Posts Tagged ‘jack Russell books’
Dealing With Aggression With Your Jack Russell Terrier – Is it Right to Take it Away?
Posted on: October 28, 2008
In the dog world, aggression is a very dirty word. This is something that many dog owners, even professional breeders not only come into contact with, but conflict on. In a nutshell most forms of aggression are one of the most natural traits and instincts that have been bred into your dog, and they will occur, its nature. However, this same instinct has been used as an excuse to surrender, abandon even euthanize, thousands of dogs if not more. Dogs have existed for thousands of years with their only tools of communication between each other to be biting and growling. Many inexperienced individuals often see this as aggression in the wrong situation. Dogs communicate to each other through body language. This often consists of growling as well as physical contact which includes mouthing and use of teeth. Bringing a dog into your home with the expectations of efficient training and the complete elimination of all forms of aggressive communication is almost as absurd as asking a person to become deaf and blind at will.
Over the centuries dog owners have bred into dogs the instincts of loyalty, companionship, and the enjoyment of being petted, touched, or even snuggling with humans. This is not a natural condition for any species of animal, but has been collectively imprinted upon the dog psyche and passed along from their ancestors. Of course being the descendant of a sociable dog doesn’t mean that a dog will be equally sociable. Any dog must have firm training, supervision and discipline in order to be compatible with any human family.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
Many dog lovers have gravitated towards the breed for its friendly, curious personality and diminutive size. Although a popular pet and excellent companion, it pays to do your research the Jack Russell and know what want and what to expect from them. There is a misconception among the general public thanks to movies and TV that the Jack Russell is a quiet helper and lap dog that will relax with you after a long day. The traits and characteristics are something that has been purposely created and highly desirable to the generations of breeders who have cared for the Jack Russell. Above all they prize this dog for being fearless, intelligent and alert. A dog that is truly ready to face the world head-on without a second thought. If you use a Jack Russell as a lap dog you will end up with a very unhappy dog that will likely destroy your house.
The dog portrayed in films is an example of a highly trained professional working dog that has been trained to behave a certain way on camera. He is an actor. This depiction does not in any way represent the behavior of the real life Jack Russell in a family setting. Just because the dog is small does not make it a lap dog. He may enjoy lying on your lap from time to time, when the mood strikes him, but that will only be a very small percentage of the time. At any second something could gain the the attention of your Jack and it will bound out of your lap and be on its way. A shadow going across the wall or the movement of a curtain can have your Jack flying through the air on the way to its next adventure.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
Trying to stop barking from extreme territorialism can be quite more challenging than that little story. Especially when you consider that barking is a quite natural reaction for the Jack Russell because of its breeding history. In the past the Jack Russell was supposed to view all of its surroundings as its territory and bark as an alarm when other people or animals were in it. The best way to practice good ownership and good neighbor relations is to prevent any unnecessary barking behavior before it starts. The way to do this is to start from an early age, as soon as you bring your puppy home. The dog is smart and will learn from repetition. The key to success is consistency. Scold negative behavior and reward good behavior or responding to the command when you say “no” or “stop”.
The most important detail in order to successfully train your Jack is to evaluate what is acceptable consistency. Do it every time and do it immediately. Scold bad behavior, reward good, do it every time, and your Jack will be much more manageable as an adult. During the early training period it is best that the Jack Russell pup be kept indoors while the owner is away instead of in a fenced yard; unless another care provider will be present in order to administer the same strict correction as the owner in their absence. Remember, it’s very much discouraged to try and achieve success in training by physically harming the dog or breaking its spirit. The Jack Russell’s behavior is rooted in its ancestry and breeding, using violence to correct it will often create more personality problems in this strong willed breed. A well trained Jack Russell will enjoy pleasing its master and spending time with them. A happy Jack will exhibit more loyalty and affection than the owner can handle. Remember to be understanding, no Jack, even the best trained will respond perfectly to every command 100% of the time.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
Jacks are highly intelligent and not likely to give themselves up for abuse. Jack’s often know when they’ve done wrong and will expect scolding, even exhibiting submission behavior before you know what they’ve done. Using physical punishment will mean that you can kiss any sense of remorse in your Jack Russell goodbye. They’ll be gone before you can get anywhere near them. They’re fast too. They were bred to chase fox, which is a very swift animal. Stop chasing them; you’re not going to catch them. The best way to train a Jack is to vocally scold them for bad behavior, and possibly include a short time out in a restricted area. Many people advise against using the crate as a time-out zone because it may make the dog unwilling to go into the crate, which you want him to feel safe and comfortable in, not punished.
