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How to manage a Jack Russell Terrier

Member
By Cindy Bay
User-Submitted Article
(10 Ratings)
manage a Jack Russell Terrier
manage a Jack Russell Terrier

You will learn about the Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) and how to properly care for the sometimes complicated and tempermental JRT.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • patience, energy and lots of love!
  1. Step 1

    The Jack Russell Terrier(JRT) is a fun, loving and energetic dog. They are very smart and athletic as they were originally breed to chase small animals, dig holes and go underground during hunting trips. They are known for their persistence and love for adventure. The JRT is very agile and are the Olympic athletes of the dog breeds. They are charming, but can also be sneaky and a handful, so here is what you should know about the JRT and how to keep them happy.

  2. Step 2

    Jacks require a great amount of attention and stimulation. Don't leave your Jack unattended in your home for hours on end if you can help it. They are needy and love to be with you- the master- at all times. They love hard, and are often prone to separation anxiety and will act out when bored or left alone for lengthy periods. No matter how well trained the JRT, they will act out by urinating and defecating in your home if they feel abandoned, bored, or lonely. They love to be connected at the hip with their owner, so if you do not have the time and attention to give a JRT, then this breed may not be for you.

    Exercise is also a must for these dogs. Jacks require an active owner and will beg (vocally) to be taken out and walked. They are the happiest when walked for at least 30 minutes per day. It is best to "over-exert" these dogs so the longer you walk them the better.

    I mentioned briefly that the JRT is a vocal dog. Expect your dog to grunt, yawn often, and make any vocal noise he can muster! They enjoy being engaged in conversation and will even talk back to you in the form of grunts. JRT's believe they are little humans and they expect to be treated as so! They are the biggest, little hams and enjoy entertaining you.

    A forewarning for families with children: The JRT does not respond well to being teased by children. Children must always be tender and loving with the JRT because they have a low tolerance for tail-tugging and taunting. If you are good to your JRT, then your JRT will be even greater to you!

    JRT's believe they are really large breed dogs at heart, so they love to socialize and play with big dogs. They generally do not like toy breed dogs and smaller animals unless they were raised with them. Even so, the JRT can be quite the little bully sometimes to things smaller than it (and sometimes larger too) and they take on many alpha- pack leader traits.

  3. Step 3

    So as long as you exercise your Jack Russell, spend lots of quality time talking to them on a regular basis, you will fall in love hard and fast with one of the most loving and affectionate breeds. They are much like babies because they appreciate play and stimulation without the possibility of boredom. They love to snuggle, be rocked and wrapped up in blankets for safe keeping.

Tips & Warnings
  • Bathe your Jack Russell Terrier as needed. They enjoy getting dirty, but they also love baths.
  • Jack Russell's can jump VERY high, so never underestimate what they are able to reach.
  • They will eat until they throw up, they don't know when to stop on their own

Comments  

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askapeach said

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on 10/9/2009 You gave a lot of information in your article about JRTs. Haven't had one but always enjoyed them.

nightshift said

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on 9/30/2009 Great article of Jack Russell Terriers

rlydia said

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on 9/28/2009 Great understanding of the Jack Russell Terrier. I have one full-time JRT and three part-time JRTs, and your article is right on the money. And if anyone wants to know...yes, four JRTs are a LOT of JRTs.

aussiebev said

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on 9/28/2009 I love Jack Russells as well, such vibrant, energetic dogs with huge personalities.
Great article.. thankyou

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on 9/10/2009 I have my first JRT. Got her at just under 8 wks old. Over a year old now, best dog I ever had! Helped that I did read a lot before getting her. Very special, active, smart dog. Been teaching her fun tricks. Good article. You really know JRTs!

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