Jack Russell Puppies

Jack Russell Puppies

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Jack Russell Puppies are known to be a very friendly dog and a high energy dog. They like to cuddle up with their owners. They need to get out of the house once in awhile for mental stimulation. They are pretty quick learners, but they will have their moody moments. The Jack Russell is fine with other dogs and don’t care about strangers in the house but they will protect it from any trespassers or intruders that try to come into their home.

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Pedigree Tasty Minis - Puppy treats, chewy cubes with chicken - training treats, Pack of 8 (8 x 125 g)
OUT! Go Here Absorbent Pet and Puppy Training Pads | 30 Pads
ChuckIt! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Durable High Bounce Floating Rubber Dog Ball, Launcher Compatible Toy For Dogs, Medium (Pack of 2)
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy
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Pedigree Tasty Minis - Puppy treats, chewy cubes with chicken - training treats, Pack of 8 (8 x 125 g)
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OUT! Go Here Absorbent Pet and Puppy Training Pads | 30 Pads
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ChuckIt! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Durable High Bounce Floating Rubber Dog Ball, Launcher Compatible Toy For Dogs, Medium (Pack of 2)
ChuckIt! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Durable High Bounce Floating Rubber Dog Ball, Launcher Compatible Toy For Dogs, Medium (Pack of 2)
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Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy
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Julius-K9, 16IDC-R-MM, IDC Powerharness, dog harness, Size: XS/Mini-Mini, Red
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Is a Jack Russell the Right Breed for you?

Jack Russells are known for their tenacity and they are extremely intelligent dogs. They do not like to be alone and unless they are trained to behave, they can be aggressive without warning. This breed has a very strong prey instinct and need to chase anything that moves. If left on their own, they will develop bad habits that can lead to problems when they grow up. They need a great deal of exercise and attention, and have a life spam of around 15 years, so please don’t get one unless you can give him or her what he/she needs.

Getting a Jack Russell Puppy

Be very wary of breeders who won’t show you both parents, or who have the dogs and puppies outside in a shed. Most good breeders will have the puppies in the house socialising with the family. Also make sure that they don’t have their tails docked if they are pet Jack Russells. In England, only working Jack Russells should have docked tails and it should be done by a vet before the dog reaches 5 days old. There should be a veterinarian certificate to prove this, otherwise your Jack Russell may have had his tail docked illegally.

When you choose which puppy you want from the litter, choose a pup that is sociable and inquisitive. Healthy Jack Russell puppies should be alert and have clean eyes and ears free from infection. When you have chosen your puppy, try to visit him a couple of times before taking him home with you. This will get him/her used to you first.

Obedience Training

It’s never too early to start obedience training with your Jack Russell pup – they can start as soon as they arrive home and will be eager to please. Train them, to ‘sit’, ‘stand’ and ‘down’ first. When the do the required action then reward instantly. You can use puppy treats to focus them and move them in the right direction. When your puppy has learned the basics, you can add more tricks such as spin, play dead and paw.

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  • Tasty Minis include calcium to help keep growing bones strong and vitamin E to support natural defences, so you can treat your canine with a delicious snack for good behaviour

Housebreaking Jack Russell Puppies

Jack Russells are known for their strong sense of smell and they want to sniff everything in the environment. What makes it worse is they are very stubborn dogs and will do things their own way if allowed. You need to be firm with your dog because if they learn to use the bathroom indoors, it is going to be very difficult for you to stop them.

The best way to housebreak a puppy is to get them used to going to the loo in the right place by taking them out to the loo every couple of hours and again just before they go to bed. If they soil in the house clean and disinfect it and ignore it – if you tell them off they are unlikely to understand why. What they will respond to is reward. When they do it in the right place give a treat within 5 seconds and lots of fuss. They will soon learn!

Some people use puppy pads which you can place near the door at night time. They smell like the scent dogs sniff to go to the loo and encourage them to do it on there if they need to wee in the night. They soak up the wee as well as signalling to the puppy where to go.

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You need to let them go outside as soon as they finish drinking water or eating. Make sure you always have food and water available for your dog, because if he doesn’t have anything he is going to do his business on the carpet in protest!

Games to Play with Jack Russell Puppies

Jack Russells are very strong dogs that love running after things. The best way to exercise a Jack is to make it fetch anything with its mouth. This will help you train them and also keep them from getting bored. You can also get a Frisbee and throw it in the yard for them to retrieve.

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In the house they are also good at ‘sniffing games’ – you can hide treats under cushions or blankets and say ‘find it’! You can also buy snuffle mats to hide treats in and also interactive dog games such as the Dog Tornado by Nina Ottosson. Hide treats or chicken in the different compartments and your dog can use his brain and his paws/nose to find them!

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Walking your Jack Russell Puppy

Puppies, especially puppies that are around a year of age love playing outside so walkies are the best way for you to let them play with other dogs as well as enjoy the outdoors. The experience will be a very bonding experience for you and your dog. Your dog will be able to bond with other canines while enjoying the outdoors. Get a comfortable lead and harness.

