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Having a Jack Russell as a Pet

May 15, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

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Anyone who’s ever owned a Jack Russell knows that they require a lot of special care. Besides being energetic, Jack Russells are notoriously stubborn, and can be highly-strung. They need a lot of exercise in order to stay healthy, and they can have trouble living peacefully with other pets if not properly socialized. Plus, they have strong genetic prey drive and herding instincts which means they often try to chase small animals and herd humans for fun.

My Jack Russells have all had their own little personality and funny quirky things that they do – and I’ve now owned 4 during my lifetime. So I feel well placed to answer your question about being a Jack Russell owner. So what’s it really like having a Jack Russell as a pet?

Having a Jack Russell as a Pet

A Jack Russell is not the easiest pet to own — but if you have the time and dedication needed for this unique breed of canine friend, owning one is truly an unforgettable experience to enjoy with your best furry pal as your sidekick. There are pros and cons to having a Jack Russell, so it’s just a case of making sure that it will fit in with your life and that you have the time and energy to give him (or her) what he needs.

Having a Jack Russell as a pet has got me through some really bad times including relationship breakdowns, deaths in the family and a severe bout of depression. To have that cute furry face looking up at you and asking for his food or walkies gives you a routine and a strong sense of purpose.

My last Jack Russell terrier, Milo came everywhere with me – to the pub, on the bus and even to work! I was so heartbroken that I said I could never have another one, yet 2 years later Blake the Jack Russell Patterdale cross came into our life to fill the furry void left behind! He has bought us so much joy and certainly got us through the last year of Coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns.

Pros of Having a Jack Russell

Will ensure that you get daily exercise
Gives you a routine (feeding, walking, playing)
Social life of walking the dog and mixing with other dog owners (dog owners always talk to each other!)
A sense of purpose
Cuddles and companionship (they are very loyal and loving towards their owner)
Easy to train for tricks
Healthy dogs – they are happy and energetic

Cons of Having a Jack Russell

Difficult to train off lead due to their strong pray drive
Can be snappy without socialisation and training
Need to be at home majority of the time – can’t really leave them more than 3 hours
Destructive behaviour when left alone too long
Difficult to have a holiday without family members to look after them – they don’t do well in kennels and being apart from their owner
Need to be able to spend at least an hour a day walking them
Cost of having a dog can be high – need regular worming and annual injections and vets checkup plus food
Can be leash reactive and reactive towards other dogs and fast moving things such as bikes and scooters.

Having a Jack Russell as a Pet – What will my day look like?

AM – Morning walkies and Food

Firstly, don’t expect a lie in if you have a Jack Russell – not even on the weekend! You will need to get up early with your dog around 7am to let him out to the loo. Walking him last thing at night and getting up early to let him out will minimise accidents in the house. After letting him/her to the loo at 7am you can then have half an hour for your own breakfast and getting ready. Then you will need to take at least half an hour for a walk in the park with your dog.

You can feed your dog when he gets back from his morning walk – Jack Russells like to eat after they have been out because it mimics the result of the ‘hunt’ from when they were in the wild. Also, the exercise works up their appetite.

PM – Afternoon loo or walk and snack

If you work from home, fantastic, but if you don’t you will need to come back home at lunch time to let your Jack Russell to the loo. If you cannot do this, ask a family member or friend to help you out. Otherwise, you will need to budget for a dog sitter for a 20 minute lunch time visit for a short loo trip or walk plus treat. It’s nice to leave them with a chew in the afternoon.

Evening – Food, Last Walk ad Cuddles/Play Time

After work you will be feeding and walking your Jack Russell for the second time. It is essential that they get at least 2 walkies and extended walks on the weekends (read more on Jack Russell exercise).

In the evenings expect lots of cuddles while you watch TV! They are very affectionate dogs when you have developed a bond together. However, there may be an hour of hyperactivity (well call this ‘happy hour!’) around 9pm-10pm when they get a spurt of energy and want to play. You can play fetch, tug-o-war and rough and tumble play with your JRT – they love rough housing!

