Why is my dog hyperactive, nudging, and whining at my other dogs?

Jack Russels are very high energy dogs that require a lot of attention and exercise. If you have the time to devote to both dogs to meet their training, attention, and exercise needs, then there's no reason why you can't get this dog.

Before resorting to medication, try getting him into an obedience class. This will teach him to look to you for guidance and see you as the leader instead of the other way around. Neutering can help also, but he may be a high energy dog that needs lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to be better behaved. He is young so this is the perfect time to teach him what correct behavior is. Take him for lots of walks, go for runs, play fetch, arrange playdates with other dogs so he can roughhouse, teach him tricks, anything and everything to tire his body and give his mind something to do besides think of ways to get into trouble. A tired dog is a happy dog. It may be a stage that he needs to outgrow and lots of activity will help. If all this doesn't help or not enough, ask your veterinarian what they recommend.

Given that this is a change to his behavior a quick check up to rule out underlying medical causes such as heart disease or early arthritis would be recommended. If all clear then limiting the exercise to 50-60% of the current time and reducing the intensity by throwing them less far should keep him interested and excited without tiring him completely

How cute! Yes he’s becoming a teenager. I recommend increasing the daily exercise. Take him for longer walks, more time in the yard and play with him inside. I like to teach them to fetch so I can sit and wear them out throwing the ball or toy. He’s just starting to get more male hormones at this age so that may also be contributing to this behavior. Be patient this phase will pass. Remember a tired puppy is a well behaved puppy. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jack.

Jack Russell terriers are know for being loyal and also very protective of their owners. In general terriers are more quick to bite than many other breeds. With my terriers I keep them at home and have them in a crate or separate room when people come to the house. Mine are loving and fine with me and my family but not with strangers. Additional training may help but not always. I recommend eliminating any chance of Macho Man getting near anyone new so he doesn't bite as that could result in a serious injury. Also it may force you to get rid of him which would be sad as the two of you are great together. This is definitely more difficult to manage but the best solution is to keep his away from others so this biting behavior is eliminated. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Macho Man.

Occasional coughing in a young dog is not necessarily a cause of concern, just like occasional coughing in a person is not always problematic. As long as buddy is still eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally, I wouldn't worry terribly about what you are seeing. If he is playing and moving around with energy, it is unlikely that the coughing has anything to do with exercise intolerance or an underlying cardiorespiratory disease. This could not be ruled out however without some imaging at your veterinarian. Jack Russell Terriers can also be prone to having a collapsing trachea, a condition that can cause coughing during periods of excitement. Depending on the extent of the collapse, the coughing could become more frequent and more severe. This is another condition that could not be verified without x rays. I don't think that this is something that currently requires a veterinary visit, but I would mention it to the doctor at your next wellness visit.

I certainly understand and sympathize with your situation. I have one younger dog that is much too high energy for my older dogs (and me sometimes). I have a few suggestions for you that have helped me. One thing that people think of first is treats that keep them busy for a longer period of time. This does seem to help. You can use long lasting treats like a Kong filled with peanut butter, yogurt, treats, etc and frozen so it takes longer for him to eat. My dog also really like Bully Sticks which I also freeze to make them last a little longer. Keep Rocky mentally and physically busy during meal times. I love using a feeding balls like a Buster Cube or Tricky Treat ball to feed meals in. It keeps him busy for at least 5-10 minutes at each meal and requires him to work. And speaking of working. I have found that my dog is the most tired after we have done a good round of training. Even though it sounds like you have done a basic obedience class, I would consider trying an advanced class, a nose work class, a tricks class, etc. And if taking a class isn't an option right now, work on training at home. When he goes on walks, make him sit at each corner before he crosses the street. Or work on teaching him a new trick. It sounds simple, but additional mental stimulation can go a long way. Playing with other dogs is a great outlet for energy. If you haven't tried it yet, look into your local dog park or doggy daycare center. Sending my youngest dog to daycare once a week has made a huge difference in his energy level. There are a number of interactive dog games and toys available now. Outward Hound makes a number of toys that your dog has to figure out a puzzle of some type before they get a treats. Here are some ideas for those. https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-toys/interactive-dog-toys/dog-puzzle-toys-and-games I have not tried the Clever Pet yet, but it is an electronic interactive toy that I am intrigued about. clever.pet So, I think the key is to vary his activities daily and include a wide range of physical and mental stimulation. Be sure to be creative to tire him out on a regular basis and help everyone keep their sanity. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.