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The Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the JRT or “Jack,” is a small, quick dog with an energetic and bold personality. Born in England and bred to hunt foxes below ground, the Jack Russell remains a working terrier to this day and can make a great family pet. Training is important for these dogs who have lots of energy, but it’s not hard once you know what they need. It’s also important to socialize your puppy early on with kids and other pets so that he will grow up friendly towards them. So what do we know about the Jack Russell personality|?
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Jack Russell Personality – Little Big Dogs!
Jacks are famous for being “little big dogs.” They have a persistent, energetic, bold personality. They can be dominant dogs who fight to be the leader of the pack. Not only are some Russells natural hunters, but they also like to chase and sometimes kill other small animals. This means that it’s especially important to train your terrier.
They are VERY energetic and will need exercising at least twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. This needs to be combined with off-lead time for them to run around and let off steam. Try to incorporate playing into their routine as well. Jack Russells love to play fetch and tug-o-war with a ragga or rope toy!
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Jack Russells are Great Companions
The best thing about the Jack Russell personality is that they are extremely loyal to their owner. They like to be with their owner whenever possible. This is why they make great lapdogs and good companion animals. They can be good with children if they are well trained and grow up with them. However, children need to be taught how to treat the dog with respect. And of course, never leave a child alone with a Jack Russell.
They need Training!
When it comes time for potty training, start off easy by using a crate. The Jack Russell will go in one corner while you’re around but won’t soil his sleeping area. He’ll learn that peeing or pooping elsewhere is what gets him into trouble; going in his corner will get him out of it!
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You may decide to train your terrier straight into going outside. We did that with both of the Jack Russells we adopted as adults and they literally picked it up within a couple of days. Toilet training should be an easy process with a pup who’s smart and learns quickly.
They hate being left alone, so if you’re going to work all day or travel, be sure to crate them or keep them company in a room with you while you go about your morning routine and make lunch.
Jacks are Independent and can be Troublesome!
Jacks have an independent streak that will probably lead them into trouble at some point. They can be goofy and mischievous. They also have a tendency to want to chase smaller animals, so it’s important to socialize them early on with cats, rabbits and other dogs if you’ll ever have a pet like this around. You’ll also want them to learn that chasing other dogs will get them into trouble, so make sure he socialises with friendly ones when you’re out walking.
When it comes time for training your Jack Russell, start him off easy and work up to harder tasks. It’s a good idea to use a clicker to mark the correct behaviour so he’ll know what you want. Jack Russells are very independent and although they are very trainable indoors, training because a massive challenge when you step outside! Don’t train too hard and always end on a positive note. A Jack Russell will not respond well to harsh training methods. On the other hand, praise will go far with this breed; results come faster if he gets his treat every time he does his business in the right place!
One way to keep your Jack Russell occupied and entertained is with a toy that involves treats. You can also do the same with food by putting his kibble into an empty pill bottle and threading it through a hole in the lid. His Jack Russell terrier personality will get him digging and pawing at it until he figures out how to get the food out! Other good toys for this breed are those that have a treat inside, such as a KONG.
- Instinctual Needs: The KONG Extreme black rubber toy helps satisfy dogs' instinctual needs and provides mental stimulation. Healthy play is important for dogs' physical and mental development, emotions and behavior. By encouraging healthy play and satisfying instinctual needs, this toy helps solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging, barking and more!
- Fetch Toy: The KONG Extreme's unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games of fetch and other interactive play with your pet.
- Power Chewing Dogs: The KONG Extreme black rubber formula is created for power chewing dogs.
If your Jack Russell isn’t being well-behaved, then you’ll have to set rules for him. The first thing you should do is give more attention when he’s being good than when he’s bad. And after all, what dog wants attention when they’re misbehaving? Then teach him the difference between good behavior and bad using positive reinforcement methods (reward based training). Our Blake LOVES these WAGG training treats!
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If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Jack Russell Behaviour and Jack Russell Tricks
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