Weekends

On Weekends plan for training sessions with your Jack Russell and also extended walks with the family. Ideas for weekend getaways include Snowdonia, Peak District, Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.

Going on Holiday when you have a Jack Russell

Holidays abroad will be more of a challenge because many Jack Russell owners find it difficult to leave them. But if you have a car or van and your dog has a passport you can consider travelling with your Jack Russell within the EU.

They have a Strong Prey Drive

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier that has an energetic disposition and strong hunting instincts….They require a firm owner who can display leadership. If your Jack Russell has a particularly strong prey drive and doesn’t have good recall due to this, then it can be difficult to let him off lead in public areas.

There are things that you can do to ensure that your Jack Russell still gets the exercise off lead that it needs. It is possible to hire enclosed fields for dogs to to online and on Facebook – we use Mutts off Lead in Maghull. You can also purchase a long 30m leash or climbing rope to allow them to run around while you still have control.

Jack Russells need Socialisation

They also require extensive early socialisation to help them get along with other dogs, because they are prone to fighting with dogs twice their size.

Additionally, they should not be left alone for extended periods of time; without sufficient companionship, the Jack Russell is likely to engage in destructive behaviour. They can be prone to separation anxiety which could result in crying, howling and barking when you leave the house.

Training your Jack Russell

The Jack Russell Terrier is a smart dog who is quick to learn, with a high degree of trainability. All of my Jack Russells have been very food motivated and eager to please. As a result I have been able to teach them a number of party tricks including spin round, roll over, beg and play dead. My second Jack Russell Suzy was so disciplined that she could hold a biscuit in her mouth or on her nose and wait until you told her to eat it!

As well as doing tricks, you will also need to teach your Jack Russell to be ok with strangers and to behave well on walkies. Clicker training is a great option for Jack Russells as they respond very well to positive reinforcement. You can read more about training a Jack Russell here.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Why do dogs tails wag? and Types of Jack Russell

Jack Russell Food

May 14, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

When choosing your Jack Russell food, you will need to make decisions based on several factors including your dogs weight, health conditions and personal preferences. First of all, you will need to decide whether to feed your Jack Russell dried food, wet food (canned), natural cooked diet or raw.

Why a Good Dog Food is important

A good dog food is important because a good quality food in the right amount it will keep your dog healthy and the right weight without becoming obese. You can read more about a healthy Jack Russell Weight here. Choosing the right food can also have an impact on your dogs healthy and shiny coat and overall general health.

Which Jack Russell Food should I Choose?

Let’s take a look at the main options for Jack Russell food included some recommended brands. Remember that before making a decision it is often a good idea to take professional advice as all dogs are different. Different dogs have different health conditions and personal preferences. When getting a Jack Russell puppy from a breeder, they will often come with recommendations for puppy food that they have been on at home when weaning. It is a similar situation when adopting a dog from a rescue centre – they will often recommend a good food for your dog. It is also recommended that you take your vets advice on feeding your dog. Your dog will need a first trip to the vets for other advice such as vaccinations and worming and so you can discuss feeding at this first vets appointment. If you inherit your dog or rescue from the streets, it is vital to take that first vets trip to identify any health problems or underlying conditions.

Dry Food or Kibble

Kibble such as Chappie or Iams can be good for a dog who has a very sensitive stomach. Our Jack Russell-Patterdale cross Blake had a bout of Colitis before we adopted him and the RSPCA recommended to keep him on the Chappie that settled his stomach. We still feed him Chappie kibble a couple of years later, but we supplement his diet with other snacks and treats such as cooked chicken or ham.

Dry dog food is sometimes criticised for being high in grain and so if you are concerned about this you can opt for a grain free Kibble such as Lily’s Kitchen. however, many vets argue that a small amount of grain in your dogs diet is a good thing, so don’t worry too much. We feel that the key thing is not to ONLY give your dog kibble, but to supplement with other treats such as the cooked chicken, or even cut up bits of cooked sausage. This works very well for Jack Russell Tarining!

