Anyone own a Jack Russell?

[Suzanne]

My boyfriend and I rescued this jack russell puppy from a friend. His female JR had a litter under the porch and the puppies ended up infested with fleas, ticks and worms. We got one, got him healthy, FINALLY, and we love him dearly. Here's my question: I know they are high strung dogs and we were prepared for that. I know he's only a puppy but GAWD DAMN he seems to be getting worse about not sleeping all night and messing in his cage. He is almost 4 months old and in the last two weeks, he whines/barks at around 1 or 2 a.m. to go out and then again at 3:45 a.m. Sometimes he whines causes I guess he wants out of his cage to be with us but we aren't sleeping anymore. I'm averaging about 4 good hrs. of uninterrupted sleep a night then about one hour after I finally get back to sleep. Are Jacks different in training them than other breeds? We let him run for about 1.5 hrs in the morning and about 3 or so hrs. at night for exercise and to "wear him out" so he'll sleep at night. Ain't workin'! I haven't trained a dog in over a decade and neither has my boyfriend although he has had many more than I have but even he is ready to ship the poor little guy off. I'm trying to stay patient and remember he is just a puppy but he was doing so good until recently so I wonder what I'm doing wrong.

[Rip Rokken]

I do! One of my favorite singers of all time!

[Arianddu]

They are some of the hardest dogs to train, basically because they're all hyperactive and love the sound of their own voice, and very often, they're smart enough to work out if they don't obey you, what are you going to do about it?

The most import thing you MUST make sure you do with a Jack Russell is make sure they know you & your partner are the alphas in the house. And unfortunately, that means you can't ever cut them some slack. If you tell the puppy to sit, then you have to make sure it sits, every time. If you tell it to get off the couch, then the dog has to be made to get off the couch every single time - never, ever let it ride, because this breed especially will take advantage.

I suggest a few things - let the puppy watch you eat your dinner (no titbits!) and then feed it; dominant animals in the pack eat first. And make the puppy sit and wait, and only let it eat when you give the command word (I use 'good dog' but it could be eat, or you're welcome, or whatever). If you control the food, you are dominant, and Jack Russells need that to be very clear.

As for the not sleeping and making noise in the early morning, every dog I've ever owned did that at around 4 months, and unfortunately there's not a lot you can do about it. It's part of a puppy growing up - you've basically got a hyperactive five year old with bed wetting issues

Now is absolutely the time for obedience classes though. Gets the puppy socialised, and if the class trainer is any good, they'll be able to help you work through the issues. Look up the local breed association too. Flyball or similar activities could end being a lifesaver for you in the 'wear the dog out without killing yourself' stakes, and the breed association will know all about them.

Good luck - they're great dogs; high maintenance early on, but if you get it right, some of the best dogs to have!

[WIX]

Jack Russells are rated as one of the best family dogs out there. You have to set the tone. If you give in he will know. You need to be consistent. There are books on breeds and websites if you search on mannerisms of dogs and how to train each breed. Do not beat the crap out of him to let him know, it can just be the tone in your voice to show dissaproval. Potty training sucks.

[Suzanne]

I do! One of my favorite singers of all time!

You own him? LOL You're crackin' me up Rip!

[Suzanne]

They are some of the hardest dogs to train, basically because they're all hyperactive and love the sound of their own voice, and very often, they're smart enough to work out if they don't obey you, what are you going to do about it?

The most import thing you MUST make sure you do with a Jack Russell is make sure they know you & your partner are the alphas in the house. And unfortunately, that means you can't ever cut them some slack. If you tell the puppy to sit, then you have to make sure it sits, every time. If you tell it to get off the couch, then the dog has to be made to get off the couch every single time - never, ever let it ride, because this breed especially will take advantage.

I suggest a few things - let the puppy watch you eat your dinner (no titbits!) and then feed it; dominant animals in the pack eat first. And make the puppy sit and wait, and only let it eat when you give the command word (I use 'good dog' but it could be eat, or you're welcome, or whatever). If you control the food, you are dominant, and Jack Russells need that to be very clear.