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BUT there are a few things that you need to know about walking your Jack Russell puppy safely. Firstly, don’t walk the for more than 15-20 minutes at a time as young puppies (less than 4 months). A general rule is 5 minutes of walk for every month of the puppies life until fully grown. Also the other thing that is very important is that you should only walk them outside of your garden and mix them with other dogs once they have had all of their essential vaccinations. This will protect them from dog diseases such as Parvo and Canine Distemper.

Your Jack Russell puppy will grow up into a very handsome pooch and develop their own little Jack Russell personality.

I hope that you are enjoying my Jack Russell blog. If you have any tips that you think I’ve missed, please comment below or contact me.

Are Jack Russell Terriers Smart

Are Jack Russell Terriers Smart?

Are Jack Russell Terriers Smart? Oh yes!  Given half a chance, your Jack Russell will have you wrapped around their little paw in no time at all.  They are very intelligent, quick thinkers and crafty.

Training the Jack Russell Terrier

When you take on a Jack Russell as a pet for the first time, you are in for a treat.  They bring their character to your home and treat them right and they’ll be loyal and protective.  Given just half a chance, they’ll dominate to the extent that they rule the house.  So early, consistent and fair training is needed to ensure you enjoy your Jack Russell and they know that they are not in charge.

Find the favourite toys or treats and give them value by only bringing them out at training time.  This means that your Jack Russell will be eager to play with the toy or enjoy the treat and will do what you want them to as soon as they learn it to get their reward.

Your Jack Russell might be a puppy or an older dog.  Either way, keep the early training sessions short and always end them on a success.  If they are not ‘getting’ what you are trying to teach, go back a step to something they do know, reward them and end there. It is likely that you will have to change your training method for that particular request and start again the next day.

Most dogs and Jack Russells are no exception respond well to high value food when training and this is particularly useful when training from sit to lie down and roll over.

At any time, if your Jack Russell seems bored, get them to do something they know and end the session with plenty of praise and fuss.

Even when they know commands and what they are supposed to do in certain situations, Jack Russells are independent spirited and many will ignore your commands and do their own thing.  So the trick here is to find the way to get their focus on you. 

Working the Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells were developed to hunt, and boy do they love to do so.  Your Jack Russell won’t need much encouragement to flush out rats and mice and dispatch them efficiently.  Where they will need training is not to attack anything that moves.  They can easily turn their hunting instinct to your neighbours’ cats or chickens with disastrous consequences.

What this means is that if you definitely do not want to work your Jack Russell at all, you need to discourage their natural instinct to do so.  Because they are smart, training them not to chase and kill small furries and fowl is relatively easy with consistent training.

When you do want your Jack Russell for working or to be able to dispatch the occasional vermin but to leave your small pets and the neighbourhood cats alone, then this is where their intelligence really pays off.  Because they are so smart, you can work with your Jack Russell’s natural prey drive to tell them when they can chase and attack and when they have to leave alone.  Or what they can chase and dispatch and what they should leave.  A well trained Jack Russell or Jack Russell team will chase and kill rats in a chicken pen but know to leave the chickens alone.

Jack Russell’s love to work as a team.  While a single Jack Russell will happily work, two or more will work together to get the job done and relish the praise you pour on them.   

As well as going underground to flush out rabbits and foxes and despatching vermin, your Jack Russell can also turn their paw to other jobs.  You can train your Jack Russell to do fly ball, agility or terrier racing.  They could help you by alerting you to the doorbell or alarms; they successfully help people in many ways as service dogs.   

The Jack Russell is Smart

With the correct and consistent training, your smart Jack Russell will want to help you, work with you and please you.  Many will still have that independent streak but should be won round to your way of thinking with a favourite toy or treats.  They are endearing little dogs. 

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about The Ultimate Jack Russell Terrier Guide.

Jack Russell Adoption

Jack Russell Adoption

Today we take a looking at the topic of Jack Russell Adoption. How do you adopt a JRT and where to adopt from. Also, what training you will need to do.

Jack Russells make wonderful pets and if you are thinking of welcoming a new pet into your home, then adopting a Jack Russell could be the perfect option.

How to Adopt a Jack Russell

It’s a good idea before you start contacting rescue centres to have a look around at your home and garden to see if you need to make any changes to create the perfect Jack Russell home.

Garden

Your new dog will need a safe, secure garden where they can spend some time chilling, exploring and playing.  

Jack Russell’s are brilliant at finding their way through the tiniest space or under or over a fence or obstacle in their way.  So your garden needs to be well fenced to keep them safe.

Front Access Safety

Ideally, all access into and out of your home should be secure for your Jack Russell.  The front garden should also have a gate and be well fenced.  When this is not possible, a well-thought-out plan is needed to keep them safe.

Jack Russell’s love to chase and if they spot a cat across the road as you open your front door, they’ll be gone before you can say, Jack Russell.  However, well you train your Jack Russell or Parsons Russell terrier, they will run out through an open door or open gate.  Fortunately, there are strategies you can put in place to keep them safe when your front garden is not secure.

