Jack Russell Terriers Archives - Page 5 of 6

Are Jack Russells Aggressive?

April 27, 2021May 18, 2021Amy Trumpeter

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Are Jack Russells aggressive? Are they a good pet for a small family?

The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for those who live in apartments or houses without large yards. They are active and intelligent indoors but may need to get out once or twice daily to satisfy their energy levels. The breed is usually friendly with other pets and people. However, they do need early training, supervision and firmness to teach them appropriate behaviour.

Are Jack Russells Aggressive?

As a general rule, well trained Jack Russells are not aggressive and in the right active household they can make a wonderful family pet. However, what is important to remember is that any dog may become aggressive if they have not had the training, socialisation and exercise that they need. Jack Russells are an intelligent and energetic breed and if they are not adequately socialised and exercised, they can divert their frustration into aggressive behaviour.

Some Jack Russells can be aggressive or at least a little snappy and so it is important not to leave them around young children unsupervised. This goes for any breed of dog.

Are Jack Russells with other Dogs?

Jack Russells are not aggressive, but they can be stubborn and will often nip at other dogs. They may also try to chase another dog who plays too roughly. This breed is used all over the world for tracking down escaped or lost dogs and for other jobs that require a lot of energy, such as search and rescue.

Are Jack Russells friendly with People?

Usually Jack Russells are very friendly and loyal towards their owners. However, some Jack Russells can be overly protective of their owners which can lead to aggression towards anyone that comes close. It is important to nip this in the bud quickly if this kind of behaviour is displayed. You can train this out of them with positive reinforcement techniques (clicker and treat) when anyone comes near the person that they are protective over.

Do Jack Russells Bark a Lot?

Jack Russell Terriers do tend to bark, but not as a warning or for attention. Most people found this breed to be noisy and noisy. With most dogs in the United States and United Kingdom, there are many complaint of barking, especially in the cities. This breed tends to bark at noises that they consider dangerous or that they don’t understand. They are just trying to defend their territory or home territory from possible danger. You may also like to read this article about Jack Russell barking.

Is a Jack Russell right for me?

Jack Russell terriers tend to be independent and have a strong desire to please their owners, so these happy little dogs need a lot of work. They usually make great obedience pets if given enough exercise. If you don’t exercise him enough you might end up with a hyper Jack Russell! If you are looking for a dog that is:

Active and Energetic
Good with children, other dogs, and socializing with strangers
Intelligent and trainable
Will keep you on your toes
Has some fun antics that make them unique to own
Is very loyal to family

Dogs are social creatures who want attention from their owners and the interaction of other pets and people in the house as much as possible. As with all pets, take your Jack Russell or any other dog out for walks and walks with you where it can meet new people and pets. Take your “new” pet to local grooming shops where it will meet other pets and see how well it does with new experiences.

Jack Russell Barking

April 23, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Jack Russell barking is common, but excessive and inappropriate barking from your dog can be a problem. In today’s blog we will have a look at the reasons why Jack Russells bark and how to stop it.

Main Reasons for Jack Russell Barking

There are many reasons why Jack Russells bark and there is usually a cause of stress or there is some kind of trigger. This could be due to guarding behaviour, being left alone or being reactive towards another dog.

Guarding Behaviour

As far as small breeds go, Jack Russells are probably amongst the best guard dogs you can get. Expect to hear barking every time someone walks past your house or knocks on your door. They will go CRAZY when the postman arrives! This is their job – as Jack Russells are very territorial. They are basically protecting you and alerting you to the fact that someone else is there. I remember when I got burgled, I asked the police man about CCTV or home security and he answered ‘Just get a dog, love!’ And so we did!

This kind of jack Russell barking is OK, as long as you are prepared for it and their behaviour doesn’t become aggressive towards visitors. Your dog can guard the house but he or she needs to learnt that when you invite visitors into your home they have to accept that. It may not be ideal however, if you have a job that involves working from home and has a lot of meetings.

Barks of Excitement

Sometimes a Jack Russell will get so excited that he physically cannot control himself! Ours barks incessantly when you show signs of getting ready for walkies! He just cannot wait! But it can give you a bit of a headache, so we recommend calming rituals before walks.

Scared of Strangers

Many Jack Russells bark at people that they walk past in the street, and this kind of barking is usually out of fear. This is often heightened by the tension caused by a lead, and so you might find that you end up with a ‘leash reactive dog’. That’s because their usual natural tactics to deal with fear (fight or flight) are not accessible when they are on a lead and so they resort to more aggressive barking.

When we rescued our Jack Russell Cross, Blake from the RSPCA, he was extremely loud, barking at every single person that went past. It took the enjoyment out of walking him, until we managed to limit it with positive reinforcement techniques.

Although it’s their attempt to protect themselves and you, it is important to stop this kind of behaviour. Otherwise your walkies are going to be stressful for both you and your dog. It may be worse when you rescue, especially if the rescue dog has been mistreated and is scared of strangers because he or she doesn’t trust them. In this case, you can use some of the positive reinforcement techniques outlined below.

