What are some physical cues that will help me understand my Jack Russell’s behavior?

Remember not to rely on just one body language cue when “reading” your dog, and that some of these signs may not be so easily noticed among some breeds:

• Ears: Be aware of ears that are erect, tense and leaning forward. This usually indicates a challenging or assertive dog. Calm, contented dogs tend to relax the muscle tension around their ears. Fearful or worried dogs often pull their ears back against their heads.

• Eyes: Direct staring, by you or a dog, means confidence and possibly dominance. Dogs who look at you and then look away are indicating that they are yielding power to you. Dogs who greet you with “soft eyes” are contented. Dogs with dilated large pupils when the light of the day should make them smaller are either fearful or aggressive.

• Mouth: Lip curling and exposing teeth may be a sign of aggression in a dominant breed like a Jack Russell but a sign of pure happiness in other breeds like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Tongue flicking often means a feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness. Yawning usually symbolizes stress, not fatigue. Yawning helps lower a dog’s blood pressure to help him stay calm. Dogs who mouth your hand without using their teeth are delivering a friendly greeting, but dogs who use their teeth are challenging your authority. Even friendly mouthing should be discouraged as it can lead to aggressive biting in dominant dogs.

• Torso tension: Muscle tension is your barometer to the emotions being conveyed by a dog. Tightened muscles, especially around the head and shoulders, often indicate a dog who is scared or aggressive.

• Gestures: Play bowing (front torso down, front legs extended, back torso up and tail wagging) is the universal canine sign for happiness and an invitation to play.Nose nudging is a plea for affection or a cue that you’re in his chair and please move. Paw lifting often means “let’s play” or “pay attention to me.”

• Fur: A calm dog displays a smooth coat from his shoulders to his hips. A scared or challenged dog will elevate the hairs (called hackles) along his spine to appear larger in size.

• Tail: An alert dog keeps his tail tall and erect. A fearful dog will tuck his tail between his legs. An excited dog will hoist his tail up and wag it quickly from side to side. A cautious dog will hold his tail straight out and wag it slowly and steadily. A contented dog will keep his tail
relaxed and at ease.

What are some signs to look for to see if my Jack Russell is submissive?
• The ears are back or flattened against the head.
• The tail is down or tucked between the legs.
• The weight is shifted to the back legs.
• The head is lowered.
• He makes indirect eye contact and quick glances are evident.
• The lips are pulled back in a submissive grin.
• He may roll over and expose his belly.
• He may crouch down and urinate.

What are some signs to look for to see if my Jack Russell is happy and relaxed?
• All four feet are placed evenly on the ground, or the dog is sitting.
• The posture is free of muscle tension.
• The forehead is smooth.
• The eyes are narrowed or half closed in a relaxed manner.
• The mouth is relaxed at the corners or partly open as if smiling.
• Floppy-eared breeds will let ears hang loosely, while breeds with pricked ears will let them fall slightly outward.

What are some signs to look for to see if myJack Russell is worried or anxious?
• The pupils are dilated.
• The mouth is open.
• The lips are pulled back and creased at the corners.
• The dog may be panting, a sure sign of stress.
• The forehead muscle is tight, with ears pulled back against the head.
• The dog may yawn repeatedly.

My Jack Russell Terrier is quite vocal but he seems to make different sounds at different
times.What’s he saying?
A dog’s vocabulary is limited, but the sounds are consistent in their meaning, according to animal behavior experts. Here is a rundown of the most common canine vocalizations:
• High-pitched bark. A dog is lonely or worried.
• Quick, high-pitched repetitive barks. A dog wants to play or give chase.
• Low, repetitive barks. A dog feels protective or defensive toward the approach of a stranger.
• A single bark or two. A dog is saying, “Hey! I’m here and interested in what you’re doing.”
• Growling with teeth exposed and tense body leaning forward. This is a verbal warning to back off.
• Growling with body crouched
• Sing-song howling. This is a dog’s version of the telephone. Howling is used to contact other dogs.
• Squeaky, repetitive yaps or whines. A dog speaks this way when he feels worried, scared or stressed.