 Make sure that everyone in the family knows not to open the front door unless the Jack Russell is behind another door that is firmly closed.

If you don’t have a secure front garden, then whenever possible, plan to take them in and out for walks through the back access so that they don’t get into the habit of having fun when they go out through the front door.

Somewhere to Sleep

Think about where your Jack Russell will sleep, where you will feed them and groom them.  

When you have worked out all the logistics of welcoming an adopted Jack Russell into your family, then you can have the exciting time of looking for your Jack Russell.

How to Adopt a Jack Russell

Contact local rescue centres and discuss your desire to adopt a Jack Russell with them.  Then complete their interest forms.  They may go through the questions with you over the phone, but most likely, they will send them to you or guide you to the right place on the website.

Where to Adopt a Jack Russell From

There are several national rescue centres such as Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross and Rescue Remedies, and they would be a good place to start.

You might also like to try smaller local rescues such as Margaret Green Animal Rescue in the South West, Raystede in the South East or Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home in the North West, to name a few.

Or, maybe you’d like to adopt an older Jack Russell?  Then Oldies Club is the perfect rescue for you to contact about adopting a Jack Russell.

The Process 

A member of the rehoming team will chat with you and learn about the type of dog that will suit you.  Just like people, Jack Russell’s come with all sorts of different personalities and needs.  The more flexible and open you are, the more likely that a suitable dog will be available sooner.

A volunteer or member of the team will come to your home to assess the home.  They will be non-judgmental; they are looking to make sure that you have a secure garden, somewhere suitable for the dog to spend time.  As well as, if necessary, that you have a robust strategy in place regarding any exits that are not backed up by a secure area.

In some cases, when it is not possible to carry out a home check, the rescue organisation will contact your veterinary surgeon instead when you have existing pets or have had a dog in your home before.

Training Your Adopted Jack Russell

When you get your Jack Russell home, you’ll want to show them the garden, where they will sleep around all the parts of the house that they are allowed to go into.  

The training you do will depend on the training that your Jack Russell has already received.  They may be a well trained adult dog that all you have to do is reinforce the training that has already been in place.  Or, at the other end of the scale, they may be from a puppy farm or have been in a home where they were not trained or socialised as a puppy.  It is important to discuss training needs with the rescue centre staff and to be honest about your experience and the dynamic of your home and family.

In all cases, you will need to be patient and consistent with your adopted Jack Russell.  They will need to learn to trust you.  Kind, consistent boundaries and training will see you well on your way to a rewarding relationship.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Jack Russell and Kids 

Jack Russell and Kids

Jack Russell and Kids 

Sometimes, Jack Russell’s get a bad press; they are described as unpredictable and snappy.  Yes, like any dog, they can be.  The secret is the training – and not just of the dog either. If it is important that your Jack Russell is good with kids, then well trained children are required too.

The Rescue Jack Russell

Any reputable rescue organisation will not rehome a Jack Russell to a family with young children unless they are confident about the dog’s background and are happy with how your children interact with the dog on visits to the centre.

When rehoming any dog, it is important that the dog goes to the right home and you, as responsible parents, want the right dog for your family.

Many, but not all dogs who end up in rescue do so because of the failings of the people where they came from who didn’t put the groundwork in with consistent socialisation and training.  Even when there is another reason why the Jack Russell finds itself in rescue kennels, they are one of the breeds that rescue centres don’t like rehoming to families with young children.

The Jack Russell Puppy

Welcoming a Jack Russell puppy into your home when you have children gives you the fun and opportunity of training and socialising your Jack Russell yourself. When they are properly trained and brought up with children, they make fantastic family pets.

Jack Russell’s are intelligent, fun-loving dogs and they thrive on consistent, reward-based training. If you are new to Jack Russell’s, then your lively little pup would probably benefit from puppy socialisation classes with an accredited trainer.

Training Your Children

When training your puppy, consistency is key in getting it right, so your kids need to know the training you are doing and the reward system in place.  It’s sensible to keep toddlers and teething puppies separate to avoid your terrier accidentally hurting your child when the pup is at the mouthy, chewy stage.  

It is also essential to instil in the children that the Jack Russell is not a toy; they shouldn’t pull its tail, bash it with toys or do anything to the puppy that they would not like done to themself, so no kicking, smacking, teasing allowed.

When you ensure that the experiences your puppy has with your children are positive when they are most impressionable as young puppies, you are setting them up well to being good around all children.  

From the beginning, have a set place where the Jack Russell eats and make sure that children in the home are kept away from that area or, if they are older, know to keep away from the dog when it is having meals.

Letting your kid/s join in with training is a great way to instil in them the importance of consistent and fair training.  Jack Russell’s who are brought up with kids, make great family pets.

