We have two dogs: Fiat and Mabel. Fiat is a 5 year old Jack Russell mix and Mabel is a four year old pug mix. I’ve had both of them since they were young puppies. Both came from the animal shelter.
I often joke that they are the most obnoxious dogs on the planet…because they are. But Mabel is far less obnoxious than Fiat. Mabel often barks at people who are not there, she occasionally has an accident in the house, and she rarely comes when called, but she is generally calm and sweet.
Fiat often barks at people who are not there, looks for any opportunity to eat garbage, occasionally has an accident in the house, and NEVER comes when called….but he is also maniacally hyper. He never, ever, ever, EVAH stops moving. This means that unlike Mabel, who likes to take long naps on comfy chairs, Fiat spends all his waking hours in constant motion - moving, moving, moving. Even when he sits next to you to be patted, his feet are twitching. You would think this would get better as he’s gotten older, but it actually seems to be getting worse.
Yes, he’s been to obedience school. Yes, he gets plenty of exercise (large fenced yard). Yes, I have tried doing games and activities with him (he will chase the ball or stick but generally loses interest before getting where he was going). Yes, he is crate trained.
I am well aware that Jack Russells are very active dogs. I know many, many Jack Russells. They are one of my favorite breeds. But Fiat’s level of activity is beyond extreme. He cannot focus on anything or be still for even one second.
My cousin Julie is trying drug therapy with her corgi, Dana. They say the meds are really chilling Dana out. The name of the drug is “Reconcile” (amazing that someone’s full time job is to think of clever names for dog prozac), and frankly, I’m thinking of asking my vet about it for Fiat. Maybe he has dog ADHD? Maybe I am depriving him of reaching his full potential by keeping the drugs from him?
The idea is really sounding appealing.
