michael4

Thanks everyone for their input, it was really valuable in helping me make a decision. I spoke to a breeder of Golden Retrievers yesterday and she mirrored what sithspawn and lone-silverwolf and nearly everyone else who've replied here said about JRT's being big dogs in a small dogs body. So I've decided (with your help!) to not move into that house with it's bossy dog! And instead focus on finding a more suitable home that allows me to get the dog I want. Problem solved! Until the next dilemna haha :p Thanks again everyone and I'll keep you posted, especially when I get some piccys!

Hi everyone- just a bit of an update. I know that I've been explaining this situation as it would apply to a 6month undesexed JRT and a prospective labrador puppy being introduced to live together, but recently my partner and I found what seemed to be a beautifully mannered German Shep cross (desexed, 1 yr old) at the local animal welfare league and thought we'd try for an introduction before purchasing her; The shepherd was such a lovely girl and quite unlike the headstrong and protective sheps I've seen in the past. She'd been brought in for digging her way out of her previous owner's yard, but I'm sure further investigation would have revealed boredom and isolation as the cause. So the two met each other today and all seemed well until the JRT started playing rough with the inevitable result that the shepherd growled and bowled it over, following it up with a few good (play?) bites. So NO was the answer to that dog, and it's such a shame too. Just can't win with German Shepherds it seems. My question to all those who are more experienced than I is will this occur with every dog we inroduce to the JRT? The owner of the JRT is insisting his dog not be bullied by "bigger" dogs, but who's the real bully and will the situation be different with say, an 8week year old labrador from a reputable breeder? His dog IS very well mannered, but I'm wondering if I'm turning away MY "best friend" just to suit his fussy Jack Russell. Love to hear from anyone. I really need help!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, sounds like I'm in for a whole load of fun! I might keep my options open and browse for a house without a current 'occupant', that way I'll be assured that my pup can't be shown bad habits by someone else's pup. Or maybe consider an older dog that has already had the basic housetraining and been through the teenage years. As far as supervision goes, and having a plan for handling the tough times when I'm not at home- when that little bundle of energy is romping around like a terror, I was planning on having my partner there to supervise and play with the little fella while I dashed off to work ( I work night shift 6pm-4am 4 days/week). I'm also going to socialise the pup with other dogs at puppy pre-school early and with Mum's cats. One other thing I was going to ask about the situation is; if the house is 'dogs outside' only, is it practical, sensible, possible and/or humane to expect a little pup to spend his most vulnerable first weeks outside all the time, even when someone's home?

I'm intending to move into a rental property with a fenced backyard soon and after settling purchase either a labrador or a golden retreiver puppy. An opportunity has come up to share with a guy who has a 6 month old Jack Russell who has himself just moved into this house and was wondering if it would be a good idea to introduce a new puppy into these sorts of circumstances. I know it's a hard question not knowing how well trained his dog is, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions that would make the introduction and settling-in comfortable for both the Jack Russel and the puppy (and the owners!) Any help greatly appreciated! Cheers all.