Anyone into dog psychology?

[Pig Skill]

We have a parsons Jack Russell - great little dog. Came to us as a runaway stray.

He is very well looked after - walked 2-3 times a day. Well fed etc etc

Anyway - whenever we go out he will wither be as good as gold or sometimes a bit naughty. For example he may have a go at the bin in the kitchen or scratch open a cupboard and drag some food over to his basket. Minor stuff. However whenever we come home if he doesn’t move out of his basket we know all is well. If he has been naughty he will be cowering near the back door, tail between his legs and very submissive - he knows he has done wrong.

What I don’t understand is why do it if he knows it’s wrong? Is it some uncontrollable urge he cannot suppress?

There is a correlation to his naughtiness - if someone has knocked on the door i.e. postman or delivery guy etc he is naughty

Can anyone explain and perhaps help?

Many thanks

[EINSIGN]

woof:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/07/13/bowlingual-po...

[Mrs Grumpy]

Dogs do not have a concept of right or wrong. What he understands is your reaction and that is why he cowers.

[Jasandjules]

Does he get attention? Does he get mental stimulation?

[vrooom]

My dog does this too. he is JRT as well. He know whats right and wrong.

He will cower with tail under, and walk away if i point stuff that are destoryed or whatever.

he wont do that if he doesnt destory or something.

awesome breed, stubborn, and highly intelligent.

[Rollcage]

If I'm reading this right, sounds like you need to control his reaction to callers at the door.

[racing green]

My first clue would be that he is a Terrier and liable so such things occasionaly. If he were mine I would buy a cage for him for when I was out, not as punishment but to avoid such situations. The dog would feel secure and any temptations would be out of reach. One other thing would be to curb your reactions to his naughtiness as a cowering dog is not what you or he wants. Only tell him off IF you catch him in the act as he will not understand your anger if the crime was committed more than ten minutes before you discover it. He may then come to associate either your coming home or your facial expression with unhappy times leading to anxiety and other problems. Hope this helps.