A small, adorable hybrid between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug, the Jug was originally created to make the Pug healthier. However, breeders ended up creating a dog that’s unique in its own right!
Playful and idiosyncratic, boisterous, and yet always happy to snuggle up on the couch with you, the Jug symbolises everything that an ideal pet is to many people. And yet, being such a new crossbreed, we’re still learning more about this pooch. So, are Jug dogs aggressive? And how should you train them? Let’s find out more:
What are Jugs like as pets?
The Jug crossbreed makes an ideal pet. They are small, meaning most people can walk them with ease. Jugs are also highly people-oriented, making these pooches a breeze to train, though this also means that they can get lonely and are prone to separation anxiety.
With low energy requirements, this flat-faced pooch doesn’t need much in the way of exercise, though they’ll lap up as much tug, fetch, and walkies as you can give them!
Is a Jug a good family dog?
Jugs typically make a great family dog! Their small size coupled with their Pug robustness means they’ll tolerate even the most ear-pulling, tail-tugging toddler patiently, while their people-loving personality means your Jug will welcome attention from all friends, relatives, and other visitors to the home.
Being a crossbreed, you can’t be certain whether a Jug will inherit the thin, soft coat of the Pug, or the fluffier, downy, yet shedding fur of the Jack Russell Terrier. But either way, your Jug should enjoy a gentle brush every now and then. Use a standard dog brush.
Do Jugs get along with other animals?
The jury’s out on how well your Jug will get along with other creatures. You see, though Pugs are peaceful, playful pooches, the Jack Russell Terrier has a strong prey drive.
This means they love to chase squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. This could mean that you can’t trust your Jug off-leash at larger parks. Small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, or mice are generally a bad idea too unless you’re sure your Jug can’t gain access to their pen or cage.
Your Jug’s Jack Russell side might also mean that they bark or snap at other dogs at the park too. Your Jug may want to protect you. This being said, there’s no telling which traits your Jug will inherit. Plenty of Jugs get along great with the other dogs they live with. Loads of Jugs show zero interest in chasing other animals, too.
If you want your Jug to get along well with their doggy siblings – or even smaller furry friends – it’s best if you introduce your Jug to them from as young an age as possible.
What kind of personality does the Jug have?
As we touched upon earlier, the Jug is a dog of two halves. There is a myriad of traits your Jug might inherit from their Pug side, while the Jack Russell Terrier’s nature reveals itself from time to time too.
Your Jug may be too courageous and brave for their own good like a JRT, for example. They may approach much larger dogs and even cattle or horses with no fear. Or, your Jug may shadow you, trotting around the house by your heel at all times, as a Pug might do.
Your Jug may love nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch with you all day, keeping warm and cosy. They may also like to sprint around the yard or the park. Your Jug may be reluctant to drop the ball when you play fetch together or may enjoy games like tug-of-war. Your Jug may even exhibit all of these traits at different times!
How can I prevent aggression in my Jug?
The best way to prevent your Jug from being aggressive is to socialize them properly. This means getting your Jug used to all the sights, sounds, and smells of the world around them from as young an age as possible.
Take them for walks in lots of different places and introduce them to all sorts of different dogs and people. You can even show your Jug what different buildings are like, as long as they’re allowed inside.
What should I do if my Jug is aggressive?
Even if you try your absolute best to train and socialize your Jug properly, there can be times when they show aggressive behaviors out of nowhere. Whether they’re bored, frightened, confused, aggression is normal enough in any dog.
If something triggers aggressive behavior in your Jug, you should desensitize them to the trigger by gradually getting them used to it. Whether it’s the noisy washing machine, a new pair of swooshy pants, or strange dogs, train your Jug by bringing them slowly closer to their trigger day by day, getting them used to it gradually until it no longer bothers them.
If your Jug dislikes people approaching them unexpectedly, for example, try gradually sensitizing them to the person. Keeping your Jug and the person feeling completely safe at all times – for example, using a gate, leash, or both – allow your Jug to see the person at the door for a while, then in your hallway, slowly getting closer to your Jug until they are both finally content to spend time in the same room together.
The same goes for other triggers of aggressive behavior. With food aggression, try gradually stepping closer to your Jug every time they eat. Or if your Jug barks at other dogs, speak with their owner or handler to see if they will be willing to try gradual desensitization with you.
Watch your Jug closely the entire time you are carrying out desensitization training. If they show even the smallest sign of being uncomfortable, like whining or snarling, take a step back for a while.
Remember, desensitization training can take just anywhere from a few days to several months. But, be patient and persistent and it will pay off!