Dog Reactivity

Jack Russells are generally very ‘barky’ or reactive dogs. If they haven’t been socialised as pups, they may display aggression (particularly leash aggression) towards other dogs. This can make walks stressful especially when you witness a ‘slanging match’ between your dog and any other dog that passes on the opposite side of the street!

It’s a good idea to establish weather this is a bark out of aggression (an ‘I wanna kill you!’ bark) or a bark out of frustration (I want to sniff you ass but I can’t!) because a leashed dog cannot easily greet another dog in the street, which is a natural thing to do. You can test your dog with other ‘good dogs’ in a controlled environment such as with a trainer or a with dogs muzzled.

You will need to utilise a combination of socialisation and training techniques to resolve this. Sometime, it is hard to completely stop the barking at other dogs, but you will be able to limit it.

Other Hazards – Bikes, Skateboards and Scooters

Jack Russells can also be particularly reactive towards people on moving objects such as bikes, scooters and skateboards. Pay attention around these hazards and if you know that your dog is particularly reactive to these, keep him on a short leash and walk in the opposite direction if you can.

Being Left alone

Jack Russells don’t fare very well being left alone for lengthy amounts of time. One of my friends who was a teacher had a gorgeous female Jack Russell. But they lived in an apartment and the dog barked constantly while she was at work. The neighbours complained and in the end the council got involved. Unfortunately she had to give her up.

It is not ideal to leave your Jack Russell for longer than around 3 hours. If you work long days and are not able to come to visit your dog at lunch time, then a Jack Russell Terrier may not be the ideal dog for you. Limit the time that your Jack Russell is left alone and ensure that there are puzzles and things to do to distract and entertain your dog while you are out.

How to Stop your Jack Russell Barking

Avoid Shock Collars

We are not fans of shock collars because they are uncomfortable (at best) and painful (at worst) for dogs. Experts tell us that shock collars that are used as a punishment for too much barking don’t actually correct the barking behaviour. All they do is instill fear in the dog and can actually make the barking even worse. They are cruel and ineffective and so we don’t suggest that you use one.

Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques such as Clicker Training

Positive reinforcement techniques are the most effective methods that you can use with your dog. As Jack Russells tend to be very food motivated, these methods work well with them. The treat or reward needs to be released within seconds of seeing the barking stimulus. For example:

See a scooter = meat falls from sky!
See another dog = chicken falls from sky!

You can also combine this with clicker training. This is when you use a clicker and reward the dog within 5 seconds of the click. The dog learns very quickly that click = treat. Learn this in the house first with plenty of practice and after a few days he or she will know exactly what the click means. You can then click when you see the barking stimulus and instead of barking incessantly, your dog should look at you for the treat rather than going mental at what went past!

Calming Rituals

For the Jack Russells that bark continuously when they are about to go out for walkies, you need to calm them before the walk starts. Stand patiently without looking at the dog. Don’t do anything or go anywhere until the barking stops. Only when the barking stops should you start to leave the house. If barking starts again pause again and wait. The dog will quite quickly learn that the crazy barking means that the walk DOES NOT begin!

You can use such calming rituals for other excitement barking. For example, if barking starts when they are ready to get out of the car, wait for the barking to stop before opening the door. They quickly pick up what makes the walkies start faster!

Socialisation

Doggy socialisation can be great for getting dogs used to other dogs and this can help with dog reactivity on leash.

It is best to start socialising your dog as a puppy with other puppies in a puppy class. Do this as soon as your pup has had his injections and is allowed to mix with other dogs and walk outside. If your dog was not socialised as a pup, or if you have rescued/adopted a dog as an adult it will be more of a challenge to socialise your dog, but it is still possible. Of course, some dogs just HATE other dogs and socialising is a massive challenge for those dogs.

When you are socialising your new dog as an adult, it needs to be in a controlled environment. Do this with a dog trainer present and in a secure area. If you know other friendly dogs you can ask their owners if they can meet. Often it’s a good idea to walk together on the leads first of all. Let them get a few smells but keep the walk going to keep it interesting. This also makes sure that the dogs are not only focused on each other.

When dogs first go off lead together you can try them muzzled if you like the first few times. When the dogs are not displaying aggression the muzzles can be removed. Baskerville muzzles are the best and safest kind. This is because they allow your dog to pant, eat and drink whilst wearing them.

Puzzles and Distractions for Leaving your Dog Alone

When you do leave your dog alone, you can minimise his or her stress by leaving plenty of things for him or her to do. This will focus his energy on the puzzles and finding the treats rather than the stress of you not being in the house. It should therefore limit destructive behaviour and barking. You can make your own dg puzzles such as hiding treats in shoe boxes.

