Are Jack Russells Easy to Train?

The Jack Russell, also known as the Parson Russell, is a small dog from the terrier class of dogs. They are active, lively little dogs with high intelligence, which means that they are quick to learn. This does not mean they are easy to train, but it does mean that with the right foundation and training style they can quickly be turned into a well-rounded, well-behaved pet.

  1. Starting Point

    • The biggest problem faced when trying to train a Jack Russell is its tendency as a small dog to be startled by things like bigger dogs, people or loud unexplained noises. Because of this, owners must socialize the dog from an early age so that these things do not distract or make it feel threatened. Let the dog spend time with other dogs in a safe environment; this helps it build confidence as does contact with other people and being introduced gradually to potential loud noises such as dryers or vacuums. A confident dog is an attentive dog and can learn quickly.

    Right Tone

    • The best way to train any breed, especially the Jack Russell, is to use the right tone and level of firmness. If weakness is shown and the dog senses timidity it will not respect what it is being taught and will be willful. If the training is too aggressive and scares the dog this can lead to other behavioral problems and again negate the training's effectiveness. A calm, confident and firm manner is the best way to get a favorable response to training.

    Praise Don't Punish

    • The best way to get a point through to a Jack Russell is let it know when it has done the right thing. It is a naturally loving breed and is happy when it makes people happy. Reward good behavior with treats to tell the dog that it did well. Screaming at the dog or rubbing its nose in the carpet if it had a accident is not constructive. This serves to scare the animal and makes it timid which can cause aggression in defense. However, when good behavior is rewarded, more good behavior results.

    Keep It New

    • The Jack Russell, with its high energy and intelligence, can become bored very quickly. Because of this, it is always a good idea to increase the complexity of its training. Simple commands like sit, stay and lay down are good, but throwing in more complicated tricks will keep the dog happy. As a breed they do well in agility competitions and can learn complex tasks with the right training. Changing up the training keeps the dog physically and mentally active which also helps curb destructive behavior or over-activity.