As for the not sleeping and making noise in the early morning, every dog I've ever owned did that at around 4 months, and unfortunately there's not a lot you can do about it. It's part of a puppy growing up - you've basically got a hyperactive five year old with bed wetting issues

Now is absolutely the time for obedience classes though. Gets the puppy socialised, and if the class trainer is any good, they'll be able to help you work through the issues. Look up the local breed association too. Flyball or similar activities could end being a lifesaver for you in the 'wear the dog out without killing yourself' stakes, and the breed association will know all about them.

Good luck - they're great dogs; high maintenance early on, but if you get it right, some of the best dogs to have!

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really appreciate the tips.

[Ehwmatt]

Never owned one, but one of my best friends has had three - they are incredibly fun to have around eventually, but as noted, a HANDFUL at first. He got his two new puppies back in May after the old one died of an unexpected aneurysm (great dog too) and I'll never forget the first time I came over - those fuckers couldn't get enough of me and of barking at me!

But yeah, get through those early stages and you've got yourself a great dog. Looks like you're getting some good advice already

[Enigma869]

I do! One of my favorite singers of all time!

He's not a really popular guy in Rhode Island. Sadly, a lot of people held what happened against him and his band.

[Rhiannon]

I have a Parson's Jack Russell back in Virginia... her name is Lilly and when she was a pup she was just like that... once they're fixed, they calm down a little. Jack Russells will imprint with one person, and whichever person they take to is the only one who can train/discipline them. At least that is what I am to understand... basically you need a lot of patience and a stern temperament. Assert yourself as dominant animal and don't let the dog run you over... this isn't a dog you can spoil like a Yorkie or Pomeranian, however, they require a LOT of affection. A LOT. They're great dogs... you both just have to get used to each other.

My Lilly:

[Suzanne]

I have a Parson's Jack Russell back in Virginia... her name is Lilly and when she was a pup she was just like that... once they're fixed, they calm down a little. Jack Russells will imprint with one person, and whichever person they take to is the only one who can train/discipline them. At least that is what I am to understand... basically you need a lot of patience and a stern temperament. Assert yourself as dominant animal and don't let the dog run you over... this isn't a dog you can spoil like a Yorkie or Pomeranian, however, they require a LOT of affection. A LOT. They're great dogs... you both just have to get used to each other.

My Lilly:

She's a cutie. I HAVE noticed that mine minds the man of the house and not me as much. But he snuggles with mostly me on the weekends for naps.

[skinsguy]

My parents have two Jack Russells and they are the cutest dogs, but definitely very high strung! They are extremely smart dogs, but require a lot of training! If JRs minds are not being stimulated enough (they LOVE learning and being trained,) then they get frustrated and will let you know about it! They are also not the type of dog to be left alone for long periods of time. They get separation anxiety very easily!

My parents haven't really done a very good job with training the ones they have. They still require newspapers and puppy pads (it's almost impossible to potty train two JRs at once!) How often are you confining him to his crate? Just at night? Maybe try to take him for a walk before bedtime, let him run out all of his nervous energy before you guys hit the sack. Give him a little chew toy or a bone to chew on before bedtime too!

He will always be kind of a high strung doggy, but they do eventually calm down once they get around 2 or 3 years old and especially after they get "fixed".

[Rhiannon]

They get separation anxiety very easily!

OMG, YES. That is why Miss Lilly came with on all vacations I took and a lot of road trips. She loves to travel, and is so well-behaved in a car... I car-train all my pups as soon as I get them, the younger they are, the easier it is.

[Suzanne]

My parents have two Jack Russells and they are the cutest dogs, but definitely very high strung! They are extremely smart dogs, but require a lot of training! If JRs minds are not being stimulated enough (they LOVE learning and being trained,) then they get frustrated and will let you know about it! They are also not the type of dog to be left alone for long periods of time. They get separation anxiety very easily!

My parents haven't really done a very good job with training the ones they have. They still require newspapers and puppy pads (it's almost impossible to potty train two JRs at once!) How often are you confining him to his crate? Just at night? Maybe try to take him for a walk before bedtime, let him run out all of his nervous energy before you guys hit the sack. Give him a little chew toy or a bone to chew on before bedtime too!

He will always be kind of a high strung doggy, but they do eventually calm down once they get around 2 or 3 years old and especially after they get "fixed".

