Comments on: How to Select a Jack Russell Terrier

on 11/14/2008 You are okay if you have two JRs but bring home another breed of dog and you have disaster! I had two, male and female and because they were opposite sex, they got along. But my attempt to bring home a larger dog, one a Rottweiller and another a Great Dane, because a killing field. They killed every puppy I brought home. In my presence, they acted respectful, but when left along for dog play, things always became confrontational and the JRs would go into killing mode. DO NOT think they are okay, even after three months together. Even two years later, they STILL ganged up and tried to kill the Great Dane- but the GD seemed indestructible. Do not be fooled, they will attack years later....

on 11/22/2005 Since these dogs are so smart, teach them as much as you can. Before mine was one year old she knew 4 tricks and up to 10 commands. Make sure you have small bits of treats to give them, but don't give them a treat after every single command or trick (they will expect it every single time).Use a certain tone of voice when teaching and use that same tone after they have learned the trick.

on 11/22/2005 Take it slow when introducing the Jack Russell. Be sure to give the old dogs the same amount of attention that you give the new addition. I highly recommend putting the resident dogs in crates or on leashes when bringing the new one home, at least until they sniff each other and aren't growling or raising the hair on their backs. Later, you can release the resident dogs. Let one at a time go, and let them meet in different rooms. Too many all at once will scare the new dog. Talk to the resident dogs and tell them this is their new friend who will be living with them. Tell them that they will need to be nice and not trample it (in the case of larger dogs). Offer treats to the resident dogs and the new dog. Pet them all and talk lovingly to them. Finally, bring out some toys and start a play season. Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 My 5 1/2 year old Jack Russell is the love of my life. He is extremely smart and funny, very energetic and tender at the same time. You will be surprised to know how much they enjoy snuggling with you. To calm him down after a long walk, I massage him and caress him for over 15 minutes. This works amazingly. He already knows the routine and loves to be touched.

on 11/22/2005 Don't forget that Jack Russells copy everything you do because they are so smart! Be prepared that they will pick up your habits before you realize that you had that habit. Fantasic friends - love them!

on 11/22/2005 I have two JRTs and rescued my female, then introduced my male to the picture. If supervised during the introduction, groups of JRTs can easily live and play together. Supervision and quick correction will help curb any problems.

on 11/22/2005 Be aware of what the parents are like so you have an idea what the puppies will look like when grown. Ours has longer hair, shorter legs, one ear up & one ear down. We love him just the same though. Very smart, lovable & energetic. That's our JRT. Cute!

on 11/22/2005 We had two Schipperkes when we adopted little Tigger at 4 months. We have had no problems with the three. We have two guys and one little girl. We talk to them and expect them to get along. We show equal attention. We also have two cats. No problems.