[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by Britster

I have a 50ft lead for Jackson because we live on 3 acres, however tieing a dog to a 30ft leash every day isn't what I'd call 'exercise' by any means. He used to be off leash more but I don't trust him as much anymore since he darted off a few times. They're terriers, and they're KNOWN to be much harder to train off leash, though of course it CAN be done. Recall is something that must be worked on every single day if you want a reliable recall and even so, a terrier was bred to hunt mice and rats, so yes, they're going to be more interested in 'hunting' or chasing. The key is making yourself more interesting. You've got to find his currency, or his form of money. You say he likes cheese, you could use that. Or find something else he loves, it does not have to be a treat. A favorite toy, or anything can be used.

In the meantime, practice! A few times a week, I put Jackson on his 50ft lead, and let him wander and sniff and play, etc, and then I get something like chicken or cheese and get him to come to me. I use the word 'here' but the key is not to actually SAY the word until he's physically coming to you. I see people saying "come! come! come!" over and over again and it just becomes another word that the dog hears all the time and means absolutely nothing. Dogs don't speak English, so they must be taught. Also, if you could find a local dog park, or any fenced in type field (often times high school football fields, tennis courts, etc are fenced) and let him just RUN and get his energy out. I don't think Jackson would ever be able to survive on just his 30 ft leash every day.

To me, he just sounds like a dog who has a lot of pent up energy, a lack of training, and is anxious, fearful and nervous. And there's lots of things you can do to improve that, as I've listed above in my posts.

Great advice Brit! You said everything that I would and more.

OP I have an insanely nervous dog too. It took a while to get him to trust me, then another chunk of time to get him to let loose and play. Then another while to get him to play with toys.... etc etc etc. I could explain how belly bands can work to your advantage. It seems poop is a bigger culprit then piddle, so really, you just have to watch him. I know it sounds insane and almost near impossible to watch them every stinkin' minute, but really, these stubborn creatures need all the help we humans can offer them. Hang in there! It will get better.