Despite what it seems to be from a distance, Jack Russell dog training doesn’t need you to be a fearless Hercules, all it asks of you is to keep a few basics in mind. First, establish who the boss is, remind your dog again and again that you are the one on two feet while he is still on all fours, and thus what you say is Gospel and what he barks is not. Second, speak in a tone which oozes superiority, something along the lines of your first grade math teacher. Third, routine is everything so keep your training tactics consistent. Once you master these three techniques you will be the master of every single dog around!
Your heart might melt into a mush every time your cute little Jack Russell Terrier pup cocks his head, but don’t let that get in the way of your establishing who the master is. Go gooey eyed too frequently and you are likely to pay with your carpets and sandals, which it will most merrily chew through. Treat your Jack Russell pup the way you would treat a little kid, setting it strict boundaries and letting it know what goes and what most definitely doesn’t. Establish gestures like pointing etc. which will give the dog a cue to act in a certain way.
You might not think it possible but dogs, like your kids, can tell when you mean business, slacken up a bit with them and they’ll know you can be taken for a ride. Interestingly enough they also have this instinct for intonation; be strict when you want him to stay put at the yard, but be enthusiastic when you are asking him if he would like to go for a walk. It’s funny how you’ll see your own mood reflected in his responses. This is the primary step for you to establish the kind of communication with your Jack Russell dog which will allow you to calm him or set him up for work with a single word.
One of the main methods of training your dog is to keep a certain consistency in your approach towards him. Keep your intonations, gestures and words for expressing dissatisfaction the same every time, so that he gets used to the idea easily. A young Jack Russell Terrier Pup who grows up with a certain set of commands will respond to them more promptly than one who is frequently confused by conflicting orders. The more consistent your commands are, the better trained your Jack Russell dog is, the better trained your dog is the greater your confidence in him regarding his obedience to you. A few other ways of establishing consistency are to use the same door when taking your doggie out for a walk, give him the same kind of pat every night before retiring for the day, so that he knows exactly what time it is.
Little things like these will help you predict your Jack Russell Terrier dog’s behavior more accurately.
Most importantly, however, remember to shower your love and affection on your Jack Russell puppy, continue your training through little games which he might enjoy, and remember to treat him every time he does a task well, after all like a child it too needs to be appreciated and given its bit of fun.
20 August, 2008 at 3:54 am
hello
my jack russell i 17 weeks old.. do you think that it is a good time to start his training?? he doesn’t know his name jet.. but he can sit and that is it.. do you have some ideas to how I can make him come to me when I call? or to do other tings? like to lay down when I tell him to do that??
I hope you can help me..
bye bye from Linda from Denmark..
20 August, 2008 at 10:49 am
Hi Linda,
Very Good Question! It is an excellent time to start his training. The earlier the better.
That is fantastic that he can sit. He is off to a great start! The more he hears his name, the sooner he will realize you are referring to him and begin to respond to it. Jack Russell Puppies and Dogs are very intelligent animals and can be taught to do just about anything. You just have to be patient and consistent in training so he knows what is expected of him.
If you want to learn more about Step-by-Step Jack Russell Puppy and Dog Training that covers come, stay, sit, lay down, shake hands, etc. go to:
http://www.howtotrainajackrussell.com
Happy Jack Russell Training!
Sheryl
21 August, 2008 at 10:29 pm
thanks very much.. I can’t wait to get to work ha ha;-) if I have other questions I will writ to you again
bye bye linda
30 September, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hello,
I have recently made my first rescue ever. My little Petey is around 1 to 1 1/2 years. The rescue people were not sure of his exact age. I have had dogs my entire life, anything from miniture toy poodle to a Rotti. So I know how to train dogs from a puppy age. However this is my first rescued dog (I recommend it, the feeling is so rewarding when you see your new pal get happier and happier each day) and he is extremely afraid to be handled. He will only just now let me pet him when I initiate it after almost 3 weeks. He gets very stressed out if I try to pick him up, so I’m trying to figure out how I can make him more comfortable with it. I have started putting him on the leash so he can’t get away, but this really stresses him out and he starts shaking. I don’t want to lose the trust he has for me. So I’m just looking for any pointers you may have.
Thank you
30 September, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Hi, Well done on adopting a rescued dog. I am so glad he is becoming happier every day! That is wonderful! He sounds like he was from a bad home before! If he is afraid of being touched and the leash he must have been hit previously. This is a very sad situation, but things will hopefully get better over time. The important thing to do now with him is take the time to bond with him on your own terms. Talk to him often and remember the tone of your voice. Praise him often. If he doesn’t like being touched, take your time and only hold out your hand for him to sniff. He may have been previously hit (disciplined) with the leash (which is the wrong thing to do) but you still have to have some way of controlling him when you are walking . Try a thinner leash made of webbing. Also try distracting him while you are putting his leash on(Give him a treat and say Good Boy!). Try just putting on the leash and let him drag it around for a while in small intervals so he gets used to it. Be very positive and he will see that you mean no harm. Dogs have a long memory so it will take him a long time to stop fearing your hand and the leash. As time goes on, he will realise that he hasn’t been hit and has nothing to fear. This could take six months for him to totally trust you. Some dogs never totally get over past hurts, but you are providing him with a happier life full of love and mutual respect.
You are a wonderful person! Good luck and let me know how you make out.
All the Best!
Sheryl
13 January, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Hi. I’m trying to teach my dog how to stay, and lie down, and i dont think im allowed to by any dogs books for training. Everytime i gently make my jack russell lie down phsycally, he allways sticks his feet out as if his lying on his side! When i try to get him to stay, this is what i do: I tell him to sit down, and then i hold his squeaker toy up, and walk backwards slowly. But whenever i say stay, he runs and trys to grab the ball! Any help?
18 January, 2009 at 9:29 am
Hi Kristel, You are doing really well at training your dog! To get your dog to drop or lie down you have to use vocal commands and when he does the correct action, praise him immediately or give him a small treat. Keep repeating the exercise. If he is lying on his side and you don’t him to do this, correct him. Say drop and then move food treat above his head and drop down on to your knees with the treat and your finger touching the floor. He should drop down to get the treat. If he doesn’t get it the first, time keep practicing. He wants to do the right thing! Also when you tell him to stay he is associating stay with the squeaker toy. Get him used to doing sit and stay without the toy. Try a food treat. Each time increase the distance and the time he has to wait. When he does the right thing, praise him heaps. Don’t leave him waiting too long though. Good luck! Sheryl