The Bad
Dog Talk: I am not "Wishbone"
From the JRTCA
Run the JRTCA Online
Jack Russell Profiler to see if a Jack Russell is the right dog
for you ....
The
points made in this Bad Dog Talk have evolved over the years, and
represent the worst case scenario of owning a Jack Russell Terrier.
Many experienced, as well as inexperienced, dog owners are overwhelmed by
the demands of a Jack Russell Terrier, leading to the dogs being abandoned
even before they reach adulthood!
Jack Russells ...
... are
first and foremost hunting dogs.
The traits and skills that make them
excellent hunting dogs (i.e., digging, barking, aggressive nature, ability
to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to
give them up.... are
bred to go underground,
following scent to locate and bark at quarry
until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. If they do not have an
outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new and fun jobs for
themselves, which frequently include guardian of the world and/or their
possessions and family, chasing cars, hunting birds, bugs or leaves, or
endlessly digging in the soil.... are a
big dog in a little body.
They have the same need (or more!) for
exercise as a much larger dog... and the mentality to match -- they think
they are at least 150 pounds, and are fearless, often challenging other
dogs three times their size.... are
often aggressive with other dogs.
Same-sex aggression and aggression
towards other breeds of dogs is well documented with this terrier. It is
strongly recommended that no more than two Jack Russells (of opposite sex
only) ever be permitted to stay together unattended.... are NOT
a non-shedding breed!
All coat types shed! Smooth coats shed the most,
dropping hair continuously year round. Rough coats maintain the guard and
dead coat, requiring manual shedding a few times a year. The broken coat
is an intermediary coat, between the two types.... require
firm, consistent discipline.
They are extremely intelligent, continue
to test their limits throughout their life. More often than not, train
their owners before the owner knows what has happened! This ability to
train their owners can include displays of aggressive behavior. Their
assertive nature must be understood and handled properly!... can
become very possessive
of their owner or a favorite member of the
family or of what they consider to be their personal property if allowed
to do so to the point of showing aggressive protective behavior that must
be controlled from an early age.... are
commonly known to harass,
injure or kill other small pets, such as
cats, birds, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., simply due to their strong natural
hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cat's
life-long safety!... remain
active well into their 15-year-plus life span;
their need for activity
and desire to hunt continues for their entire lifetime. Untrained,
unsupervised dogs rarely meet their life expectancy.... require
at least basic obedience training.
The dog's life may depend on it!
Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase something interesting, or
even disappear into a hole while you are not looking. Off-lead is always a
dangerous situation for a Jack Russell unless in a safe environment with
experienced JR owners....
absolutely need a securely fenced yard!
Jack Russells will roam due to
their hunting instincts.... even if left in an unsecured for a few
minutes! You can let them out every day for three years with no
trouble....but one day they will disappear and may never come back. Many
JR's have been killed by cars by darting into the road in pursuit of a
squirrel, cat, etc. They can also dig under, climb or jump over fences;
some can climb trees and any height chain link fencing.... can be
very destructive if left unattended and unemployed!
Most behavioral
problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and
exercise. If you've only seen perfect, well-behaved JR's, they are ones
that were lucky enough to be exercised, well socialized, and trained.... are
country dogs.
When made to live in a city or suburban-type
environment, their needs and instincts do not change. It would be
unreasonable to expect them to be anything other than what they are
genetically bred to be -- a serious hunting dog. Your lifestyle must be
adjusted to meet their needs; they must have jobs to perform -- an outlet
for their considerable energy and intelligence.... are NOT
recommended as apartment or condo dogs.
They need a great deal of
exercise and outdoor activity, and are usually too loud for such
high-density living. They need room to run; leash walking does not satisfy
their boundless energy. Unless your schedule permits many hours at home
and a lot of outdoor activity, with a safe place the terrier can run, this
is not the dog for you. MANY rescues come from apartments, condos, or
homes where the owners work away from the home for long periods of time.... will
NOT TOLERATE even unintended mistreatment from a child.
They will not
put up with typical child handling such as pulling of ears, tails, etc.,
or taking or "sharing" of the dog's bones, food, toys, etc. They
are very assertive and demanding, and never still... jumping all over
whoever will allow it. Jack Russells are not recommended for households
with children under the age of six unless you are previously experienced
with this feisty little bundle of energy.... are NOT
as they are portrayed in the movies,
on TV, or other forms of media.
Those dogs are professionally trained and handled, and are very obedient
only for VERY short periods of time. Celebrity dogs have their needs met
by the trainer, and perform their jobs accordingly.... require
a long-term commitment
to obedience, activity, exercise and
entertainment... their unique character, intelligence and high energy
level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you
great joy (when they're happy!) or great grief (when they're not!). If
this type of relationship does not appeal to you, then consider another
breed. Jack Russell Terriers are always a work in progress!busy with displaced terriers because
MANY PEOPLE UNDERESTIMATE LIFE
WITH A JACK RUSSELL TERRIER!