Kids Around Dogs

Even if your dog is not a Jack Russell or even if you don’t have a dog, you should teach your kids how to behave around dogs.  Like puppies with children, your children should be positively rewarded for considerate interaction with dogs, which can start from around 18 months.  If your child at any age acts inappropriately towards a dog, then you should stop them immediately remove them from the situation and explain to them calmly why you have removed them.  

Teach your child to always ask if it is okay before approaching or touching a dog they don’t know.

Precautions of Jack Russell’s Around Kids

When you have a Jack Russell but don’t have kids, your terrier will not be used to the boisterous unpredictable behaviour of young children.  A Jack Russell who feels threatened or who thinks someone is threatening you may well respond by growling or barking at a child who approaches them or comes into the home.  Or worse still, even lunge or bite.

Generally, any dog aggression towards children is fear-based.  Although, it can also be food-based.  The Yellow Ribbon scheme is one way to help keep everyone safe.  When you know your dog is not used to children or is fearful of them, putting a bright yellow ribbon on their lead or collar is a warning to parents and savvy children not to rush up to or pet your Jack Russell.  Unfortunately, the scheme doesn’t get much publicity and you may need to warn parents and children as well to be careful.

Creating a positive experience around children when out with your Jack Russell is an extension of their training and is something that you should consider part of puppy socialisation.  With rescue dogs, or when you have not been able to create the perfect environment when your dog was young, then giving them high value treats when they encounter children reinforces positivity. 

In all instances, by taking a few precautions, you can keep everyone safe and happy:

  • Any introductions of a dog and young children should be closely supervised by an adult
  • Never leave babies, toddlers, young children or special needs older children alone with any dog
  • If your Jack Russell shows signs of stress, calmly remove them from the situation and reassure them with praise so that they accept the encounter as positive
  • Train your Jack Russell to follow verbal and sign commands
  • If your Jack Russell has already shown signs of fear towards children, try and find a dog-savvy child to help you with positivity by them doing some obedience training with you and your dog
  • If your Jack Russell has already shown signs of aggression towards children, then it is sensible to muzzle them when out where you might encounter children.

Having pets is enriching for children and there is no reason why a Jack Russell shouldn’t make a perfect family pet as long as both the dog and children are trained.  Where your child’s safety and your dog’s welfare are concerned, it is essential to be proactive and put the training in place for a safe, happy, successful coexistence. 

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Jack Russell Adoption

Jack Russell cross Blue Heeler 

Any crossbreed will have characteristics from the gene pool of both parents and the only thing to expect with this cross is an intelligent and tough companion. Let’s take a look at the Jack Russell cross Blue Heeler today.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a well known little dog with a big personality known to be fun-loving and cheeky.  Jack Russells are typically 20-30cm or 8-11.5” tall and Parson Russell Terriers (long-legged Jack Russell) generally are 25-35cm or 10-14″tall.

The Blue Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is a less well known breed of medium-sized dog.  They have a laid back, chilled personality when they receive adequate exercise.  Blue Heelers were developed to work on the ranch all day, including protecting the livestock.  So, it is not surprising that they thrive on plenty of exercise.  They are approximately 43-50cm or 17-20″ in height and have a compact, chunky appearance. 

Both breeds are intelligent and love to spend time with their human family.  Both will go off exploring on their own and both need to have activities to work their intelligent, active minds.

What to Expect from a Jack Russell Blue Heeler Mix

 When you buy a crossbred puppy, you are buying into a pup that could have personality traits and physical characteristics from one or both parents.  That means that this cross is likely to be highly intelligent, loyal and tough.  Both are outdoors dogs who love to spend time and out and about.

Appearance

There is no hard and fast rule of what to expect from the appearance of this cross.  You could realistically expect a dog somewhere between the two in size. If the Jack Russell parent was a chunky type, then the offspring of this mix is likely to have a cobby appearance.  If you are crossing a Parson Russell Terrier, then the offspring might be finer and longer limbed than the short-legged, stockier Jack Russell cross Blue Heeler.

Colourwise, they may take on either colourway or a mixture of the colours from both parents backgrounds.

Many offspring from this cross do grow to midway between the two sizes. They frequently have the blue mottled coat characteristics of the Blue Heeler. They often have facial features midway between the two.  Large ears that stand up are a common trait and the blue heeler characteristic of a patch over one eye.  Sometimes they have a Jack Russell face with large stick up ears.

Activity

Likewise, the resulting offspring maybe Jack Russell like in activity levels, where they follow you around all day, occasionally going off to explore, but mostly as long as they are with you and have two nice walks a day they are happy with that level of activity.  Offspring that are more Blue Heeler like will require more exercise that includes some fast-paced exercise to keep them happy.

Offspring that fall somewhere in between is possibly what you are hoping for, but there is no guarantee.  If you want to cross a terrier with a blue heeler for running with, then the taller, finer Parson Russell terrier is an option that is more likely to produce a dog who loves to run and has endless fast activity energy.    

Intelligence

Because both breeds are loyal and highly intelligent, then it should be a given that the crossbred puppies will also be loyal and highly intelligent. Your work training them will pay off with an obedient but independent spirited, faithful companion.

