he does know me although I have never had to "give him orders" before. I can quite see his point of view but just want to deal with him safely and not let him get the upper paw. I think Ill take a slip lead with me and can lasoo him if needed. Im not sure why he wears a harness tbh, I dont like them from a control point of view but he is a little wriggler so maybe he slips a collar. Originally he was going to Spain with them but didnt cope well with the heat recently, he was very stressed when he was in the rehoming kennel so we thought he would be happier in his own home with the 2 cats for company and me popping round 5/6 times through the day. If it really doesnt work he will come to my house and be "doggie play penned" and then go home at bedtime. My dogs are non agressive but he drives them bats with his yappy play fighting, they growl a warning and he takes it as an invitation to start scrapping! Walking them all together with him on his lead will be absolutely fine and safe.
 
I think if you stop him going upstairs in his normal sleeping area you risk stressing him more. Can you get an Adaptil colar on him? If it's not safe to do so try an Adaptil diffuser in the room he sleeps in.

I would be tempted to think of him as stressed and uncertain rather than trying to get the upper paw or control you.

What do his owners say? They may prefer that he doesn't get walked rather than forcing an issue that might upset him further.
 
IMO, you probably just need to get through the next 10 days without falling out with him too much. I have a sharp, opinionated terrier and if he goes to stay with people (very very rare) I encourage them to bribe him. So if they want to move him from one room to another, or put his lead on, use a treat. Perhaps, not a solution but if it keeps things sweet then so be it.
 
Quick update so far, this morning at 6am I popped round, whistled him and he came trotting downstairs with a waggy tail. He followed me out into the garden and back inside where he ate his breakfast and seemed much happier. Ive just been round now to open his dog flap for the afternoon and again, he came to meet me with a wag and although he disappeared back to bed he does seem a bit more relaxed. Im not going to bother with trying to walk him for a day or two, Ill stick with just doing what I need to and ignore him unless he comes to me, it takes a while to sort cats and other small pets so he can choose to tag along or ignore me. If he seems ok will maybe try a walk towards the end of the weekend. Thanks for all your thoughts.
 
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