Tiny Terrors: Tips for Training Your Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russel terrier's scraggy face and radiant eyes have made him a popular choice for a family dog, and this is why this breed is so often depicted in television and film. Jack Russells are the quintessential "mighty dogs," and because of their unyielding tenacity and surprising high energy, they can quickly become a terror on any unsuspecting household. The first thing any new Jack Russell terrier owner should know is that you have a long road of training ahead of you in order to establish yourself as the master of the house and the leader to your new dog. If you don't start your training of this breed from the very first day he comes into your life, you will have problems getting him to obey some of the most very basic commands. Here are some great ideas to help you train your Jack Russell terrier to become a positive addition to your family. Tip #1 - Be Consistent Jack Russell terriers are an unbelievably intelligent breed, but the biggest hurdle you will probably have to overcome is their strong-willed attitude, which can sometimes make training a Jack Russell next to impossible. There are times in which these dogs rise up against their master's dominance over them, even when it seems that they have totally acclimated to the household rules. This is why it is so crucial to stay steady with the terrier and discipline him for negative behaviors or praise him whenever he obeys you. With time and patience, most Jack Russells will eventually learn to listen to their owners and become loving members of the family. The most crucial aspect an owner should bear in mind is that the household rules need to be persistently honored to keep your terrier in good order. Tip #2 - Understanding Natural Instincts Jack Russell terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs and this instinct could cause your pet to give chase to other animals, such as the family cat, other dogs or even cars. Instincts are not something that can be eliminated through training, so you need to care for your Jack Russell by ensuring that they cannot get loose and put themselves in harm's way. As a rule, this will denote having the terrier on a leash while you are out on walks and ensuring that the yard is totally sealed off. Jack Russells are also excellent diggers, so having a deep as well as a tall fence may be in order, and checking your yard for "tunnels" is advisable. Also, it would be bad judgment to keep a Jack Russell in a household with other small animals like hamsters or cats, as there is no promise that the terrier won't try to "hunt" the other pets at some point. Though it make take more patience and time for your Jack Russell to be completely trained, it is well worth the effort as your pet will reward you with years of love. These little terriers are filled with aptitude and character, and most of them are incredibly loyal to their masters. When a Jack Russell terrier is properly trained, you can be sure that he will please and regale your loved ones for a very long time. Learn more at: Training Great Danes Training Jack Russell Terrier