The Jack Russell x Blue Heeler

Whilst breeding a crossbred litter usually has no certainties, this particular cross tends to be true to the type you’d expect and benefits from a guaranteed intelligent, outdoor-loving and loyal companion.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about:

Jack Russell Boxer Mix 

Jack Russell’s are small dogs with big personalities and their feisty nature is usually controllable in a small dog. However, put that amount of tenacious energy into a big dog body and things could get very interesting!  When breeds are crossed, you don’t know which characteristics the resulting offspring will have. They could be the best of both parents or the worst, although most people will be hoping for somewhere between the two.  

Due to the large size difference, the Jack Russell cross Boxer is likely to be due to an error rather than a deliberate choice, so you may be finding out about a dog you are thinking about that finds itself in a rescue centre or from someone whose Boxer bitch was caught by a romantic Jack Russell!

Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell’s are a small breed of dog that was bred to go underground and flush out rabbits and foxes and to control vermin like rats and mice.  These days they are well known popular pets, and with good reason, Jack Russell’s have a cheeky nature and plenty of personality.   Weighing in at around 5-8Kg Jack Russell Terriers are about 20-30cm tall (or 8-11.5”). Parson Russell Terriers which are now a separate breed but are long-legged Jack Russells, are about 25-35cm or 10-14″ tall.  Jack Russell’s may be short, broken or wire coated.

Boxers

Boxers are a medium to large breed, and the males are taller and broader than the females.  The males stand between 55-64cm or 22-25” to the shoulder and the females 53-58cm or 21-23”.  Male Boxers should have a broad, masculine face that is in perfect proportion to the size of the body.  Female Boxers have finer features, yet both have heads that are in perfect proportion with the size and shape of the body.  The muzzle is an important feature that should never be narrow, pointed, or brachycephalic but broad and compact.

The modern Boxer was developed in the late 1800s in Germany. Although Boxers have a long history, their forebearers were large hunting Mastiffs used in battle, even BC.  Both the Mastiffs and Boxers we see today bear little resemblance to those large and ferocious dogs.  Boxers are intelligent, energetic, courageous and alert.  Their appearance is athletic and always perfectly proportioned, in movement, they are powerful and cover the ground with ease.  They are short-coated and can be brindle, fawn or brindle with white markings.  You do occasionally see white Boxers, but this is considered a fault and the whites are prone to deafness.  Today’s Boxer’s are still active and need plenty of physical and mental exercise.

What to Expect from a Jack Russell Boxer Mix

There is no certainty when two breeds are crossed. The offspring might have characteristics from either or both parents and in different amounts.  Both these breeds are intelligent, active and will guard their home.     

Appearance

As with other mixes, the offspring could resemble one or other parent or a mixture of the two. So your Jack Russell cross Boxer could be anywhere between 8 and 25cm, most likely though they will be medium-sized or small medium-sized.  

Because the Jack Russell colouring is based on white. You may find yourself with a primarily white small Boxer or a brindle Jack Russell looking dog. Alternatively, your pup could be almost colour in between.   

Personality

Both breeds are intelligent and fun-loving.  Both require mental stimulation and both are loyal.  So you can expect your Jack Russell Boxer mix to have those attributes.  Remember, though that Jack Russells have big, cheeky personalities and will only do what they want to do, your cross could inherit these traits along with their love of going off exploring and hunting.

Activity

One thing is almost certain with this cross: they will be very active.  Jack Russell’s like to be busy, love spending time outdoors and Boxers need a minimum of two hours of physical exercise a day.  That means that the gene pool suggests this mix will be active and require plenty of physical activity. 

The Jack Russell x Boxer

Intelligent, active and fun-loving.  A dog you can take running, hiking and out with you all day.  Chances are your Jack Russell cross Boxer will be medium-sized, fast learner and quick thinker.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about:

Jack Russell Teeth and Dental Care

Jack Russell Teeth and Dental Care

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Dental hygiene is an important part of caring for your dog. Today we are going to have a look at Jack Russell teeth and dental care for Jack Russells.

As a breed, Jack Russell’s are happiest when spending time with their human family and this frequently extends to sharing our food.  Most people, when they stop for tea and biscuits or coffee and cake, will share a morsel of the sweet, tasty foodstuff with their Jack Russell.  It’s almost law to do so!