Well- unfortunately, he's in the crate when we're at work and at night. Or when he's being punished but he doesn't stay there too long then and by now, he knows when he's in trouble so he goes and sits down on his blanket when we tell him no and scold him. LOL That's why when we're home (especially on weekends) he's out of it because I know they need to run and well, I can't keep my hands off him, he's so cute. He has a bunch of different kinds of toys that we give him. Especially to chew on which he loves. I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. He IS still a puppy after all and I keep trying to remind someone of that but it's tough to remember when you haven't had a dog in forever. I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

[Rhiannon]

I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Place the crate facing the TV when you leave him alone, and have the TV turned on... best remedy ever. Honest!

[bluejeangirl76]

They get separation anxiety very easily!

OMG, YES. That is why Miss Lilly came with on all vacations I took and a lot of road trips. She loves to travel, and is so well-behaved in a car... I car-train all my pups as soon as I get them, the younger they are, the easier it is.

The dog I had growing up was never car trained, so he absolutely HATED car rides. He acted like he was being led to the gallows. (gallows, vet... all the same to him, I guess). The dog we got after him used to go in the car, and didn't mind it, but we found we had to stop doing it because the poor guy got carsick. Then I moved on to cats who do NOT enjoy traveling. I have poor animal travel experiences.

[Rhiannon]

The I had growing up was never car trained, so he absolutely HATED car rides. He acted like he was being led to the gallows. (gallows, vet... all the same to him, I guess). The dog we got after him used to go in the car, and didn't mind it, but we found we had to stop doing it because the poor guy got carsick. Then I moved on to cats who do NOT enjoy traveling. I have poor animal travel experiences.

Well, if the vet was the only place he ever went in the car, then no wonder. I took my pups everywhere... of course, in the country it's common. All I had to do was open the door and tell them "load up" and done.

I never had a problem carting around a cat either. Tigger would just hide under the drivers seat and occasionally climb up in my lap and put his paws on the steering wheel to peek out.

[Arianddu]

My parents have two Jack Russells and they are the cutest dogs, but definitely very high strung! They are extremely smart dogs, but require a lot of training! If JRs minds are not being stimulated enough (they LOVE learning and being trained,) then they get frustrated and will let you know about it! They are also not the type of dog to be left alone for long periods of time. They get separation anxiety very easily!

My parents haven't really done a very good job with training the ones they have. They still require newspapers and puppy pads (it's almost impossible to potty train two JRs at once!) How often are you confining him to his crate? Just at night? Maybe try to take him for a walk before bedtime, let him run out all of his nervous energy before you guys hit the sack. Give him a little chew toy or a bone to chew on before bedtime too!

He will always be kind of a high strung doggy, but they do eventually calm down once they get around 2 or 3 years old and especially after they get "fixed".

Well- unfortunately, he's in the crate when we're at work and at night. Or when he's being punished but he doesn't stay there too long then and by now, he knows when he's in trouble so he goes and sits down on his blanket when we tell him no and scold him. LOL That's why when we're home (especially on weekends) he's out of it because I know they need to run and well, I can't keep my hands off him, he's so cute. He has a bunch of different kinds of toys that we give him. Especially to chew on which he loves. I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. He IS still a puppy after all and I keep trying to remind someone of that but it's tough to remember when you haven't had a dog in forever. I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

You might end up regretting it if he never leaves you alone, but teaching him to fetch a ball might be a good idea if he's being confined all day, as he's going to need a lot of excercise.

[bluejeangirl76]

I never had a problem carting around a cat either. Tigger would just hide under the drivers seat and occasionally climb up in my lap and put his paws on the steering wheel to peek out.

Cats traveling with me MUST be in carriers. My brother-in-law had an incident that I'll never forget due to a cat not being in a carrier. Plus, that way the animal is safe. That's my concern.

[stevew2]

I dont have one but have encountered many.One kept chewing on my fuckin shoes,and the owner said "let him, he will stop in a few minutes".I tacked $50.00 to the morans bill.He barked and bugged the shit out me the whole time.They are cute but totally retarded and act like they are on crack.Id get in the car and take him back to the poor soul you got him from.

[stevew2]

The I had growing up was never car trained, so he absolutely HATED car rides. He acted like he was being led to the gallows. (gallows, vet... all the same to him, I guess). The dog we got after him used to go in the car, and didn't mind it, but we found we had to stop doing it because the poor guy got carsick. Then I moved on to cats who do NOT enjoy traveling. I have poor animal travel experiences.

