Becoming a Jack Russell owner means you are prepared to enroll both him and yourself into a proper training program. While every dog should be enrolled in obedience classes, this goes double for Jack Russell Terriers.
Jack Russell Obedience Training
Of all the different Jack Russell training techniques you could teach your dog, obedience training is the most important. You’re in for plenty of trouble if you don’t take command and allow your Jack Russell to walk all over you.
Your Jack needs to know his place in your “pack”. He must see you as the pack leader or he will be impossible to control.
The following are some great obedience Jack Russell training tips:
Teach him young – You need to show your Jack Russell who is boss from the very moment you get him. The longer you wait to train your dog, the more difficult he will be to control. For instance, it isn’t fair to let a puppy get away with things like tugging on the leash, and then reprimand him for it when he gets older. He won’t understand what he’s doing wrong.
Be the master – Jack Russell training is about showing your dog where he stands in your family “pack”. You can help teach him you are the master by:
- Walking through doors before him
- Eating first before giving him his food
- Being firm and consistent with your training and discipline
Respect their Intelligence – Jack Russell’s are an intelligent breed, and their cleverness should be respected. Provide them with challenges they’ll enjoy, and won’t become bored with.
Take advantage of their energy – Jacks are balls of energy, which can help make Jack Russell training more effective and fun for both of you. How? Think about it, you need to make your Jack want to do what you want him to do. Just like a child, you shouldn’t expect an enthusiastic response unless it is something fun and interesting to do. If you can’t keep your pup’s attention, you are only wasting your time and his.
Give them your time and attention – Obedience training requires plenty of your time and energy, but it’s the only way you will show your Jack you mean business as you enjoy spending time with him. Plus, the more time you spend with your dog, the more you will pick up on his habits and deter bad ones from growing.
Short attention span – Don’t forget that a Jack Russell puppy’s attention span last only seconds. Therefore, you need to make sure in the beginning that training isn’t only consistent but also shorter. Have 5 – 10 minute training sessions with your dog, and then play with him. As your Jack becomes older, his attention span will improve, and you will be able to have longer training sessions of up to 30 minutes.
Overall Jack Russell Training Tips
House breaking – House breaking (training the dog to do his business outside) should begin the first day you introduce your puppy into his new home.
Puppy kindergarten – This is beginner training for your Jack. Think of it as a warm up before real obedience training. In puppy kindergarten, your Jack will learn basic training skills in a relaxed and less rigid environment that won’t demand too much of his attention.
Obedience class – Your Jack should be enrolled in an obedience class as soon as he reaches the required age (usually between 4 and 6 months). Check the requirements of your local dog obedience school.
Be consistent with your training – Don’t change the method in which you give commands to your dog, because you will only confuse him and he won’t understand. For example, don’t change the words you use when giving a command. Avoid statements like “come here” and use only one word commands such as “come” to make it easier for your dog to learn. Moreover, make sure everyone in the family uses the same consistency your Jack as learned.
Be Firm When Discipling – When you discipline your Jack, be firm but gentle. Let him know you won’t tolerate his misbehavior, and continue to teach him until he gets it right. It’s in the Jack’s nature to try your patients and outwit you. Stand your ground, and the Jack will know who’s boss. Note: Never hit your dog when disciplining!
Praise, Praise, Praise! – Give your Jack praise every time he performs a command correctly.
Jack Russell Terrier that is properly trained is confident and HAPPY! If you want a dog that is loving, loyal and sociable he needs to be trained. Training is the only guide your dog has to life. It isn’t cruel, as some people believe; it’s what the dog needs in order to develop healthy characteristics that make him a credit to his breed.
Jack Russell Training…
