| The Jack Russell Terrier was originally developed | | | | bored and lose interest. |
| as a working terrier, to aid in fox hunting by | | | | - Early socialization is vital. If they are well |
| chasing the quarry from their den for the hunters. | | | | socialized as puppies, they are less likely to act |
| They needed to be very active, brave enough to | | | | aggressively to other dogs or people. Pay extra |
| follow the fox into the den, and aggressive and | | | | attention to exposing them to children, but make |
| tenacious enough to drive it out for the hunters. | | | | sure the child knows how to behave around a |
| Although they are now commonly kept as | | | | dog. Although generally well behaved with children, |
| companion dogs and are a loyal and affectionate | | | | they may snap at them if they feel threatened |
| family pet, they still retain the qualities of their | | | | or are handled too roughly. |
| hunting heritage. | | | | - Make sure they have enough exercise and |
| If you are not prepared, their temperament can | | | | mental stimulation. They are intelligent and highly |
| make them hard to handle. | | | | energetic dog. If they are bored, they will try to |
| Here are some tips to help you make the most | | | | find something to do and become destructive and |
| of your Jack Russell Terrier: | | | | yappy. |
| - Start obedience training as soon as possible. | | | | - Jack Russell's love to dig. Make sure you are |
| They need firm discipline from an early age to | | | | prepared for this and have a secure yard. Giving |
| avoid future problems. They are strong-willed | | | | them enough exercise may help reduce the |
| dogs and need to know who is in charge, but will | | | | problem, but if they are still digging up the yard, |
| resist and may become aggressive if they think | | | | you could give them their own special spot to dig. |
| they are being treated unfairly. Positive | | | | You could even make them their own little sand |
| reinforcement training works best for these dogs. | | | | pit! Encourage them to use this spot by burying a |
| They are also easily distracted, so keep lessons | | | | few treats there. |
| short and interesting, or they will soon become | | | | |