Need advice for Gus, our rescued Jack Russell

Question:
 I need alot of help. We rescued a 3yr old Jack Russell back in Oct. His name is Gus and we absolutely love him. He is typical JR to the core..quirks, personality..etc. But he does have some issues that I just can't seem understand. His previous owner was a shut-in and the owners friends bought "Gus" as a gift to help the guy get out more. Well it back fired on poor Gus and he was trained to go inside his very large crate on a pad. (I'm assuming it was one large enough for a bed and a pad). Well I didn't bring this problem ( the pads) into my home and just brought Gus out 7-8x's a day until he got the idea that outside was where he should go. We also bought him a smaller crate just big enough for a small bed thinking dogs don't go where they sleep. Well he had a few accidents in the beginning and things looked good but he still won't tell us when he has an emergency and will go in his crate and go right on his bed. Or randomly in the house. The previous owner said he ate like a bird. Well I was feeding him 1 and 1/2 cups of Ekanuba for small dogs in the morning and he gobbled it up in 2 seconds flat. But he was having a BM every time he went out (7-8x's per day) then would come inside and have an accident in the house. So I cut back his food to 1 cup per day. Which he has in the morning. He still goes 5-6x's a day but the accidents have stopped. But I feel like I'm starving the poor dog. But how can such a small amount of food make him go so much? and forget about treats or chew bones. he vomits them up then has diareah for days! To the point where I swear I see a little blood in his stool. So I can't even give him treats to balance out what food I'm not giving him. Am I starving him? Do I change his food brand? Does he need vitamins? Do I bring him to the Doc.? Also, when my husband comes home from work. he greets Gus and Gus becomes very submissive and pee's all over my husband. So my husband try’s not to greet him so that he doesn't get a shower. He lets Gus greet him first. Is this an Alpha male thing? Also when we have company leaving our house Gus attacks them. He bit a friend on the ankle and another on the hand. I have to pick the dog up to keep him calm. Is this separation anxiety? I have three small children. Ages 7, 4, and 10 months. Gus is wonderful with them. Plays with them all day long. When he is not happy with them or had enough he will give them a warning gentle almost non-contact nip. Just enough to scare them. I am worried about the baby though. She is just about to walk and right now he pays no attention to her. Any suggestions on making this an easy transition for the both of them. Also any advice on keeping the other kids from a bad situation. He has very sharp teeth and even though he treats them like part of the pac you never know. I just feel like I want to make up for the three years he was in the other home. I really don't know how good or bad it was but sometimes I feel like he's a little screwed up. Sometimes when my husband calls him to go out for a walk for no reason he will sit in his crate and shake like a leaf. I have to go into his crate to put his leash on him to get him out. In the beginning he would be frightened if you tried to pet him and he would pee himself. I don't know if this is a sign of past abuse. Any way any help at all I would appreciate.Thank you. Laura, NJ
Answer:
 Whew! I was breathless by the time I finished reading all that is happening. You aren't going to like my advice though. You have three healthy, happy, active children. I would think of finding Gus a new home and get a dog more child friendly. You say he isn't showing any nipping moves yet, but he very well could and cause injury. Sometimes we have to "cut our losses" and this tough love will benefit ALL of the family, not to mention your friends. You have enough on your plate to say grace over. Get a Lab or Retriever. They operate wonderfully with children, as well as adults. God bless. Gertsmom
Answer:
 Hmmm where to begin. Well, first of all, if you get him onto a better quality food, he will eat less & poop less. Most dogs poop twice a day. Take the bedding out of the crate & just put a towel in so that it does not all get absorbed. Is he getting a lot of exercise? Not just playing with the kids but walks, at least two a day every day? The behavior you asked if it was seperation anxiety - no, SA is when you leave him alone & he goes nuts. Consider getting him on Rescue Remedy - one of the Bach Flower Remedies, available at health food stores. He is neutered, yes? If not, get him done today.