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WHAT IT MEANS TO OWN A JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

4thejackpack

Updated: Dec 6, 2021

Lets break it down to a few topics...



What makes a JRT different from other breeds?

  • JRT are a high energy breed, along the same intensity as border collies and cattle dogs...but crammed into a small body that almost vibrates with energy. They are very smart, love to learn like most dogs do, however if you do not mentally stimulate a JRTs

mind enough, they will do it themselves and its not usually a good thing..as in they will destroy your house. These dogs can become very fixated if allowed to, which leads to unhealthy habits, aggression and an inability to relax when stimulated in any way. They were bred for fox and rat hunting so they have a high drive for chasing and catching anything that moves...again, with the right training this can be funneled into fun and healthy tasks and games. If this is not properly channeled then you will have to worry about attacks, aggression, losing control and some very anxious walks...or in my case a dog that killed a friends parrot in less than 10seconds. These pups are very emotional, they love intensely. I always say that Ray doesn't look at me...he looks at my soul lol. My connection with my Russell's is incomparable to any other breed I have owned. They thrive on positive reinforcement and regress with rough treatment and punishment. Jacks will not "cow" like other breeds. In my experience any rough treatment or over the top yelling, will be met with the same from them in the form of growling, snapping and the loss of trust and respect in general. Mistakes of this kind will set you back weeks in training. JRTs do not forget.


Who should own a JRT

  • Like all dogs, JRTs require time, patience and love. JRT differ, in that the amount of time and patience needed does not lessen with age. For the first year or 2 they need structure, dedicated exercise and training daily. Mental exercise is extremely important and socializing with as many people and pets in as many places as you can get to, will benefit you greatly. From age 3 and on the level of energy may lower but the same need for mental stimulation and socialization will still be there. The perfect owner for this breed, in my opinion, is a high energy person or family. If you love to be active, take your dogs with you on most of your outings and enjoy training and teaching tricks then this is your dog. All my jacks love to burrow, and while sleeping with your dog is not 100% required....they will weasel their way into your bed...and possibly shove you to the edge. You will either need to switch your wardrobe to white or keep lint rollers in all cars...they shed all year.




What are the difficulties of this breed and how people mess this up

  • The obvious one here is the level of energy. It is normal for all puppies to have energy...but the JRT energy is at another level. They are like little Tasmanian devils. When you bring your new pup home they need an immense amount of attention and stimulation. One of the mistakes I see people make is that they let their JRT be as crazy as they want. Don't get me wrong, it is hilarious to hear the crazy growling sounds they make but if you don't start to regulate the intensity level of their playtime attacks...it will be much harder later.

  • Biting- this is an issue for all puppies....people let puppies bite their hands. Again, this is funny at first but not so funny when they draw blood. You should ALWAYS have a toy in your hand or anything they are allowed to play with...do NOT let them think it is ever ok to bite skin.


  • For some reason many I have talked to do not start training from day 1. I'm not saying you need to start puppy boot camp at 8 weeks but there are many simple ways to integrate your

preferred method of training from day 1. For example....If you are going to crate train( totally recommend this) then from day 1 you can say something as simple as 'box' when you place them in the crate. That's the term I use btw....will they understand ? absolutely not, but repetition and consistency is key with training and it will click eventually. They are so smart. Another easy one....when you take them to pee....use the term you like every time and always say YES or GOOD when they finally pee or poop. This will click too. I know not everyone likes to use treats for training but I do. I don't see it as bribing, I see it as getting results fast...and I like fast results. I could go on and on with training tips but that will be for another blog topic.

  • Ok the thing that makes me cringe that I have seen people do with this level of energy is ...make it worse. I don't know why some think it is funny but these dogs are extremely driven by fast motion. When you use something like a laser pointer to make your JRT chase in circles to entertain friends and family .....well you are ruining your dog in my opinion. You are creating an anxious neurotic mess. Same goes for driving up their intensity when they are already excited. If your JRT is jumping up and down and spinning in circles because you grabbed the leash, the last thing you should do is start smiling and talking in an excited voice. You are basically telling your dog that they need to freak out to go on a walk. This level of intensity is something that builds in a JRT and when they cannot let that energy out in a calm healthy way....it will be released in a negative way. Maybe your JRT finds that laser and eats it while you aren't home, maybe they see red tail lights on a car and chase it down a street. Or, you grab the leash by mistake or just to move it and your pup goes into a frenzy like usual but you were actually leaving to run errands...well that energy may release in the form of destroying your furniture and house. So many of these pups end up in the shelter by their 2nd birthday because people do not understand the needs of these babies.

  • The JRT is absolutely not just a small dog...this is not a backyard dog, a lap or purse dog. They are beautiful and small but they need attention, training, stimulation, boundaries and so much exercise!






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