What You Need to Know About Training a Jack Russell

Jack Russell terriers are very popular dogs in both the UK and America. They're small, easy to groom and loyal. Jack Russells became even more popular with the success of the hit comedy series "Frasier," which featured the family dog Eddie, played by a Jack Russell named Moose. But animal shelters and dog rescues are full of Jack Russells relinquished by owners that did not know what they were getting into.

  1. Vocal

    • Jack Russells were purposefully bred to bark a lot. This was because the terriers were small enough to go into thick undergrowth where hunters could not go. Terriers would often chase the prey out into the open into a hunter's line of fire or into the jaws of awaiting foxhounds. The dog would have to keep on barking to let the hunter know where the prey was.

    Temperament

    • Jack Russells are not aware that they are smaller than most other breeds of dogs. They will engage in fights with much bigger dogs, according to Dog Breed Info Center. Jack Russell terriers are bossy to both dogs and humans. They need to be taught patiently and persistently not to be bossy. Giving rewards for proper behavior works best, in order to encourage the Jack Russell to be obedient.

    Warning

    • Negative training methods such as yanking on the collar, hitting the dog or rubbing his nose in a puddle of urine will make a Jack Russell even more aggressive. These methods hurt and frighten the terrier, making him wary of his owner or trainer. This fear could make him far more prone to bite.

    Energy

    • Jack Russell terriers are high-energy dogs. They do not do well in homes and apartments unless they have a brisk walk of about an hour a day, plus time for playing or romping about a yard. Jack Russells were bred to run after prey all day in the hunting field and have never lost that energy. A tired Jack Russell will be less distracted when it comes time for training sessions.

    Health Problems

    • Jack Russells are prone to two health conditions which may affect housebreaking or obedience training. The first is called ataxia, which is a deformity of the spine. This will cause the dog to walk unsteadily. Any Jack Russells with ataxia may frighten other dogs unfamiliar with the strange walk. Another health problem is myasthenia gravis, which appears in puppies as young as six weeks but can appear to older Jack Russell puppies. This can also cause loss of coordination, along with vomiting, breathing problems and vision problems, according to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms."