How To Train A Jack Russell
Do You Really Need To Train A Jack Russell?
Not everyone trains their pets. Those who expect their dogs to come pre-programmed should not adopt Jack Russell terriers—these dogs need proper training. These dogs have such wild and lively temperaments that training really isn't optional, it's absolutely necessary and, luckily, fairly straightforward.
How To Train A Jack Russell - The Basics
The most important thing to remember is that training should start from as soon as you get your new puppy home. Jack Russells are creatures of habit and routine, and the sooner you start them on that routine the sooner you'll see results. Give their lives structure, setting specific times for eating, sleeping, and playing, and then later focus on other elements of obedience. Successful training requires a blend of observation, consistent praise, and reinforcing very basic commands.
Learning Words
Teach your puppy words starting with "no" and "good". Whenever your Jack Russell does something wrong it's important to reprimand them immediately with a strong, firm "no" - doing it long after the event or saying it in a timid voice will not have the desired effect. You want them to respect you, so demand respect with every action as this is a critical component in how to train a Jack Russell successfully.
The Importance Of Socialization
One of the most important parts of Jack Russell training is early socilization. These dogs can have a tendency to be aggressive and are incredibly protective of their owners, often disliking other dogs that they perceive to be a threat, but if you get them used to other dogs when they're young it shouldn't be such an issue. Take them to doggie day care sessions if possible, and at the very least get them interacting with other dogs on a regular basis - this can be achieved through taking them for walks to dog parks or visiting friends who have dogs, for example.
Hold Their Focus
While Jacks are very smart and intuitive, they also bore very easily. Once a Jack is bored or distracted, there's almost nothing you can do to regain his focus, so do your best to keep these training sessions stimulating enough to maintain your dog's focus. This can easily be achieved by keeping training sessions brief and including plenty of rewards and praise when they do things right - Jack Russells learn by association, and if they associate good behaviour with a treat/cuddle (something positive) they'll be more likely to repeat it.
Assert Your Dominance
Dogs are pack animals that always need a dominant figure to look up to, and if they don't have a leader they'll put themselves in that role instead. Of course you can't have your Jack thinking he's ahead of you in the pecking order, so assert your dominance and establish yourself as master of the house. For example, don't let them beg, play too roughly, or sleep in unwanted areas. Usefirm and clear discouragement to let them know this is not acceptable. Remember, the want a leader to look up to, so be that leader.
So, how to train a Jack Russell? Start young, get into a routine, command respect, keep them interested and react appropriately. Training a Jack Russell can be an enjoyable experience and the results will be well worth it, and because they're so intelligent they pick things up incredibly quickly. With just a little bit of effort and patience, it won't be long before you have an obedient and loving Jack Russell loyally sitting at your side.
Not everyone trains their pets. Those who expect their dogs to come pre-programmed should not adopt Jack Russell terriers—these dogs need proper training. These dogs have such wild and lively temperaments that training really isn't optional, it's absolutely necessary and, luckily, fairly straightforward.
How To Train A Jack Russell - The Basics
The most important thing to remember is that training should start from as soon as you get your new puppy home. Jack Russells are creatures of habit and routine, and the sooner you start them on that routine the sooner you'll see results. Give their lives structure, setting specific times for eating, sleeping, and playing, and then later focus on other elements of obedience. Successful training requires a blend of observation, consistent praise, and reinforcing very basic commands.
Learning Words
Teach your puppy words starting with "no" and "good". Whenever your Jack Russell does something wrong it's important to reprimand them immediately with a strong, firm "no" - doing it long after the event or saying it in a timid voice will not have the desired effect. You want them to respect you, so demand respect with every action as this is a critical component in how to train a Jack Russell successfully.
The Importance Of Socialization
One of the most important parts of Jack Russell training is early socilization. These dogs can have a tendency to be aggressive and are incredibly protective of their owners, often disliking other dogs that they perceive to be a threat, but if you get them used to other dogs when they're young it shouldn't be such an issue. Take them to doggie day care sessions if possible, and at the very least get them interacting with other dogs on a regular basis - this can be achieved through taking them for walks to dog parks or visiting friends who have dogs, for example.
Hold Their Focus
While Jacks are very smart and intuitive, they also bore very easily. Once a Jack is bored or distracted, there's almost nothing you can do to regain his focus, so do your best to keep these training sessions stimulating enough to maintain your dog's focus. This can easily be achieved by keeping training sessions brief and including plenty of rewards and praise when they do things right - Jack Russells learn by association, and if they associate good behaviour with a treat/cuddle (something positive) they'll be more likely to repeat it.
Assert Your Dominance
Dogs are pack animals that always need a dominant figure to look up to, and if they don't have a leader they'll put themselves in that role instead. Of course you can't have your Jack thinking he's ahead of you in the pecking order, so assert your dominance and establish yourself as master of the house. For example, don't let them beg, play too roughly, or sleep in unwanted areas. Usefirm and clear discouragement to let them know this is not acceptable. Remember, the want a leader to look up to, so be that leader.
So, how to train a Jack Russell? Start young, get into a routine, command respect, keep them interested and react appropriately. Training a Jack Russell can be an enjoyable experience and the results will be well worth it, and because they're so intelligent they pick things up incredibly quickly. With just a little bit of effort and patience, it won't be long before you have an obedient and loving Jack Russell loyally sitting at your side.
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