Wet Food and Mixer

Canned dog food is surely a tasty option – most Jack Russells really love it! All my other Jack Russells (Patch, Suzy and Milo) were on wet (canned) dog food and a mixer. My favourite canned dog foods for them are Butchers and Bounce – nutritious and excellent value. Other popular options include Lily’s Kitchen and Forthglade dog food.

Using mixer biscuits can add variety to their wet food meal – it adds starch to their diet and aids digestion. We have been very happy with Winalot shapes and Pedigree chum mixer, but also have found good quality mixers in Supermarkets own brand such as Asda.

Natural Cooked Diet

A natural cooked diet can be nutritious and tasty for your dog! There are many options that are healthy if you are cooking for your dog including:

Meat – Beef, Turkey, Pork, Chicken, Lamb
Fish – Shrimp (fully cooked with shell removed), Tuna,
Vegetables – Carrots, Green beans, Spinach, Peas Celery, Cucumbers, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Corn.
Other – Rice and Eggs (in moderation)

There are some foods that you should certainly avoid for your dog. Never give your dog cooked meat on the bone as it can splinter and get stuck in their throat – this can be extremely dangerous and may result in life saving surgery. For the same reason, never give your dog chicken bones. If you choose to feed your dog pork, make sure that it is fully cooked to avoid lungworm and keep on top of your dogs worming regime (recommended every 3-6 months but check with your vet).

Butternut Box

If you don’t have much time to shop, prepare and cook but you want your dog to eat health gently cooked food then there are many options on subscription. An excellent choice for ordering online is the Butternut Box which is healthy gently cooked food for your dog delivered directly to your front door. You can prepare these in the microwave!

Raw Feeding

Many people are turning to a raw diet for their dogs, However, although dogs would have eaten a lot of raw food in the wild, it is not so ideal for your domesticated pet dog. It’s not ideal to feed your Jack Russell raw meat. By cooking their food for them you eliminate bacteria and worms. They also love the tasty smell of cooked food!

Many people believe that a raw diet can eliminate skin conditions, lead to a shiny coat and improve overall dog health. If you do choose raw then some options will be healthier and more easily digested than others. Raw eggs, brocolli and liver or kidney are excellent options for raw feeding your dog. They can also crunch on raw carrots as a snack.

How much should I feed my Jack Russell? You can use this Raw dog food calculator to work it out.

Overall, we believe in varying your dogs diet for their overall health and well being. So for example, you may choose to feed kibble or wet dog food (with mixer) but then supplement with cooked chicken and raw carrot as snacks and treats.

What do you choose to feed your Jack Russell?

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

Types of Jack Russell

May 13, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

You probably all know about the Jack Russell, but were you aware that there are different types of Jack Russell? Well, it’s true! Some of the different Jack Russells include rough coated Jack Russells, Parsons Russells, miniature Jack Russells and also the Spanish Jack Russell!

Different Types of Jack Russell

Classic Jack Russell Terrier

The classic Jack Russell terrier is usually smooth haired and tri-coloured – white with black and brown spots on his body and head. The classic Jack Russell is usually short haired, making grooming easy. However, they are a bundle of fun and need a great deal of exercise! Jack Russells shouldn’t have their tails docked unless they are working dogs and it is recommended by a vet and performed before 5 days old (according to English law).

Rough Coated Jack Russell

The rough coated jack Russell looks very much like the classic smooth haired Jack Russell, but with rough fur. This makes them look a little ‘shaggier’ and the fur on their face quite often makes them look like they have a moustache!

Parsons Russell

The ‘Parsons Jack Russell’ is the kennel club registered jack Russell terrier. These are the purebreeds and the Jack Russells that you will typically see on Crufts! It was developed from the original fox terrier in the 18th Century.

Miniature Jack Russell

The miniature Jack Russell or mini-JRT is a popular smaller version of the classic Jack Russell and a popular family pet in the UK and the USA. They have a slightly smaller body and shorter legs than the classic Jack Russell. They are sometimes called a ‘Jack Russell shorty!’