We love Nina Ottosson dog puzzles. You can hide chicken or treats in them and your dog will need to use his paws and mouth to get them out. The ‘Dog Tornado’ is our favourite. Use healthy dog treats or even cooked chicken to hide in the compartments.

We also love leaving our Jack Russells with KONGs. Kong dog toys are very durable and you can stuff them with things like dog peanut butter and dog pate. Your dog will need to lick the middle to get the tasty goodness out. A stuffed KONG will generally keep your dog occupied for around 20 minutes at least.

Of course always make sure that your dog is OK being left alone with these toys – monitor him or her with them in your presence first. We know one dog who actually ate his way through a lickimat when left alone with it. The bits got stuck in his intestines and he had to have surgery to remove them! A good way to keep an eye on your dog while you are out is to put a dog camera on him. Then you can monitor his behaviour and see that he is not doing anything dangerous.

What has helped your Jack Russell?

If you combine these above methods, you should see at least an improvement in your dogs barking. Although it’s not easy to completely stop a Jack Russell barking, limiting it to the odd bark rather than constant barking is a good step.

You can read more about Jack Russell Training here.

What has worked for you and your dog? I’d love to hear from you – please feel free to comment on our blog below.

Rough Coated Jack Russell

April 22, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Did you know that the rough coated Jack Russell is a dog breed which can be traced back to 1800s England? They were originally bred as low-maintenance hunting dogs. Nowadays they are usually kept as pets and are very popular due to their pleasant personality and loyal nature.

Introducing the Rough Coated Jack Russell

What makes them special, why do they have the name ‘rough coated’ and what other things make them different from other dogs? Well they look like this:

Well the rough coated Jack Russell isn’t long haired but more wirey with the look of a border terrier in his fur. They will be recognisable by the classic Jack Russell markings – usually white with black and brown spots on the body and face. The rough coated Jack Russells usually have a bit of a moustache.

This is in contrast to the common smooth haired Jack Russell who looks more like this:

do Jack Russells shed — Short haired Jack Russell

The main difference between caring for a smooth or short haired Jack Russell and a Rough Coated is that the rough coated need more grooming. You can read more about Jack Russell Grooming here.

Rough Coated Jack Russell – Diet

Rough coated jack russells are known for having a sensitive stomach. As a result, they need to be fed small portions of dry dog food, and only once or twice a day. They do not like having wet food in their diet but mixing it in with dog biscuits or mixer will help them with digesting it. They like having treats or pieces of pork such as bacon but this can be harmful in large quantities as it is very salty and is likely to give them an upset stomach.

The dog will also want to be treated to some fresh water every day, and they don’t mind being bathed either! But those weekly or even daily visits to the groomer is something you cannot skip out on. The coat needs to be kept short and clean, and a bad doggy odor is not tolerated.

Favourite activities of the Rough Coated Jack Russell

These dogs love having a good game of fetch. They will also want to follow you around the yard or even in your house. This is why they are known to be loyal dogs who will never leave your side. They have been known to make great companions for children on camping trips, and you can take them with you anywhere! This is something that makes them very different from other breeds.

On the other hand, they are not very fond of being left alone for too long. They will need to be taken out regularly so that they can keep active and play. They would also like to have some space where they can run around. Because of their frequent barking at strangers, they would not want to stay outside for any longer than it is necessary.

If you enjoyed this blog you might also like to read about miniature Jack Russells.

How long do Jack Russells live?

April 21, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Jack Russells are generally healthy and sturdy dogs and you will get a good lifespan out of a terrier. In fact, a terrier will live longer than larger breeds such as Alsatians and Great Danes. So exactly how long do Jack Russells live?

How long do Jack Russells live?

It is said that the average lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier is 10-12 years. However, they are considered to be one of the healthier dog breeds so it’s possible that they could live longer than this. It really depends on how well you take care of them and their genealogy. Some dog breeds are expected to live longer than others because they are healthier and less prone to health problems.

My last Jack Russell Terrier Milo lived until the age of 15 when he started to display heart problems. He was a rescue and said to be roughly 5 when I got him so we can’t be sure. But I had him for 10 years.

Does their Lifespan vary according to health and diet?

It’s also true that some dogs live a shorter lifespan than others due to the way they are treated and/or their diet. The same can be said for human beings as well. It also really depends on your dog’s environment and the people they interact with, especially if you have kids. I have seen smaller Jack Russells live longer than larger ones, just because of the extra stress placed on their bodies from carrying around more weight. Regardless, there are numerous factors that can affect an individual’s lifespan aside from genetics such as: nutrition, environment, stress levels, overall health etc.

How old is the Oldest Jack Russell?

I kid you not, I have met Jack Russells in their 20s! I met one once in a Supermarket car park who was sitting on his owners lap at the grand old age of 21! Someone who I went to University with had a Jack Russell called ‘Digger’ and he lived to 22! In fact The oldest dog in Britain was a 25-year-old Jack Russell from Somerset, which died in 2014.

You might also like to read our article about Jack Russell health.

Jack Russell Pregnancy

April 20, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

This article is about Jack Russell Pregnancy. You will read all about the risks, how long is a Jack Russell pregnancy, vet bills for pregnant Jack Russell and birth.

When can a Female Dog get Pregnant?

Jack Russell pregnancy begins when the female dog (called a bitch) enters into heat. At this time her vulva will swell and she will release an egg from her ovaries which can then be fertilized by sperm in the male’s penis during intercourse. This cycle of heat typically lasts between 6-14 days from its first day before returning to normal and beginning again on a new set of days. The majority of females do not produce eggs every time they go into heat so it may take more than one litter to produce puppies if desired.

How many Puppies can a Pregnant Jack Russell Carry?

Depending on the size of your Jack Russell, her heat cycle and how large her uterine environment is will determine how many puppies she can carry. The average Jack Russell pregnancy lasts between 58-60 days and ends with your pups being born.

Caring for your Pregnant Female Jack Russell Terrier

During this time, there is much that a dog owner should be aware of so that they can best care for their pregnant Jack Russell. The most important things to remember while caring for a pregnant Jack Russell are:

1) Take extra special care to avoid accidents! There have been cases of pregnant dogs who were accidentally locked in a bathroom with no one to care for them, or left out in the rain. It’s more important to look after her than ever when she is carrying puppies.

2) Give your dog the best diet you can, not only to help her get through her pregnancy and make sure she drinks water but also to keep her in top condition before she has puppies.

3) Know what type of prenatal vitamins your Jack Russell should be taking and when it is time for her to take them. During pregnancy, a dog’s liver and kidneys expand up to three times their normal size due to increased blood volume. This increases the amount of nutrients that are needed by each individual cell in these organs.

4) Take extra special care to avoid fights with your other pets! When you have a pregnant dog in the home, all of your pets should be kept in separate rooms or placed on leashes when walking during the pregnancy period. Male dogs or a bitch in heat can cause problems if left together without proper supervision.

5) Discuss with the vet what types of medications can be given for each stage of your pet’s pregnancy. It is important that you discuss this with them before the pregnancy occurs. This will allow you to make some advance preparations and ensure that there are no surprises later on in the pregnancy.

6) The last few weeks of a Jack Russell pregnancy are the most crucial. You should prepare for the puppies’ birth by setting up a nursery area in a room that you intend to keep all of your pets in. If your dog is on heat during her pregnancies then this room will also need to be kept quiet and dark at night to assist with sleeping and maintaining milk production.

7) There are some side effects that can happen during pregnancy such as extra hair loss, dandruff, and skin infections. Make sure that you keep up on your grooming schedule for your dog, she might feel unwell and be less likely to play if her coat is not groomed regularly.

8) Keep a close eye out for any signs that the dogs are not feeling well. If she’s always lethargic and can’t keep her head up, you should take her in to see the vet immediately. This is a sign that there could be something wrong.

9) You may want to investigate the costs associated with pregnancy and why you should take care of your pregnant pups yourself. Pet owners should know their puppy’s full health history from before and after conception through to their first year of life so they can make an informed decision on where they will want to go for veterinary care if needed in the future, or even get a second opinion if desired for any reason.

10) Know that every dog is different whether it be in size, breed or diet. The best advice you will be able to get is when you have your pup in the vet’s office and can speak with the vet and other Jack Russell owners who are going through the same thing.

All puppies are very unique and will have different needs throughout their lives depending on weather, temperature, diet and other circumstances. You must always take care of your dog no matter what age she is in since you never know what may happen at any moment.

Problems that may occur during Jack Russell Pregnancy

1) Cauda equina syndrome – The cauda equina syndrome is where a pregnant dog may develop back pain and even paralysis in her hind legs. There are several causes of this including infection, injury, developmental abnormalities or nerve damage. This can be treated by treating your pregnant dog with pain medicine as well as some other treatments often including chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, drugs (often Acepromazine), and surgery (if there is no response to other treatments).

As a precaution you should know what to do in case your dog has a miscarriage. If you notice dilated cervix, any blood in the vagina or stool, or increased pain and fever then you can take your dog to the veterinarian.

2) Failure to thrive (FAT) – If a dog does not gain enough weight during pregnancy, he may be at risk of death; however, this is a very rare occurrence. If your pregnant dog stops gaining weight or sees a drop in her body temperature for more than two days then he should be checked by a vet. The vet will do an ultrasound to check for fetal heartbeat and whether there are any problems. If there are no problems then your pregnant dog should slowly start adding on the right amount of food that he needs throughout his gestation period.

3) Umbilical cord compression – Compression of the pup’s umbilical cord is a rare occurrence and it is typically caused by a knot in the mother’s uterus. This is very painful and can be fatal. If your dog is losing blood then she may need to be taken into surgery or put on anti-coagulant medications until the uterus contracts. The dog’s puppies may also be dead if there is not intervention from surgery or medication.

Always have a Contingency Fund for Vet Bills

Most Jack Russell pregnancies run smoothly – my girl had 4 beautiful pups without the need for any veterinarian intervention. But we did have a vet on hand. If your dog is pregnant it is a good idea to have a contingency budget of at least £3000-£4000 in case of emergencies and in case of urgent surgery such as a cesarian.

Do you really need to Breed?

When our Jack Russell got pregnant it was actually an accident! It was when I was a child, so I was not directly responsible for the dog, but she got pregnant by a neighbours dog just after she was in heat. We managed to find homes for all four puppies, but it would have been ideal to have her spayed to avoid the unwanted pregnancy. I learnt from this experience and that’s why now I always rescue and have my dogs neutered (male and female) to avoid this.

If you are breeding, please consider the reason why you are breeding. Money is not really a reason, as they often cost more in vets bills and food than you make. With the growing number of unwanted pups, please consider whether you can encourage people to rescue Jack Russells rather than buy pups. There are so many unwanted puppies needing homes.

Training a Jack Russell

April 19, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

The Jack Russell Terrier is an intelligent, mischievous, fearless and energetic breed. In order to keep your pup happy and healthy, you need to make sure he or she is getting the proper training. Training a Jack Russell is not as hard as one might think. In fact, if you have the right attitude and make sure to follow some simple tips, your pup will be an obedient and happy dog in no time.

If you don’t train and exercise your dog you could end up with a hyper Jack Russell! We’ve done the research for you so take a look at this article to get started on training your Jack Russell Terrier today!

What to Expect from Puppy Training?

It’s been said that the Jack Russell Terrier is a smart breed and they pick up on behavior very quickly. Even though the puppy training will generally happen over several weeks it can be done in literally a couple of minutes. The first thing to do is to reach out for help from your dog’s breeder and/or prior dog owner. They are both experts in their field and have witnessed previous training sessions. They will have plenty of valuable advice, but you can also ask for directions on what must be done or what not to do.

It’s very important to start out right away with puppy training. If you’ve had a difficult time with a previous dog, your owner may not have taken the time to train him properly. You can help prevent the same thing from happening again by simply putting in some effort at the very beginning. Doing so will give you an overall satisfaction and will save you from having to repeat puppy training in the future.

What Is The First Step In Training?

The first step that must be taken is to teach your pup not to chew on anything he shouldn’t be chewing on. It is essential that all household furniture be covered in order to prevent your Jack Russell Terrier from reaching for it and tearing the fabric, or worse, swallowing something he shouldn’t be ingesting.

Give your pup a male imitator toy to play with. You can either make the toy yourself or purchase one at a store such as Walmart. The toy must resemble an object that will not be easily ingested. This task may take time and patience, but it will be well worth it in the future when he’s chewing on something he’s not supposed to chew on.

How To Stop a Jack Russell Terrier From Digging?

There are many ways in which you can prevent your dog from digging. You can make sure that he has somewhere to play in a small area, but must learn ground rules about his digging behavior. If he does decide to dig, you can lay down some burlap or some other kind of material around the area where you don’t want him to dig and tell him no when he tries to get back up.

You must make sure that your pup knows what is acceptable and what is not acceptable by giving clear signals such as putting your hand out and saying “stop” when you see him getting into something. You must also talk to him in a firm tone of voice when he misbehaves. Sometimes, a loud noise will be enough to stop your dog from digging.

You can also divert the digging behaviour by giving him somewhere he CAN dig such as his own sandpit!

Getting Started with Puppy Training

Some dogs will need more training than others, which is why it’s very important to start at the beginning. Your Jack Russell Terrier can show you whether or not he is going to be obedient by how much effort he is putting into his puppy training. Some dogs are more easily trained than others, so don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than you thought it would for your pup to get the hang of things.

How to Train a Jack Russell Terrier

The following tips should work well for your pup’s training, but if they don’t it’s important that you continue to train him or her. Every time he misbehaves or shows signs of not being ready to be trained you need to repeat the steps and explain why what you are doing is what must be done. Eventually, this will become second nature for your dog and he will respond quickly.

Make sure you are providing plenty of exercise before and after your dog’s training sessions. The Jack Russell Terrier is an active breed by nature so give him plenty of room to run around during his training sessions. Don’t forget to trim your pup’s nails every now and then as well.

Jack Russell Terrier Basic Obedience

It is important to teach your Jack Russell Obedience commands so that you can develop the bond with him and he knows the basics. Once he has mastered these inside you can then practice them outside too.

Lying Down: This is considered a basic command for the Jack Russell Terrier. He will be lying down in a few seconds when he hears the command. How you say the command also plays a big part in how fast your pup responds. Say it in the same tone of voice as you would when you were speaking to another person. You could even use a soft “please” before saying it so it sounds more like an apology than just giving him an order.

Come: This is an easy one, but you must insist on the dog always coming to you when called to do so. This exercise is the closest thing to having a playtime that your dog will be getting when out of his crate from home. Make sure you get him engaged with you and tell him what a good job he did after your play time together.

Do Not Bite: Your Jack Russell Terrier shouldn’t be biting at your fingers unless it’s for play time, which is why it’s important to make sure this command comes quickly. When he does bite, scream “ouch” and pull away from him so that he gets the message not to do it again.

The Down and Stay Exercise: This is another exercise that is very easy for your dog to learn. It’s a great way to get your pup used to being still for a little bit before moving on. The command can be given in different ways depending on what you want the dog to do. If you wanted him to just lie down, you could say “down” and then wait patiently if he doesn’t fall asleep right away. If you wanted him to stay down, you would say “stay” and then move slowly towards the area where he lies down while giving him praise for staying put. Make sure that when your pup does stay down, he doesn’t move in any way. Even if your dog knows what he is supposed to do, you must not reward him until the exercise is perfect. This will ensure that your dog learns what he’s doing.

Why does my Jack Russell Follow me Everywhere?

April 16, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

Jack Russells are extremely loyal and attached to their owners. As a result, a lot of people ask me ‘Why does my Jack Russell follow me everywhere?’ Well, it seems that if this is the situation, you’ve got yourself what is know as a ‘velcro dog!’

Why does my Jack Russell Follow me Everywhere?

Maybe your Jack Russell is a Velcro Dog! But why? And what does that mean?

Jack Russells were bred as hunting dogs originally and as a result of spending a great deal of time with their owners, they developed the trait of being very loyal and attached. They follow you because they want the affection and also the mental stimulation that dogs get from their owners including playing and training. They are a very intelligent breed which means that they do need a lot of attention.

If you have a dog who follows you into every room and wants to sit on your lap as soon as you sit down, then you’ve got yourself a velcro dog! here are the signs….

Follows you into every room (even the bathroom!)
Sits with you or on you as soon as you sit down
Cries if you go into a different room and shut the door
Want to go with you every time you leave the house

My Jack Russell cross is like this, and it’s become even worse during lockdown, because I have not been going out as much and we have not been accepting visitors into the home. This seems to have ‘exacerbated’ the problem!

Why is it a Problem if my Jack Russell Follows me Everywhere?

Well of course, we all love our Jack Russells dearly, and the companionship and affection that you get from them is usually the best part of owning one. But it’s not 100% healthy for your Jack Russell to ALWAYS follow you everywhere. That’s because you want to encourage some independence in the dog and avoid him or her developing separation anxiety.

What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs develops when the lack of interaction from you or lack of being with you causes them severe mental stress. Separation anxiety makes being apart from your dog very difficult, it can be stressful for your dog when you do go to work or on holiday for example. Unfortunately breeds such as Patterdale terriers and Jack Russells are quite prone to it. And so we want to minimise their stress – separation anxiety in dogs is not a good thing. Here are the signs to look for…

Crying when you go in a different room or leave the house
Pacing and persistent barking or howling when left alone in the house
Destructive behaviour when left alone in the house such as weeing and pooing indoors, chewing things up in the house
Constant need to be by your side

To avoid separation anxiety in your Jack Russell, there are thing that you can do to promote independence in your dog and distract your dog during stressful times such as when you are apart.

Limiting Separation Anxiety – How to Promote Independence in your Dog

There are many ways to promote independence in your dog and therefore limit separation anxiety from developing. Here are my top tips:

Don’t allow your dog to be CONSTANTLY by your side, sometimes give him the ‘in your bed’ command. When he goes in his own bed reward him with a chew and leave him there. If he stays and enjoys his chew and leaves you alone, that is a good thing!
Don’t be afraid to sometimes close the door on your dog when you go into another room such as the bathroom or kitchen. If they find this stressful you can give them a licky mat to keep them distracted. This is teaching your dog that being apart is ok.
Leave your dog treats and toys when you go out of the house to distract him from the fact that you are gone. we like the Dog Tornado by Nina Ottosson and KONGS which you can stuff with tasty meat or even dog yoghurt or dog peanut butter!
If your dog displays signs of stress when you leave the house, build up the time slowly. Start with leaving for just 10 minutes to the corner shops, Then you can increase this to half an hour or an hour. Finally when your dog is used to it you should be able to leave him for up to 3 hours on his/her own.
You can add a house rules that means your dog is only allowed to come and cuddle you or jump up on the sofa or bed when he is invited by you. If he is confused by this you may have to have a general ‘no dogs on beds or sofas’ rule, but he can sit by your feet for fuss.

I hope that I have answered your question on ‘Why does my Jack Russell Follow me Everywhere?’ and what you can do to minimise stress for your ‘velcro dog!’ If you have any of these issues or if you find anything else that works, please comment on my blog below. I’d love to hear how you are getting on.

