Introducing my kittie's to boyfriend's dogs!

I really need some advice on this one!

I am contemplating moving into my boyfriend's townhouse. He has a jack russell terrior and a border collie. The collie is smart and listens even though she can get crazed and run all over the house on the bed, etc. when playing. The jack russell I hate. I mean I really hate this dog and it is affecting my decision to move in with boyfriend. The dog has behavioral problems and barks constantly. At anyone, anytime. When I hug my boyfriend or kiss him in front of the jack russell, the dog starts to bark and comes up like he wants to bite. THe dog is known for biting my boyfriend and has tried to bite me. My boyfriend has had both dogs for 9 years and LOVES THEM and states that he would never give them up.

I can't take it!

What is at the root of all of this are my two little girls, kitties Chloe Blue and Gabby. I am so afraid of their safety. I don't know what to do. It is very difficult to bring this subject up to my boyfriend as the can get defensive. Ugh. Please can anyone give me some insight as to how to handle this situation?

Many thanks,
Gabby

the JR needs to go to obedience class pronto. i'm sorry to say but whilst reasearching dog breeds for when we finally get our dog those two came up worst for chasing cats.

if your unsure at all about either dog i'd think twice as i'd rather be safe than sorry.

sorry to be so pessamistic

Hopefully Hissy will come along soon and give you soem good advice. she's got some beautiful photos of her dogs and cats together.

Gabby, I've moved your post to the Behavior forum. I don't have any advice for you, but you should find a lot of good help here.

Sorry, but that is one breed I would never introduce to cats. He is a true hunter and loves to chase. The only thing I haven't seen a Jack Russell chase (a neighboring farmer breeds them) are horses and cows. I have had JRT chase kittens up trees, under houses, and across my fields. There is no way in the world I would ever expect that breed and cats to get along. They are smart, but they are also bullheaded, therefore not easy to train-

Originally Posted by hissy

Sorry, but that is one breed I would never introduce to cats. He is a true hunter and loves to chase. The only thing I haven't seen a Jack Russell chase (a neighboring farmer breeds them) are horses and cows. I have had JRT chase kittens up trees, under houses, and across my fields. There is no way in the world I would ever expect that breed and cats to get along. They are smart, but they are also bullheaded, therefore not easy to train-

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Friends of mine had a Jack Russel "terrorist" that they got as a 4 month old puppy - this was one dominant dog who failed puppy school 3 times - he was not interested in listening to anyone else for anything and had no desire to 'please'. He did chase horses and cattle on the neighbouring farm. He also chased cats, other dogs and regularly caught and killed rabbits. The dog also chased cars on the highway and caused a number of accidents. They had an electric collar and fence compound - he ran through it like butter. Finally, as much as they hated to do so, they returned him to the breeder. All this in about 9 months. I was one of the few people he liked so ended up dealing with him a lot when we all went camping together to give his owners a 'break'.

I would not move your cats into any home where there is a Jack Russell terrier inside. You are right to have concerns. Continue to keep your own place and 'visit' each other regularly until the situation with the dog changes.

Good luck
Kathryn

Kathryn & Hissy:

You both have described my boyfriend's JR to a T! Thank you for your insights. Looks like I'm going to have to present my concerns to my boyfriend...I'm gonna keep my own place for the time being...

Don't hold it against your boyfriend- JRT's are high prey dogs and they need not only exercise but mental stimulation as well, otherwise they get bored and destructive and aggressive. A friend of mine left for work and her JRT puppy got into the kitchen cabinets in her absence. Kara came home to find her pup dead, he had crawled into a cereal box that he had managed to rip open, gotten stuck and smothered. They are into everything unless you can keep them active. Personally, I wouldn't ever keep one, not even on our land.

Originally Posted by hissy

Don't hold it against your boyfriend- JRT's are high prey dogs and they need not only exercise but mental stimulation as well, otherwise they get bored and destructive and aggressive. A friend of mine left for work and her JRT puppy got into the kitchen cabinets in her absence. Kara came home to find her pup dead, he had crawled into a cereal box that he had managed to rip open, gotten stuck and smothered.

They are into everything unless you can keep them active. Personally, I wouldn't ever keep one, not even on our land.

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Hissy:
thanks again for your insight. So sad about the JR smothering himself. Please dont get me wrong -- I love all kinds of animals and grew up with dogs my whole life. It's just this JR is so incredibly difficult that sometimes I can't stand being in the same room with him! I certainly won't hold it against my boyfriend. He loves his dogs just like I love my kitties. What will ultimately be THE issue is if we decide to get married. I just can't even imagine giving up my two little girls because of his dogs. Ugh.