Spanish Jack Russell

The Spanish Jack Russells official name is the ‘Ratonero Bodeguero‘. The look of the Spanish Jack Russell is very similar to the British Jack Russell with similar markings, but longer legs. They are recognisable by the ‘mask’ type face that stands out from their predominantly white body. They are bred for ratting and catching mice in the wine cellars of Andalusia in the South of Spain.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Having a Jack Russell as a Pet

Why do dogs tails wag?

May 10, 2021July 1, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Many people believe that dogs only wag their tails because they are happy. A dogs tail wag could mean something entirely different. Read on to find out all about those waggy tails. So, why do dogs tails wag?

Why do Dogs Tails Wag?

Dog’s use their tails as a method of communication; tail wags are part of the dance that is body language. It’s important to view the wagging tail in context with the rest of the dog. Regardless of the shape or size of the dog’s tail, it is an effective communication tool as long as everyone else knows the signs!

Although it’s an instinctive behaviour, dogs are not born with a waggy tail. Using the tail to communicate develops at around three to four weeks of age, depending on the breed of dog.

Dog’s use their tail to communicate with other dogs, other species and with humans.

The shape, size and way the tail moves is something that varies from breed to breed and in how individuals use the tail to communicate. Whether it’s long, short, straight, curly, carried with a curve or cropped, a dogs tail is used as an indicator of how they feel. Changes to their tail and how they wag it can especially show how they feel about a particular situation.

Despite different breeds having different natural tail carriage characteristics, dogs of different breeds understand the signals from other dogs. Huskies and Pomeranian’s are examples of breeds that carry their tales high and curved of the body. Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs have large bushy tails that mainly follow on behind and are easy to spot when they do something different with their large tails. Whippets carry their tails low, in a tucked in style. Terrier’s (such as Jack Russells) tails vary, as many terriers have cropped tails as those who have longer tails, but they can still use it to express how they feel.

To work out what a particular wag style means, you need to assess the position of the dog’s tail, the speed of the wag and what else the dog is doing.

Types of Tail Movement:

Relaxed

A relaxed-looking tail means the dog is currently relaxed. As mentioned above, the position depends on the breed of dog.

Gentle Sway

Gentle wagging with the tail slightly dropped is common when dogs are unsure of a situation.

Fast High Wag

A fast wagging, fast tail held high when it’s not the normal position usually indicates excitement. Watching the rest of their body is crucial to work out their meaning and intentions as it can be a sign of aggression and dominance. A high, wagging tail with the hackles raised or any indication that the dog looks bigger is likely to be an unfriendly gesture. It can quickly change to a high rigid tail expression.

High Rigid Tail

A tail that is held high and rigid is almost always a sign of aggression, and you should never approach a strange dog that is using that tail expression.

Big Carefree Wags

Big carefree wags and a relaxed-looking body and facial expression indicate a happy dog. Sometimes, in some breeds, the whole dog seems to wag with exuberance.

Right Wag

When a dog’s tail wags slightly to the right, it’s a friendly gesture.

Left Wag

When a dog’s tail wags slightly to the left, it’s a signal that the dog is not yet sure of the circumstances or how they will react.

The Makes you Dizzy Wag

A dog moving their tail in big, extravagant circular movements signifies excitement; it’s often surprisingly fast. It’s usually how your dog greets people and dogs they are really delighted to see.

Low Slight Wag

When the dog slightly wags its tail low, it’s a sign that they are slightly worried or showing subjugation to the other dog or to the person.

The Clamp

When a dog clamps its tail down tight between their legs, they are apprehensive about the situation.

Side to Side

Some but not all dogs will move their tails from side to side quickly when focused on a scent or when tracking. It’s thought to be a sign of concentration.

