Train jack russel terrier to be your hunting dog AND family pet

The Jack Russell Terrier is first of all a working dog, and a very close second to this is their trait as a companion. The JRT, as the jack russell can also be called, is a fearless and energetic dog. Their rich personality also makes them loyal, very pushy and intelligent. But their aptitude for hunting is very dominant; they are at home pouncing on a toy in your living room, or on a fox in the middle of nowhere. Their thoughtful antics will bring you to fits of laughter, their intelligence seem to admit no limits, and at times their assertive personality and unlimited energy can catch you off guard and confuse you!

As mentioned, they are hunting dogs, before anything else. City living or a cramped-up lifestyle do not fit the needs of a jack russell. Small and compact as they are, they seem to demand a large amount of human attention, exercise, outdoor recreation, discipline, and acceptance of their hunting nature. They are also known to attempt gaining the upper hand with their owners in training, manipulating and “training” the latter!

Jack russells can also prove aggressive with other dogs, and the best remedy is not to keep more than two together unattended; the ideal is two neutered or spayed terriers of the opposite sex. Even pups as young as eight weeks old already need supervision! Plans to train jack russel terrier need to acknowledge and appreciate this portion of the terrier's nature. Note that their natural hunting instinct will act up towards other furry or feathered animals, and without supervision, the results are obviously not going to be pretty!

Yet another notorious thing about JRTs are their courage; they have been known to challenge another dog twice (or more!) their size. All this means that they need firm, consistent, and responsible handling.

While outdoor activity and exercise is important, jack russells must never be permitted to roam without supervision, even in seemingly deserted country setting. Remember that the jack russell is first among others a hunting dog, and will go to ground at the first chance, and against any quarry at that. Moreover, this terrier is only too willing to stay in an active earth for days on end without a bite or drink, if only to stay with their quarry! So owners unsure with their experience in earthwork, be warned.

But the jack russell also makes a family pet! For such a terrier that engages in activities like a whirlwind, it is surprisingly kind and gentle at times. The dog can be amiable with small children, provided these have been shown many times how to handle and deal with a terrier. But its assertive terrier instincts means it has zero tolerance for even unintended physical roughness! So if you are a thinking of getting a JRT and you have kids at home below six years, please weight things carefully, if not forgo getting a terrier. At the most, you also need to have plans to train jack russel terrier.

The jack russell has been a well known breed in England for many years, and is attracting a faithful global following of people from many backgrounds. Since ownership of the dog demands knowledge of specific and well-studied handling, many jack russell terrier associations and clubs have an evaluation test which checks if a JRT is appropriate for an interested dog lover.