Jack Russell Size

April 15, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

I’ve been hearing a lot in the news about Jack Russell Terriers recently, but I had no idea they were so small. Turns out, they’re actually quite small and can come in sizes anywhere from 11 to 20 pounds! So let’s take a more detailed look at the Jack Russell Size…

What is the Size of a Jack Russell?

In case you were wondering, most of the Jack Russell Terrier breeds are typically around 10-14 inches tall and the typical Jack Russell weight is between 11-20 lbs. But not every Jack Russell is this size. The miniature Jack Russell Terrier is usually between 12-18 inches tall and weigh 15-25 lbs.

Remember that there are Different Types of Jack Russell

What separates the two main sizes (Jack Russell and Miniature Jack Russell) is that the compact Jack Russell Terrier is more of a pet while the miniature Jack Russell Terriers are more of a show dog. You can still enjoy the company of your pet even though he’s quite small.

A Miniature Jack Russell Terrier Pup (the smaller of the two) might be easier to take care of, but the compact Jack Russell Terriers have all the same characteristics that make them great family dogs… they’re smart, lively, playful, loyal and very affectionate with their humans. Just like their larger cousins.

The Origins of the Breed

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that comes from the rural areas of England and Wales and its history can be traced back to the 1800’s. They were originally thought to be terriers but today we know that they are actually more closely related to the foxhound, which was also imported from England. Jack Russell Terriers enjoy being clean dogs, so most of them would rather run around outside than inside your house.

The Jack Russell Terrier dates back as far as 18th century England. This is also when it became associated with fox hunting and fierce fox-hunting dogs were used during this time period.

Do Jack Russells Shed?

April 13, 2021July 23, 2021Amy Trumpeter

‘Does a Jack Russell shed?’ I hear you ask! I’ve always been a Jack Russell parent, and our short-haired boy Milo so badly that in some summer months I was hoovering almost every day! He was the ‘tri-colour’ typical Jack Russell with short white hair with the classic black patch on his side and tri-colour on his face. Just like Milo on ‘The Mask!’ So the answer to the question ‘Do Jack Russells shed?’ is unfortunately a resounding yes!

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ACE2ACE Pet Hair Remover Roller, Reusable Animal Hair Removal Brush for Dogs and Cats, Easy to Clean Fixed Areas Pet Fur from Carpet, Furniture, Rugs, Stairs, bedding and Sofa

Rosewood Soft Protection Slicker Brush for Dogs, Small

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ACE2ACE Pet Hair Remover Roller, Reusable Animal Hair Removal Brush for Dogs and Cats, Easy to Clean Fixed Areas Pet Fur from Carpet, Furniture, Rugs, Stairs, bedding and Sofa

£14.44

Buy on Amazon

Rosewood Soft Protection Slicker Brush for Dogs, Small

£4.19

Buy on Amazon

Elfirly Dog Grooming Scissors Set with Safety Round Tip (2 Pack - Curved Scissors Thinning Shears for Grooming) Pet Grooming Shears with Grooming Comb for Dogs and Cats

Price not available

Buy on Amazon

Do some Jack Russells shed more than others?

The reality is that some Jack Russells shed more than others. For example, my black and tan Jack Russell Suzy and my brown Patterjack (Patterdale Cross) shed much less hair than my classic tri-colour Jack Russell. The main problem with the classic Jack Russell is that with the bulk of their coat being white, it REALLY shows up on everything! I was rarely able to leave the house without feeling like I was wearing half of my dog!!!! You might find that a roller comes in handy in removing dog hair from your clothes and furniture.

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❤️️ 【Perfect Pet Hair Remover Roller】: The pet hair remover roller has a very effective fleece force and made of a semi roller coated with a static charge material. Just a couple of passes, you can collect much more hairs from fixed areas like Carpet, Furniture, Rugs, Stairs, bedding and Sofa. You can use it back and forth but it is better if you use it towards the back.
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A Jack Russell may not be for you!

If you have allergies or want to avoid a shedding breed because you are house proud, then unfortunately a Jack Russell may not be the dog for you. Although they are not really heavy shedders, it is enough to mess up the house and trigger allergic reactions.

Consider a Jack Russell Cross

If you have your heart set on a Jack Russell but can’t deal with the hair, why not consider a Jack Russell cross that is bred with a hypoallergenic breed, such as a Jackapoo – a Jack Russell Poodle cross?

Jack Russell Grooming

The most important thing you can do for your dog is to provide them with plenty of regular grooming. When you are Jack Russell grooming, use a slicker brush on their coat which will break up dead hair and redistribute oils. This will help you avoid tangles in those long fur strands too. A short haired Jack Russell only really needs grooming once a week for just a couple of minutes. The loose hair will then end up on your brush rather than on your carpet or clothes! Brush him/her more frequently if you wish and in high shedding seasons such as spring.