Well, if the vet was the only place he ever went in the car, then no wonder. I took my pups everywhere... of course, in the country it's common. All I had to do was open the door and tell them "load up" and done.

I never had a problem carting around a cat either. Tigger would just hide under the drivers seat and occasionally climb up in my lap and put his paws on the steering wheel to peek out.

Thats a funny pic,thats cool you let him drive you car

[Rhiannon]

Thats a funny pic,thats cool you let him drive you car

Well, my hands were on the bottom of the wheel, but I kinda slouched and let my Mom take that picture. We were on the way home from the vet... Tigger had granular carcinoma and we took him for shots every other week, and he was diabetic so I had to give him insulin shots daily. The last bit of his life was a struggle to care for him, but I don't believe in euthanasia, so I took care of him. Had him for 12 years. He passed this January. Best cat I'll ever have.

[Suzanne]

I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Place the crate facing the TV when you leave him alone, and have the TV turned on... best remedy ever. Honest!

You know what? We've caught him sitting there watching TV like he understands it. Funniest thing I've ever seen. He tilts his heads like he's really listening to what they are saying. He really stops and pays attn. when music is on!! Maybe I should turn on my Journey video DVD or the Houston DVD for him.

[strangegrey]

My boyfriend and I rescued this jack russell puppy from a friend. His female JR had a litter under the porch and the puppies ended up infested with fleas, ticks and worms. We got one, got him healthy, FINALLY, and we love him dearly. Here's my question: I know they are high strung dogs and we were prepared for that. I know he's only a puppy but GAWD DAMN he seems to be getting worse about not sleeping all night and messing in his cage. He is almost 4 months old and in the last two weeks, he whines/barks at around 1 or 2 a.m. to go out and then again at 3:45 a.m. Sometimes he whines causes I guess he wants out of his cage to be with us but we aren't sleeping anymore. I'm averaging about 4 good hrs. of uninterrupted sleep a night then about one hour after I finally get back to sleep. Are Jacks different in training them than other breeds? We let him run for about 1.5 hrs in the morning and about 3 or so hrs. at night for exercise and to "wear him out" so he'll sleep at night. Ain't workin'! I haven't trained a dog in over a decade and neither has my boyfriend although he has had many more than I have but even he is ready to ship the poor little guy off. I'm trying to stay patient and remember he is just a puppy but he was doing so good until recently so I wonder what I'm doing wrong.

Suzanne, first off....beautiful little puppy there.

I can sympathize with you...I have a 10 year old welsh corgi...and she's a friggin basket case....She has been her whole life. Submissive peeing, she poops at the first sign of stress...she barks at the TV. Hell, I can't even say TV without her going crazy and going into a fit of barking.

Whenever I ask someone for advice for this issue, people will shrug and go "you simply dont exercise her enough" which is a load of crap. I could have her out for 3 times a day, an hour each time...with significant running around...and it does nothing. She's actually gotten worse over the past year and out of nervous habbit, she chews at her paws....she's got red hairless paws now.


I really think there are some dogs that are just nervous psychos. I've considered (and may still) put her on Calmacon (sp) which I've read is like Doggie Prozac.


Regardless, you may find that exercise does very little to reduce your dogs nervous, high strung behavior. Obedience training, socialization with other dogs (take the dog to a dog run as much as you can), lots of chew toys and exercise may help.....

Good luck....

[strangegrey]

I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Place the crate facing the TV when you leave him alone, and have the TV turned on... best remedy ever. Honest!

You know what? We've caught him sitting there watching TV like he understands it. Funniest thing I've ever seen. He tilts his heads like he's really listening to what they are saying. He really stops and pays attn. when music is on!! Maybe I should turn on my Journey video DVD or the Houston DVD for him.

Jack Russells are supposedly some of the most intelligent dogs. You might want to find ways to stimulate his/her intellect (in a doggie way, of course, obviously crossword puzzles are out).....obedience training, tricks, etc...

[stevew2]

Thats a funny pic,thats cool you let him drive you car

Well, my hands were on the bottom of the wheel, but I kinda slouched and let my Mom take that picture. We were on the way home from the vet... Tigger had granular carcinoma and we took him for shots every other week, and he was diabetic so I had to give him insulin shots daily. The last bit of his life was a struggle to care for him, but I don't believe in euthanasia, so I took care of him. Had him for 12 years. He passed this January. Best cat I'll ever have.

