Re: My newly adopted JRT

In Reply to: My newly adopted JRT
Category:   General Training
Posted by:  Mary
Posted on:  August 29, 2002 at 22:20:19

: I recently lost my little Border Collie to old age. I just brought home from vacation a little guy that is a Jack Russell terrier. He is 3 years old. He was in a rural setting and allowed to run. I live in an urban area. We are both having to adjust. I have another little dog( shitzu) spayed female, and 2 cats. So far he seems to be getting along well with them. He has attached himself to me! He follows me all the time. If I am eating he is staring. When I took him on a leash into my front yard and he saw concrete sidewalks he was timid about stepping on them, and did not know how to walk on a leash. I know nothing about this breed! He seems to have so much energy-- will he stay like that? would walking him help with that? I have learned some things I can relate to already at this site. Thanks Mary

Response:

Hi Mary,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Border, it's hard to lose an old friend.

Well sometimes it's hard to adjust to a young, lively dog especially when the one we had was elderly and not so lively anymore. I am sure in your Border's youth it was more of a challenge as they too are a working breed and highly intellegent.

With time your JRT should make the adjustment, as you can see he is already bonding with you. This breed is particularly people oriented and love to be with their beloved human. I don't call my two the Velcro Brothers for nothing haha! Most of us JRT owners can't do anything by ourselves as we always have our terriers following us everywhere, no room is sacred, no duty we do goes without supervision. It's just the nature of the breed :)

You can expect this terrier to stay pretty active most of his life. Maybe not as intense as he is now at his age but these aren't the type that turn into a small furry throw-rug as they age.

I don't know your urban situation and whether you are in a home with a yard or an apartment or condo. What I can tell you is walks alone won't keep this guy well exercised and tired. He needs some hard physical exercise. Apartment/condo dwellers have to make the biggest commitment to this than any of us that have homes and yards.

I always suggest playing ball retrieval even in your apartment with the dog, by tossing the ball down a hallway or even in your living room and giving the dog at least a ½-45 minute workout. Many recommend this breed needs about 2 hours of exercise a day. I think that you can lessen this if you also do things to exercise his mind as well. As we all know brainwork can be just as viable as some strenuous exercise.

Start combining the physical exercise with training in obedience. Teach him tricks, get involved in one of the doggy sports where mind and body are used, such as agility. Enroll him in doggy-daycare once or twice a week if you can afford it and it's available in your area.

One of the biggest commitments that is required with this breed is a commitment to mind and body exercise, and time spent with your terrier. This is where so many people make the big mistake thinking because they are a little dog they must be easy to take care of. This breed is not one of those that is, but if you realize that, accept it, and commit yourself to ensuring his physical and mental health, well you will be hard-pressed to find a more engaging doggy companion.