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If you have a rough coated Jack Russell, you may want to trim your dogs hair – especially around his face and bottom! You can take him to the grooming parlour, but it can be expensive and if you have the equipment at home there will be no need. It’s possible to pick up a cheap pair of dog grooming scissors on Amazon for less than £20.00.

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You might also like to read how long do Jack Russells live? and Do Jack Russells like Water?

Jack Russells and Cats

April 10, 2021May 17, 2021Amy Trumpeter

If you think that your Jack Russell would not get along with your cat, you are not alone. In reality, cats and dogs don’t typically get along. Cats are naturally more independent and they are also territorial. Dogs on the other hand are pack animals that consider themselves as the “alpha” of their family circle; this means that they often compete for dominance over their human owners with other pets in the household. However there can be exceptions to every rule and just like any animal, a particular Jack Russell may prefer to live in peaceful harmony with a feline friend; it all depends on their personality. Today’s article is all about Jack Russells and cats.

My Embarrassing Jack Russell and Cat Story!

It’s safe to say that my last Jack Russell Milo was NOT fond of cats in the slightest. He wanted to hunt them down! When I first got him I was only in my 20s. I had owned jack Russells before, but only as pups and never as an adult rescue. Anyway, one day I was washing up in the kitchen when I realised I couldn’t see the dog. Then….this was followed by a bit of a ‘commotion’ next door….

Milo had cleared the wall, jumped into the neighbours garden, ran into the house and chased the cat around the dining room table! The cat screeched ‘meeeoooooooooooooow!’ and jumped up onto the dresser! I had to clear the wall and run in to get him!

Well no one was hurt – I think it’s more about the chase for Milo, but because of how he was I had to keep a very close eye on him after that. I certainly would not have been able to bring a cat into the house with him!

Will they get Along?

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; the first step to solving this dilemma is to determine whether your dog and cat will get along. Remember that every dog and every cat are different and ultimately you don’t know how they will be until you try it. But test them out in a safe and controlled environment and make sure that you can safely intervene if there are any problems. If they don’t get along, you may be able to keep them both, but it might mean that you will need two homes nor separate areas to accommodate your furry friends.

It’s important to remember the type of breed a Jack Russell is – you’ve got yourself a terrier. Bred for chasing and catching animals such as rats, rabbits and foxes. The prey drive in these animals is high and sometimes this can be diverted towards cats. It’s very difficult to train out of a dog traits that it has ultimately been bred for. If you want a dog and a cat, a Jack Russell terrier may not be the best breed for you.

Pros of Adding Cat to Jack Russell Household:

Jack Russells and cats can live together peacefully if proper introductions are made. These dogs are very tolerant of other pets and even other humans. The only time you may need to worry about your cat getting injured by your Jack Russell is when she nips at the cat to play with it or if she approaches an unknown animal without any sense of caution. Your cat will also be able to play with a dog who likes chasing small moving objects and you can use this mutual attraction to bond the two animals. Since cats like being in high places, you may find the two of them curled up together on top of the couch or a book case; the best part is that they will both look comfortable and will be able to relax for hours.

Cons of Adding Cat to Jack Russell Household:

A Jack Russell and cat that are not properly introduced can make each other miserable; forget about having an orderly household if these two animals are living under the same roof. Keep in mind that a Jack Russell is naturally inclined to hunt small creatures including cats; this does not mean that she will ever act on this impulse, but it does mean that your cat may experience increased anxiety when he knows that a predator is nearby. Another issue with Jack Russells and cats is that they often view each other as predators; when your Jack Russell is outside, he may chase the cat or your cat will become nervous if the two of them are in a room together.

Fighting Cats and Dogs can be Serious

If your Jack Russell and Cat fight, it could result in injuries and possible vet bills. Remember that it’s not just the dog that can cause injury to the cat – it can happen the other way around! If your cat has very sharp claws and swipes at your dogs eyes, this can cause serious eye damage to your dog. Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the best ones and if it comes to the worst, you may have to decide to give one or the other away and get them safely re-homed. This can be tough, but remember that you have to do what’s best for the animals as well as what’s best for your family.

Introduce them to each other First!

Before you decide to add another pet to your household, make sure that both of these animals are going to like each other. If you can get them to play together outdoors, then this will be a much better option than keeping them both in separate households where they fight for dominance over one another.

Consider Introducing them as Puppy and Kitten

As a general rule, dogs and cats often get along better when they are introduced as puppy and kitten. Growing up together, they will learn each others boundaries and maybe even become companions. Some dogs and cats that have grown up together even end up cuddling on the sofa or sharing a bed! A friend of mine once had two cats and two dogs – all 4 of them slept in the bed together!

So if you are thinking about having a cat and Jack Russell who are not familiar with one another, we hope that this article has been helpful. Remember that you can also get some advice from people who have shared their experiences after they were able to successfully introduce Jack Russells and cats into their lives.