Watch the Whole Dog

Remember, dogs use their whole body to express and communicate their feelings. Low Slight Wag can often be accompanied with lowering their stance to show they are unthreatening. The clamp can sometimes be accompanied by eye rolls, bulge or looking away; this dog is really worried and fears an attack. The left wag could very quickly change to rigid tail or fast high wag if the dog feels threatened.

Being aware of dogs body language, including the tail, can help you understand your dog and keep them safe and happy.

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

Parsons Jack Russell

May 7, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

The Parsons Jack Russell is a small, white terrier that is native to England. The breed was established in 1908 by Dr. James A. Parsons as the result of crossing a variety of other breeds including the Fox Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier and Lakeland Terrier. The Parsons Jack Russell, also known as the Jack Russell Terrier is a highly intelligent breed that makes an excellent family pet.

The Parsons Jack Russell is one of four different breeds of Jack Russell terriers in existence today including the Fox Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The breed was created by Dr. James A. Parsons who crossed a variety of other Terriers in an attempt to create a dog that had all the qualities he liked in his Parson’s Ratcatcher which was an earlier version of what was to become the Parsons Jack Russell.

Parson’s Ratcatcher was a dog that was used to catch rodent pests in the area surrounding the Parsonage. The dog had come from local working stock and had much to offer. Despite this, Dr. Parsons felt that there were certain characteristics that would be valuable in the development of his new breed which he outlined in an official breed standard.

He felt that the dogs should have short legs and a small frame in comparison to their height at withers; they should also have broad heads and noses with large teeth, small pointed ears and dark eyes. They were also to have a long bushy tail which should be carried level with the back. Despite these requirements, the dogs were not to be heavily coated. They were to be muscular and well balanced with strong hindquarters.

The stud that Parson used in his breeding program was born in 1899 and came from working stock in Lancashire. He was a very large dog standing at 16 hands high and weighing around 70 pounds. He had come with his owner when he moved into the area where Dr Parsons practiced medicine. The owner of the dog told Parsons of his dogs keen sense of smell as well as the size of his teeth which made him feel that he would make an excellent hunter if only he could be tamed and controlled properly.

Dr. Parsons was an avid dog breeder so he agreed to work with the dog and try to develop him into a useful hunting companion. He spent many hours working with the animal and used his knowledge of other Terriers that he knew of at the time which gave him a good basis for comparison. The breeding program bore fruit in 1908 when Parsons first registered his new breed with the Kennel Club as Jack Russell Terrier.

The Jack Russell Terrier was developed further by Dr. John J A Graham who took out a second standard for what was then known as the Parson’s Jack Russell Terrier in 1910. He continued with Dr. Parsons’s work and worked with more local working stock to produce the characteristics that were required for the breed. The Jack Russell Terrier was finally recognized by the Kennel Club in 2016 as a separate breed, often referred to as just Jack Russell Terrier. There has been much debate about whether or not the Jack Russell Terrier should be a showdog.

You might also like to read about miniature Jack Russells.

Jack Russell Weight

May 6, 2021June 4, 2021Amy Trumpeter

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small but powerful dog. The breed is known for hunting and chasing small prey – often to the point of exhaustion. But what is the typical Jack Russell Weight? Full grown, this breed typically weighs between 14-16 lbs.

What’s the weight of a Jack Russell Terrier?

According to the breed standard of the Jack Russell Terrier, males should be between 14-16 lbs when they’re full grown. The same standard states that females should be between 14-15 lbs. If you’re planning on welcoming a JR into your family, you’ll want to know what their adult weight will be – especially if you have small children or other pets in your home!

How much does a healthy Jack Russell Terrier weigh?

Because the JR makes for such an energetic dog, it’s important that he gets good nutrition and plenty of exercise. You can expect your dog to reach his or her adult weight relatively quickly – usually within the span of several months.

It’s not uncommon for well-fed and exercised Jack Russells to reach their full adult weight of 14-16 lbs in as little as six months! If you plan on bringing a puppy into your home, be sure that he gets regular exercise – this will help to keep him from gaining too much weight. As with all small dogs, check periodically for signs of illness (and take them immediately to the vet if you notice any symptoms). This is particularly important during the first year of life – though normally healthy dogs are not prone to developing life-threatening diseases until they’re about two years old.