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder | For Small Dogs | Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar (Packaging may vary), 60 g (Pack of 1)
Swedencare UK ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bones Vegetable Fusion (Pack of 13 - 485 g) for Dogs, Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar
Pedigree DentaStix - Daily Dental chews for medium Dogs (10-25 kg), 112 Sticks
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder | For Small Dogs | Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar (Packaging may vary), 60 g (Pack of 1)
Swedencare UK ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bones Vegetable Fusion (Pack of 13 - 485 g) for Dogs, Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar
Pedigree DentaStix - Daily Dental chews for medium Dogs (10-25 kg), 112 Sticks
£12.00
£14.39
£26.99
-
Amazon Prime
-
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder | For Small Dogs | Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar (Packaging may vary), 60 g (Pack of 1)
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder | For Small Dogs | Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar (Packaging may vary), 60 g (Pack of 1)
£12.00
-
Swedencare UK ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bones Vegetable Fusion (Pack of 13 - 485 g) for Dogs, Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar
Swedencare UK ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bones Vegetable Fusion (Pack of 13 - 485 g) for Dogs, Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar
£14.39
Amazon Prime
Pedigree DentaStix - Daily Dental chews for medium Dogs (10-25 kg), 112 Sticks
Pedigree DentaStix - Daily Dental chews for medium Dogs (10-25 kg), 112 Sticks
£26.99
-

That means that as well as the usual tooth-related healthcare for dogs, your Jack Russell is suffering from the same problems that sugar causes to our teeth and gums.  

Common tooth and mouth problems in dogs:

  • Plaque
  • Tartar
  • Periodontitis
  • Gingivitis
  • Halitosis
  • Pyorrhea

A build-up of plaque, if left untreated, soon turns into tartar.  Tartar is the brown gritty, more solid feeling substance around their teeth.  Tartar causes inflammation and easily leads to sore gums, periodontitis, gingivitis and even pyorrhea.  This can all happen really quickly.  Periodontitis and gingivitis are inflammation of the gums around teeth.  Halitosis is bad breath and pyorrhea is when the actual tooth or jawbones become inflamed. 

It is important to look after your terrier’s mouth health, oral infections not only cause pain and the associated oral problems mentioned but can also lead to tooth loss, expensive veterinary bills for treatment and extraction.  Inflammation in the mouth can impact general health.  Untreated teeth problems can even lead to organ failure.  Some breeds are more susceptible to tooth and mouth problems and fortunately, Jack Russell’s are not one of those breeds.  However, all those tasty, sugar-laden treats mean that your companion is likely to need additional tooth care.

Chew Toys

Giving your Jack Russell terrier a variety of textured chew toys is one of the ways that you can help them to clean their teeth and exercise their jaws.  But be careful not to give them really hard chews that can wear down their teeth.  Bones may seem a good option, but although it’s natural for dogs to chew bones, bones can also wear their teeth down. 

Plaque Off

Plaque Off is entirely natural.  It’s made from a type of seaweed that benefits teeth and gum care, Plaque Off works as a treatment and preventative for tartar.  You simply add a small amount to your dog’s food, depending on their weight, once a day.  A Jack Russell would have just half to one tiny scoop a day and you’d give Parson Russell Terriers one tiny scoop.  Plaque Off works by altering the saliva and softening existing tartar.  Plaque Off is backed by successful clinical trials.  My vet recommends this and a small tub lasts for ages because you only give them a small amount.

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder | For Small Dogs | Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar (Packaging may vary), 60 g (Pack of 1)
  • The product needs to be sprinkled onto one meal daily
  • Value for money lasts between 2-6 months
  • Easy to use sprinkle onto food daily

Dental Chews

The same company also sells ProDen Plaque Off Dental Bones that are free from additives, artificial preservatives, gluten, grain, and sugar, just like the food supplement.  Giving these chews as a daily treat helps your dog’s oral hygiene and makes teeth cleaning easier. 

Sale
Swedencare UK ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bones Vegetable Fusion (Pack of 13 - 485 g) for Dogs, Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar
  • The only chew on the market with the proven and active ingredient ProDen PlaqueOff
  • To help improve bad breath, plaque and tartar
  • Free from additives, artificial preservative, gluten, grain and sugar

Pedigree Dentastix are another option of dental chews, these don’t have the additional benefit of the Plaque Off ingredients, but they are especially ridged to maximise teeth cleaning.

Pedigree DentaStix - Daily Dental chews for medium Dogs (10-25 kg), 112 Sticks
  • Make sure your canines teeth and gums are clean and healthy with Pedigree Dentastix, the daily dental treat which helps build strong teeth and gums
  • Designed for your large four-legged friend, packed with dog-friendly ingredients and a great taste that helps with bad breath. Daily dental chews are packed with vitamins and nutrients
  • Scientifically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up by up to 80%. The 'X' shape design helps breaks down plaque and tartar

Physically Cleaning Your Dogs Teeth

Using a special dog toothbrush and specialist dog toothpaste to daily clean your Jack Russell’s teeth is a good routine to get into.  Doing so helps maintain good dental hygiene and is especially important if they share your sugary snacks.  Please, don’t be tempted to use human toothpaste – it’s toxic for dogs. 

Get your terrier used to having their teeth cleaned by starting with just a few brush movements in their mouth at a time.  Make it fun by using a toothpaste flavour they like and giving them a suitable sugar free treat after you have cleaned their teeth.  Gradually build up to brushing the whole mouth of teeth.

The best way to get a dog used to having their teeth cleaned is when they are a puppy, that way, they accept it as part of their hanging out with you routine.   Even though puppies shouldn’t have any tartar, getting into the habit is beneficial for both of you because it means you are regularly inspecting their teeth and mouth and they are used to teeth cleaning for later on when it is needed.

