What to do with a JRT?????

Eric · 19-03-2008, 21:52

A good friend of mine, because of ill health, can no longer take care of his Jack Russell Terrier. No one in his family wanted to take care of the little munchkin; so, she now lives with me. What a bundle of energy and mischief she is! Any tips on taking care of this beast? I have read the books my buddy had on this breed ... but if anyone has first hand experience with these huge dogs in small bodies, I would appreciate some advice.

katex · 20-03-2008, 11:34

Don't know an awful lot about dogs Eric, but watch the other animals.

My friend had one and killed next door neighbours cat, and she had him put down as the vet said once they had done this would be no stopping them. Funnily enough his name was Eric ..

Next door to me they have one (though living with the neighbour's mother now). I loved him to bits, however, if he spotted my cat all hell would break loose .. J.R. (yes that is his name !) always came off worse though.

Couple of years ago, my cat disappeared whilst I was on holiday and know that the dog had come to my neighbours for a couple of weeks .. always wondered if he had got my cat in the end.

They are a lovely little dog though.

shillelagh · 20-03-2008, 15:51

My sister has a crazy jack russell. We've found we just leave him to it - eventually he calms down when hes tired!!!

Eric · 20-03-2008, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by shillelagh

My sister has a crazy jack russell. We've found we just leave him to it - eventually he calms down when hes tired!!!

Problem is, I get tired before she does.

She is fine with the other animals ... my cats are bigger than she is, and all were at one point strays so they are tough enough to handle anything their own size or smaller. She is a small, long-haired version of the beast, and adorable, but I don't understand how so much energy can be packed inside one little body. Maybe I'm just used to big lazy Rottis.

Tin Monkey · 23-03-2008, 13:03

You have to make sure that you are the dominant one Eric. JRTs will do anything to dominate their owners and always think of themselves as the boss. The one I had never gave up trying to be in charge, but he never managed it.

I used to make sure that we always ate before he did and he was never allowed on furniture or through doorways/upstairs before a human. He was never fed titbits and he never hung around when we were eating. If the dog comes to play all the time, just ignore it and it will go away. Then call it back on your terms and play with it then.

It may sound really harsh, but it does work. He was a great little dog and had none of the problems usually associated with the breed.

harwood red · 23-03-2008, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

It may sound really harsh, but it does work. He was a great little dog and had none of the problems usually associated with the breed.

was he called Horrace too?

Tin Monkey · 23-03-2008, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by harwood red

was he called Horrace too?

Don't be silly. If he was then when I called the dog, the hamster would stop working and knock off early. Horrace would get nothing done.

Actually the dog was called Spider, but that's a whole new story. He's still around, but he doesn't live with me anymore.

Yolanda25 · 24-03-2008, 20:37

I Got A Jack Russel She Is Mental, She Still Wees With Excitement And She Is Non Stop, But I Guess Is Cuz She Is So Young

Tin Monkey · 25-03-2008, 19:20

Does she begin every word with a capital letter too?

Eric · 25-03-2008, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

You have to make sure that you are the dominant one Eric. JRTs will do anything to dominate their owners and always think of themselves as the boss. The one I had never gave up trying to be in charge, but he never managed it.

I used to make sure that we always ate before he did and he was never allowed on furniture or through doorways/upstairs before a human. He was never fed titbits and he never hung around when we were eating. If the dog comes to play all the time, just ignore it and it will go away. Then call it back on your terms and play with it then.

It may sound really harsh, but it does work. He was a great little dog and had none of the problems usually associated with the breed.

Thanx ... I think I will try this tough love approach because it looks as if she will be with me permanently now.

shillelagh · 29-03-2008, 22:08

Hows it going with the jack russell Eric?

Heres a pic of my sisters one. He looks ever so cute there dont he - its when he plays dodgems with the cars on the main road outside my house you find out what hes really really like!!!!

burt · 29-03-2008, 22:42

i had a jack russell he was 22yrs old when he died just love him and look after him feed him and learn him whats right and wrong. always put him on a lead becouse if he see"s another dog or cat he will be off like a shot and you wont see him again becouse someone else will have picked him up. they are so funny and cute you will have hours of fun with him. he will become part of the family you cant go anywere or do anything without thinking of him...just make him feel wanted and he will do the same back.. i wish i had mine he was called scamp. and that he was..good luck madge,,[burt]

WillowTheWhisp · 29-03-2008, 22:56

We used to have a Jack Russell, absolutely full of energy. My late husband and I would take him for a walk and he would run on ahead and then back to us and then run on and then back so that he actually went miles further than we did. We would also play a game where I went on ahead and the dog came with me, then my husband would call him back and he'd go running back to him - then I'd call him and he'd come running to me. That could go on for ages with us two just standing there and him running backwards and forwards between us.

emamum · 29-03-2008, 23:21

my mum has one that does some great tricks! just gets a bit over excited and pee's everywhere!

shillelagh · 29-03-2008, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

We used to have a Jack Russell, absolutely full of energy. My late husband and I would take him for a walk and he would run on ahead and then back to us and then run on and then back so that he actually went miles further than we did. We would also play a game where I went on ahead and the dog came with me, then my husband would call him back and he'd go running back to him - then I'd call him and he'd come running to me. That could go on for ages with us two just standing there and him running backwards and forwards between us.

Going to tell my sister about that one willow - but one slight problem with duke - he doesnt always come when hes called!!!