Avoid an Over-Weight Jack Russell

Over feeding your Jack Russell can result in an over-weight dog. This can have negative consequences on your Jack Russell’s health. For example, it can put pressure on their joints and back. Remember to have regular vet check ups on an annual basis where your dogs health and weight will be monitored by a medical professional.

You might also like to read about the Parsons Jack Russell.

Miniature Jack Russells

May 5, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

This blog post explores the life of Miniature Jack Russells. From their origins and history to what their personality is like, this article will be your best guide on owning and caring for one!

Is it just me or do these dogs look really cute? I want one! One question I had was if it is possible for me to adopt one. Read on to find out more about how you can adopt a Miniature Jack Russell. This cute little pup might just be the perfect addition for your family.

Miniature Jack Russells

Miniature Jack Russells are dogs that are the same breed as their bigger counterparts. The only difference is that they are smaller in size. They were bred from the original breed. People have to be careful when selecting a hybrid amongst these dogs as they appeared with the emergence of other cross breeds. This caused confusion to the owners and there was a problem when it came to determining whether the dog was pure bred or not. To solve this problem, they are now split in to two categories – purebred and hybrid.

Miniature Jack Russells – Young or Old?

While there are differences between the two types of Miniature Jack Russel, the adult can weigh up to 15 kilograms while its young counterpart can weigh up to 3 kilograms. You will also notice that the adult has a flat face with pointed ears whereas its young counterpart has an angled head and round ears. This was done to make sure that the young Miniature Jack Russell had the proper physical structure to grow to a bigger size.

Miniature Jack Russells – Height & Weight

The adult will have a height of around 13 inches, which is perfect for small breed dogs. This is also the ideal weight for this breed. As stated earlier, it can weigh up to 15 kilograms! The Standard size can be a little heavier as this is what they are usually used for. They can weigh up to 25 kilograms!

Miniature Jack Russell – Temperament

When it comes to temperament, Miniature Jack Russells are friendly dogs that loves to bark. This is a normal behavior as most small dogs do. However, there are multiple factors that determine if your dog will bark or not. These factors include age and training. The younger the dog is, the more it will bark due to its playful nature and lack of training. When it has been properly trained and socialized, it will not bark at anything.

Miniature Jack Russells – Personality

The Miniature Jack Russell is a clever dog that loves attention. They are most of the time playful and quick learners. They are do not like to play in small spaces and they tend to be more active indoors. If left alone for long periods of time, they can get bored easily resulting to destructive behaviors. However, this is something that can be solved with an early habit of socialization and training. They do not bark at nothing but they do tend to bark at unfamiliar things while in the presence of their owners. They are also good watchdogs as they tend to bark to alert their owners when there’s any unusual activity or movements in the surroundings.

You might also like to read about the Parsons Jack Russell.

Help! I have a Hyper Jack Russell!

May 4, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

The purpose of this post is to introduce you all to the world of Jack Russell terriers, and specifically one particular breed which takes things a little further. Yes, you guessed it – I’m talking about the Hyper Jack Russell!

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Introducing the Jack Russell Terrier

Everything about these dogs is special. From their build, to their character, to their incredible ‘hyperness’ that explodes on the dog when it feels it’s going to get its way, and most importantly it’s boundless energy! Even though it’s not a recognised breed (or should I say ‘breed’ as there is debate about whether this is actually a recognised dog, though in my opinion they are) there are many people who have fallen in love with them and genuinely believe they make great pets.

Firstly, let’s start with their appearance. These dogs are quite a small breed, and although this is mainly because of their muscular build, it’s important to note that although these dogs are not big dogs in size, they’re very strong and energetic. Rather than being clumsy and heavy they’re energetic and agile, making them very suited for all sports!