If your terrier already has signs of inflamed gums, I urge you to get their mouth checked by a vet.  

If you enjoyed this article on Jack Russell Teeth and Dental Care you might also like to read about Jack Russell Biting.

Jack Russell Biting

Jack Russell Biting 

Today’s blog is all about Jack Russell Biting. Generally, Jack Russell’s are good-natured, friendly dogs with a few exceptions.  They are also a breed that tends to be protective of their home.  Jack Russell’s are also known to be highly protective of their family. 

Why Dogs Bite

Dogs explore and communicate with their mouths. A lot of what we view as biting is exploration and would be a normal behaviour if they were still part of a pack in the wild.  But our pet terriers are not part of a wild pack and so, even the exploratory and communicative mouthing and biting is not acceptable.

Those dogs who are carefully socialised as puppies will know not to bite and will not do so without good reason.  However, dogs who have not had the best upbringing or have been mistreated somehow are more likely to mouth and bite in unacceptable ways.   

There are adult dogs in rescue who did not receive the correct training as puppies who still mouth and play-bite at people.  They are not aware that it is an unallowed behaviour.

 Another example is the terrier who is loose in the garden when an unexpected visitor arrives and kicks or lashes out at the dog through no fault of the dog.  The terrier, having been kicked, retaliates by grabbing the offending leg and holding on as only a terrier can.  This actually happened to someone I know with a Parson Russell Terrier.  Fortunately, she witnessed the whole scenario from an upstairs window. Thereafter, from that bad experience and unless remedial training is successful, any previous well behaved and well-socialised terrier can no longer be trusted around strangers. Jack Russells and Parson Russell terriers have long memories, and it is a very fortunate owner who manages to completely eradicate such a bad memory through retraining their dog.

Training Puppies and Dogs

Eliminating biting at the puppy stage is a case of communication and consistency. Your puppy is not aware that biting and chewing you is not acceptable.  The biting and chewing stage is a way of learning and exploration and puppies also need to chew when they are growing and changing their teeth.

Engage the puppy with a toy that they are allowed to chew on and encourage them when they are biting the toy. Play tug with them and when you want them to let go, stop pulling and moving the toy and use the word you want to use for them to let go.  When they let go, reinforce the word and praise them.  High value treats work well to reward even the smallest good behaviour.

By letting them know what they can chew and the word for stopping, you are on the way to training your Jack Russell terrier puppy to stop biting you or things that they shouldn’t.

The training takes time, and it can take a few weeks.  Consistency pays off and sometimes the progress is slow, but the thing is to be consistent and train frequently for short bursts of time.

The plan is to redirect their energy and biting into play or to distract them into not biting.  Reward them when they don’t bite and when they let go of the toy when asked. 

If you have a bitey dog or puppy, put them on a lead when you have visitors so that they don’t get into the habit of charging up to people and biting at shoelaces or trousers.

When they lick you when before they would have bitten you, that is a good thing, so reward.  Be prepared to distract them from your hand, arm, shoe or trouser leg with a toy.

Adult Rescue Dogs

Because the habit is more set, it can take longer to eradicate undesirable biting and mouthing in adult dogs.  In some cases, it’s as though they realise they missed out on training and they are desperate to please you.

Frequently, adult rescue dogs that have not been trained and socialised have leftover puppy behaviour.

Whichever type your adult rescue Jack Russell is, the method of redirecting as described above works.  You are encouraging the good behaviour and removing some of the opportunities for them to practice the not so good, so they start to lose the habit.

Using high value treats is a tool that works well with older dogs.  A food orientated dog is less likely to bite when there are tasty treats about.  Use the treats with praise so that, at times, praise is enough.

Training in short bursts is even more important with an older dog.  You don’t want them to become disheartened or bored.  So plan the training in short bursts over several weeks and be prepared for consistent training to take longer.

If you enjoyed this article on  Jack Russell Biting you might also like to read about Jack Russell Teeth and Dental Care.

Jack Russell Boston Terrier Cross 

Today’s article is all about the Jack Russell Boston Terrier Cross. When you cross any breed of dog with another breed, you do so with optimism and with particular traits in mind.  However, it should be remembered that the resulting offspring could have any combination of the characteristics from either parent.

Jack Russell terriers are well known cheeky little dogs known for their tenacity and outgoing personality. Jack Russells are typically 20-30cm or 8-11.5″ tall and Parson Russell Terriers (long-legged Jack Russells) are generally approximately 25-35cm or 10-14″tall.

Boston Terriers are actually classed as a bull breed by the Kennel Club.  They are quite different from terriers and are believed to have originated in Boston, USA, from a white terrier from England and a bull breed bitch.  Due to their brachycephalic faces, they also look very different to ‘other’ terriers too.  Boston Terriers have three different sizes based on weight being under 7Kg (15lbs),7 to below 9Kg (15 to below 20lbs) and 9 – 11Kg (20-25lbs).  They stand at around 38-43cm 15-18”. All sizes have the same appearance set off by their large upright ears over large, round dark eyes and their short brachycephalic muzzle.  

