If you don’t train your Jack Russell from an early age, he will continue fighting to get his own way. They’re strong willed dogs that will rule over their owners if not properly trained. Dogs that know commands are more easily redirected when they’re overly energetic.
Training a puppy or dog is a matter of repetition, reward, praise, and patience. Never hit, scold, or otherwise negatively discipline a puppy while you are training him. [4] X Research source Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life. Pat Miller. Dogwise Publishing. 2010. Instead, keep your tone of voice positive since dogs quickly learn to pick up on displeasure in their owner’s voices.
Once your puppy is using only a small area of paper, you can move the paper to a place in your house designated as your puppy’s place to potty.
Take your dog to the same spot every time you go outside. This way, your dog will associate the spot with relieving himself.
To combat separation anxiety, don’t lavish your dog with attention right before you leave the house. Instead, ignore him for 15 to 20 before you leave and for 20 minutes once you return. This will keep his excitement levels low. [6] X Research source
Desensitizing can also work with other situations. What it takes is patience, consistency, and time to train the puppy to react in a manner which is pleasing to you. You can do this once you have taught the dog a rock solid “Sit. "
When you feel your puppy is relaxed while watching the cat, you can gradually introduce the cat to the dog (bringing carrier closer, removing the gate) but keep the dog on leash until you feel he will immediately comply with the sit command. This may take several sessions (remember to keep them short) and many days, but eventually he will learn a cat is not to be chased. [9] X Research source
Don’t try to train a puppy when he is hungry, tired, or too energetic. Wait until the puppy is relaxed but still responsive to you. Try to notice when your pup is being good outside of your normal training sessions. When you reward their good, calm behavior, they’re more likely to be calm and well-behaved in the future.
Running away from things that should not be feared can be dangerous. Dogs can run into traffic and get hit by vehicles or run away from home and get lost. [15] X Research source Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat 3: Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. G. M. Landsberg, W. L. Hunthausen and L. J. Ackerman. Elsevier. 2013
You should try exposing your dog to as many different things as possible. For example, take him for a short car ride and stop every once in a while to let him check out his surroundings. Or, invite friends and their pets over to meet your dog. Let him interact with all different types of people and animals. Don’t force or rush your dog to socialize. If he’s fearful around new animals, don’t constantly make him interact. Instead, take it slow and move at a pace that’s clearly comfortable for him.
On the other hand, Jack Russells can be overly aggressive towards other dogs, even other Jack Russells. [13] X Research source
To curb some of your dog’s aggression, keep him well exercised and active. Bored Jack Russell Terriers are more likely to be aggressive or destructive.
Be firm and consistent with him. Don’t just let him do whatever he wants. [15] X Research source
Jack Russells love when you chase them for the toy. Don’t make this a habit, or your dog will learn not to come to you when you call him. Instead, teach him the “drop it” command. This way, you’re still in charge of the game. [16] X Research source Bring your pup to a safe, enclosed area where they can run around and burn off their energy. Try to give your Jack Russell two 45-minute exercise sessions per day.
Generally, stuffed toys aren’t great for terriers, even though they love them. Your Jack Russell will probably tear it apart and try to eat it piece by piece leaving your home covered in stuffing.
As a general guideline, a 12 inch (30. 5 cm) Jack Russell Terrier should weigh around 12 to 13 pounds.