They have a strong build for both protection and hunting, meaning that they can be used to catch the biggest of animals. They have “mixed” genes which give them a lot of the characteristics of both breeds. Their light weight allows them to work at high speeds but still be able to carry and fight large threats if required.

Most importantly, they have the intelligence and skills required to follow orders, meaning that they’re very easy to train. Anyone who wants a dog for a guard or hunting role should consider them!

How can I calm my Hyper Jack Russell?

There are lots of things that you can do to help your Jack Russell to spend his energy. Here are some top tips for dealing with a hyper Jack Russell:

Plenty of Exercise

Your Jack Russell will need at least two thirty minute walks a day and will enjoy extended walks (1 hour plus!) on weekends. If you don’t exercise your JRT sufficiently, then that energy may be diverted to destruction or aggression! Read this article about Jack Russell exercise as a guide.

If your Jack Russell can’t go off lead consider getting a long rope lead so that he can run without you worrying about losing control of him. We use a strong climbing rope with Blake, which attaches to his harness with a Carabiner.

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Play fun Games

It’s fun to play games with your Jack Russell terrier. This will help him to spend his energy and strengthen your bond with your dog. Many Jack Russells enjoy playing fetch. They will also enjoy scent games and interactive dog toys such as the Nina Ottosson dog tornado. These kind of toys allow your dog to use his paws, mouth and brain!

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You might like to read this article about Jack Russell Games.

Training and Obedience

As Jack Russells are very intelligent dogs, it is important to exercise them mentally as well as physically. Make sure that you do basic obedience training with your dog including sit, down, stand and come. Once you have mastered the basics and developed a strong bond with your dog, you can then move on to tricks such as spin round and roll over. Jack Russells that are food motivated and willing to please will learn very quickly and enjoy doing their tricks and training. You can read more about training a Jack Russell here.

Why do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo?

April 30, 2021May 21, 2021Amy Trumpeter

As distusting as it is, the question still has to be asked: Why do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo? Well first, let me tell you a story…

My last Jack Russell Milo had a lovely white coat – he’s not long been to the groomers and still had a fresh scent of strawberry dog shampoo in his coat. We were out for a walk in the countryside and he managed to get a bit of off-lead time (which was rare as he was easily distracted by other dogs). I saw him quite a few metres ahead of me launching down into the grass repeatedly. I ran over to see what was going on, by which time it was too late – he was already on his back wiggling from side to side all over….FOX POO! And guess what? It stunk! But, it’s actually not an uncommon thing for dogs to do…

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£9.37

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£69.99

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Why do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo?

Well in the wild, dogs would roll in fox poo because it is so strong smelling and it helps to mask their scent, resulting in them having a more successful hunt. their prey would not be able to sense them coming – disguised by the fox poo scent. Of course, domesticated dogs don’t need to do this as they are fed by their owners, but it is a very natural inbuilt behaviour that is difficult to stop.

Another theory is not that they want to pick up the fox poo scent, but that they want to leave their own scent behind. This could be for many reasons, looking for a mate being one of them. Yet even when they are neutered, dogs still seem to want to do this because it is such a strong instinct!

In fact, many dogs, especially Jack Russells love rolling in fox poo and are almost unstoppable!

What can I do if my Dog Rolls in Fox Poo?

If your dog rolls in fox poo, he will almost certainly need a bath! The scent can linger and last for ages, and it really is disgusting.

The great news is that you can buy the amazing FOX POO SHAMPOO especially formulated for poo-loving dogs by Animology! This unique dog shampoo removes the ‘fox poo scent’ and leaves your dog smelling clean and refreshed after his antics!

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Great smell

If your dog stinks too much to even bring into the house, you can consider getting a Mud Daddy. It’s an outdoor dog washing facility that can fit easily in the boot of your car. Use it for washing your dog off before he gets in the car, or even in the garden before he goes into your house.