Boston terriers are well known for their kind nature and intelligence. They are generally laid back, although frequently they are described as stubborn too.

What to Expect from a Jack Russell Boston Terrier Mix

Appearance

Like most crosses, it’s impossible to be certain of the appearance of the resulting puppies. Many offspring will take characteristics from both parent’s gene pool.  A litter could easily contain siblings who resemble one or other parent or look like a mixture between the two.  There might be a dog that looks like a miniature Boston Terrier or a taller, chunky Jack Russell, you may get a pup who looks like a Jack Russell with a brachycephalic face or some that look like Boston Terriers with longer muzzles; they may have stick up or drop-down ears or ears that endearingly fall midway between the two.

Regarding the colour, that can vary too, with pups taking on colourways typical from both breeds.  Although, the black and white of the Boston Terrier does seem to dominate.

Personality

Because both breeds are intelligent and companionable, your Jack Russell cross Boston Terrier can be expected to have an intelligent and companionable personality.  However, they may be cheeky and tenacious like the Jack Russell or more laid back and chilled like many Boston Terriers.  Jack Russells and Boston Terriers can also both have a stubborn streak, so there is a distinct possibility that your cross between the two may be stubborn depending on the DNA and characteristics they acquire. 

Activity

They are likely to need an average amount of physical exercise, but Jack Russell’s do love to spend time outside in a garden.  You can expect this cross not to be overly demanding regarding exercise; both breeds love to spend time chilling with the family.  Jack Russells do love to go exploring, so your mix may pick up that trait, and Boston’s are fast movers to get through a door, so you could have a lot of fun reigning them in too.

Because they are from intelligent breeds, pups from this mix will love plenty of mental stimulation to keep them interested and occupied.  They’ll love toys and games that tax them and things they have to puzzle out.

The Jack Russell x Boston Terrier

Due to the intelligence and personality of both parent breeds, you can expect an intelligent and fun dog from this mix.  Appearance might be a bit more hit and miss, but many of the offspring from this cross are very cute and appealing.

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Jack Russell Cavalier Cross 

What is a Jack Russell Cavalier Cross? What can you expect from their appearance and temperament?

The smallest of the spaniel breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The smallest of the spaniel breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular choice of pet dog.  Unlike their sporting cousins, the Springer and Cocker, that are bred to retrieve the Cavalier was developed and bred as a pet.  It’s a job they do very well.  They are happy, friendly and sociable.

The Jack Russell

The Jack Russell is also a popular choice of pet dog.  They are loved for their cheeky, fun-loving nature and are definitely a terrier at heart.  Jack Russell’s were developed to do down holes and flush out foxes and rabbits and despatch and control rats and mice.  

Both breeds make excellent lap dogs, companions and love to spend time with their people.  They are about the same size, with the Cavalier being a little bit bigger than most Jack Russell’s at around 30-35cm or 11.5-14″ compared to the Jack Russell size or around 20-30cm or 8-11.5”.  Both are intelligent, although the Cavelier is much more biddable and many Jack Russell’s will do something only if they want to.

What to Expect from a Jack Russell Cavalier Cross

As with any crossbreed, there is no certainty about how the puppies will look and what their characteristics will be like.  That said, with Jack Russells and Cavaliers being about the same size and having similar colourways and both being intelligent lap dogs, you can safely have a good idea of what to expect.

Temperaments

People who have this mix wax lyrical about their great, friendly temperaments, playful and sociable natures and ease of training.  They are usually great with young children other dogs and are sociable.  Because of the affable and biddable natures of their Cavalier parent, you can expect this cross to be quieter and more relaxed than their Jack Russell ancestors too. 

Intelligence

Both breeds are intelligent. However, Cavaliers are easier to train, so you will hope your mix has that characteristic.  They thrive on working things out and if they want to do something, they will find a way.

Appearance

Physically, they may resemble either of their parents or look like a combination of the two.  Sometimes this mix is very easy to work out what the cross is, and some look like Jack Russell’s with bigger ears or a wider jawline, or they look like small Beagles.  The cross frequently has the characteristic eyebrows and smiley face of the Cavalier. 

Their colour tends to be predominately white with black, brown or a combination known as tricolour.  The brown shade can vary from a pale lemon type colour through to the mahogany brown of the traditional tricolour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Activity

Younger Cavalier Jack Russell crosses tend to require plenty of exercise, playtime and stimulation.  As they mature, just like their parents, they are likely to mellow and be happy with less exercise as long as they can spend time with their humans.  Of course, you may have a cross with a terrier mentality who wants to go off hunting all the time, but that is something that you can manage with toys and stimulation if it is undesirable for you.  

The Jack Russell cross Cavalier

You can expect lovely, happy little dogs who will fit into your lifestyle happily as long as they have time with you, stimulation and regular exercise.   

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