Im sorry you lost him.I have an orange tabby.He doesnt know he is a cat.He cracks me up everyday.I find him sleepin in weird places,in boxes in the dryer,in my trunk etc. I like him more than most people I know.

[Suzanne]

I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Place the crate facing the TV when you leave him alone, and have the TV turned on... best remedy ever. Honest!

You know what? We've caught him sitting there watching TV like he understands it. Funniest thing I've ever seen. He tilts his heads like he's really listening to what they are saying. He really stops and pays attn. when music is on!! Maybe I should turn on my Journey video DVD or the Houston DVD for him.

Jack Russells are supposedly some of the most intelligent dogs. You might want to find ways to stimulate his/her intellect (in a doggie way, of course, obviously crossword puzzles are out).....obedience training, tricks, etc...

Darn! I'm a crossword freak too! I'll work with him more. Thanks for all of the tips- you guys have given me some great help.

[strangegrey]

Well- unfortunately, he's in the crate when we're at work and at night. Or when he's being punished but he doesn't stay there too long then and by now, he knows when he's in trouble so he goes and sits down on his blanket when we tell him no and scold him. LOL That's why when we're home (especially on weekends) he's out of it because I know they need to run and well, I can't keep my hands off him, he's so cute. He has a bunch of different kinds of toys that we give him. Especially to chew on which he loves. I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. He IS still a puppy after all and I keep trying to remind someone of that but it's tough to remember when you haven't had a dog in forever. I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Uh oh...I just read this...

suzanne, these are some of the same things I did with our Corgi...and you need to rethink this, as I think some of these are what's contributed to my basket case of a dog.

First....don't punish the dog by putting he/she into the crate. That's the dog's sanctuary. If the dog's less than 3-6 months old...you might need to consider reducing the crate time....8+ hours might be WAY too long to be confinded for a high strung pup.

Also....if there's separation anxiety (followed by eliminating, chewing, destructive behavior after you leave) you need to address it at the puppy stage.....because it's 100x more difficult to get an older dog to stop this behavior. Trust me...I've been dealing with this behavior for 10 years now and I've tried everything in the book, to no success...

[Rhiannon]

I think the separation anxiety is a factor also. I've considered sleeping on the couch a few times so he knows I'm there but not sure if I should get that started.

Place the crate facing the TV when you leave him alone, and have the TV turned on... best remedy ever. Honest!

You know what? We've caught him sitting there watching TV like he understands it. Funniest thing I've ever seen. He tilts his heads like he's really listening to what they are saying. He really stops and pays attn. when music is on!! Maybe I should turn on my Journey video DVD or the Houston DVD for him.

Jack Russells seem so dumb at times, like they're so awkward and clutzy. But they are really intelligent if you nurture that in them.
I did the Houston DVD for Lilly one day, too! I was just running out the road on the 4-wheeler to pick up some *ahem* "homemade wine" from the neighbor, I came back and she was just in a trance watching TV.

[bluejeangirl76]

You know what? We've caught him sitting there watching TV like he understands it. Funniest thing I've ever seen. He tilts his heads like he's really listening to what they are saying.

I had a cat who did that. He only watched Animal Planet and The Cosby Show. I'm NOT making that up. Somethign about The Cosby Show got his attention.

He really stops and pays attn. when music is on!! Maybe I should turn on my Journey video DVD or the Houston DVD for him.

Try it. My cat likes that one! She was never ever a cat who I could get to pay attention to the TV... she didn't care. One night about 2 years ago... I put that dvd into my computer and she hopped up on my lap (which she never does...) and sat there starting at. After that, I noticed Journey music makes her linger around more. I think its Perry's voice that gets her... I've watched her with the dvd... when he hits a high or strong note, or holds it long, she just stares at the screen like... (then again don't we all? LOL) she doesn't do that with other music or TV shows.

[Rhiannon]

Im sorry you lost him.I have an orange tabby.He doesnt know he is a cat.He cracks me up everyday.I find him sleepin in weird places,in boxes in the dryer,in my trunk etc. I like him more than most people I know.

Thanks Steve. I feel the same way about my cats that I've had as well.