✔ MUD REMOVER: Perfect solution for removing fresh mud or dirt from surfaces; pressure washer suitable for cleaning paws, hooves, boots, bikes, wellies, tyres and more
✔ MULTI PURPOSE: Wash dogs paws before they get in the car; scrub football boots when the children come back from the field; clean bicycle tyres before wheeling into the house; whatever the mud you wish to remove Mud Daddy is the only tool you need
✔ ECO - FRIENDLY: Uses 90% less water than a hose pipe; uses 80% less water than a jet wash, environmentally friendly option

What about your pooch? Has he ever embellished himself with fox poo on a sunny afternoon?!?!

You might also like to read why do Jack Russells growl?

Why do Jack Russells Growl?

April 29, 2021June 4, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Jack Russells are energetic and excitable dogs. They can be rather vocal and sometimes growl. It’s important to understand this behaviour and realise whether it is an aggressive growl or a play growl. So, why do Jack Russells growl?

Why do Jack Russells Growl?

Here are the main reasons:

Fear – they demonstrate that they are scared by growling.
Guarding behaviour – guarding food or toys.
Play – They often growl when playing with other dogs and also when playing with humans for example playing Tug-o-war.
Pain – Sometimes the growl because they are injured and they are telling you that they don’t want to be touched while in pain.

Growling through Fear

Most growling that is going to turn into aggression is a growl through fear. Remember, this is the most important type of growl to recognise as this growl is a precursor to a bite. A Jack Russell may growl if something happens that he or she is not comfortable with or scared of. It could happen if the dog is being stroken by someone he or she does not know or is scared of. It sounds like an aggressive growl and is often accompanied by barring of teeth, Stay away from a dog growling like this – he is saying that he wants space and you need to give him that.

Never discipline or tell off a dog for growling. That is because aggression works its way up the scale. If you teach a dog that growling is wrong, that dog is more likely to snap or bite without warning which is more dangerous.

Guarding Behaviour

Jack Russells may demonstrate growling behaviour when resource guarding. This could be to guard his food or toys.

Guarding Food

It is generally a good idea to stay away from a dog that is eating – they want their space. But you can teach them that you going near their bowl is not a threat by adding something even tastier to the bowl rather than taking it away. You should soon be able to take the dogs bowl away because they are expecting it to get topped up with tastier treats!

Guarding Toys and other Resources

Some Jack Russells growl because they are guarding their toys. If it’s a playful growl saying ‘play with me!’ then that’s ok. But a ‘stay away’ aggressive kind of growl can develop into aggression and so it’s good to limit this. You can teach your dog to share stuff by playing the ‘trade’ game. If he gives his toy up he can get something else good such as another toy or a treat!

Guarding the ‘Owner’ or a Person

Some Jack Russells develop guarding behaviour around a person. If their owner becomes the ‘resource’ that they are guarding then this can become dangerous, because it can result in anyone going near to their owner getting attacked. Improve this kind of behaviour using positive reinforcement techniques or clicker training. Every time someone sits or touches their ‘person’ then reward them with treats when they allow it. Someone else approaching should be seen as a positive thing not a threat.

Growling to Play

Jack Russells are very playful dogs. They usually love rough-play including wrestling and tug-o-war. Quite often a playful ‘growl’ means ‘come on then!’ and ‘I’m ready to play!’ You can often tell this kind of growl because it is a softer growl than an aggressive growl and it is usually accompanied by teasing or bringing a toy! This kind of growl is completely acceptable. Just remember to control it if their play becomes a little too rough!

If you are interested, I also wrote a blog on Jack Russell games that will keep your pooch exercised and allow him (or her) to use his brain.

Growling due to Pain

Some Jack Russell terriers (especially elderly ones) growl as a warning of pain. If you have a dog that always enjoys fuss and affection and all of a sudden will not seem to let you stroke him, then this could be the reason. If you suspect that your Jack Russell is in pain, or if your JRT starts growling unexpectedly, then you should visit the vet as soon as possible and get medical advice.

So how growly is your Jack Russell? How do you know if he is being playful or aggressive? I’d love to hear your feedback – please comment below!

You might also like to read why do dogs roll in fox poo? and Why do Jack Russells shake?