The best results come from reinforcing good behavior with a combination of treats and clicker training. Jack Russell’s do have a good memory and will remember what they like and don’t like. You usually can’t fool them with the same trick more than twice, and it doesn’t take long for them to figure out how to get what they want and avoid what they don’t. One famous story tells of a man whose Jack Russell would wake up promptly at 1:30 am and begin to bark incessantly for no apparent reason. The man finally came up with a plan. He devised a system of ropes and pulleys tied to a bucket placed over the dog’s kennel that filled from a garden hose. The end of the rope was tied to the man’s nightstand next to his bed. That night when the dog began barking, the man pulled the rope, causing the bucket to tip and douse the dog with water. The man did this every time the dog would begin barking unnecessarily. After two nights of this the dog quit barking in the middle of the night and never did it again. While this story may have been embellished over time, and seem a little extreme for most owners, it does illustrate the characteristics of the Jack Russell to “learn from its mistakes”.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
I really like Jack Russell Terriers; they are such playful, fun dogs. That’s why I think that the jewelry inspired by them is so charming. If you have seen any of the sterling silver earrings with the image of the cute little dogs on them, you’ll know what I mean. If you like Italian charm bracelets—then what about a terrier charm to hang from it? It would be an eye-catching sight and get you into some great conversations with other people that like charm bracelets and loveable Jack Russell Terriers.
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Everyone will ask you where you got those cute earrings when you wear your Jack Russell Parson earrings. Their retro 70’s button-style look is mod with a new twist. SM Violano designed them; she is famous for her homeless pet paintings and the whimsy of her Hollyberry Park Creations.
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A Parson Russell Terrier watch is a good way to know the time and show your love for the breed. It has a large face so it is easy to read the time. It has a nice leather band and a scratch-resistant crystal. When you have a Watch Buddy it is a reminder of that faithful little buddy that waits for you at home and is always glad to see you. It has a pretty aquamarine face and a darker blue strap. It is a thoughtful gift for someone you know that has a Jack Russell Terrier. In fact, any of these fine products that exude the Jack Russell Terrier charm are great gifts for someone that calls a terrier his friend.
The Jack Russell Terrier – Breed Contradictions and Negative Reinforcement
Posted on: October 24, 2008
The main point of focus that any researcher should take away with with the Jack Russell is that although the descriptions of the Jack Russell personality may seem to contradict each other, in fact is signifies the duality in the breeds personality that is necessary for it to function as both a loyal companion and a fearless hunter. The Jack Russell is as dominant as a French dictator and as lovable as Lassie, that’s just how it is. Many Jack Russell owners have learned to accept this personality and wouldn’t have their beloved companion any other way. The assertiveness, the drama, the fearlessness, the arrogance and the loyalty are all a part of the Jack Russell experience, wrapped up in a muscular little bundle. The Jack Russell has a style of personality that many dog enthusiasts have come to admire. Good Jack Russell owners usually find it fairly easy to accept their Jack Russell’s personalities because in the end, even with all of his quirks, there is a bond of unconditional love between the dog and its owner.
Again, owners have to understand and have a certain level of acceptance for the behavior of their pet, without allowing him to run wild and become a danger or a nuisance to others. Just remember that the Jack Russell is supposed to be the most stubborn, strong willed, defiant breed on the planet. It’s highly cautioned that you do not attempt to use corporal punishment to correct your Jack’s behavior. Aside from possibly creating aggressiveness issues towards people, it just won’t work. You may be able to give him a slap once or twice, but that will be it. He’s not stupid. Why would he come to you just to get hit? This type of punishment usually causes more problems than solutions, as the Jack will likely not come to you when you want him to in the future for training and commands.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
The Jack Russell and Mood Swings
Posted on: October 24, 2008
A Jack who hasn’t been allowed to run outside recently will often mope and appear to have “the blues”. Jack’s involved in an excited and energetic home will also find themselves becoming hyper to the point of being irritating. As rare as it is, a dog as excitable as the Jack will even find himself feeling lazy from time to time and decide to stretch out next to the fireplace for a nap. At times a frustrated Jack can even exhibit a preference for independence, even rebellion. It’s all a part of a rich, exhausting tapestry.
With these things in mind, it’s easy to see why the proper environment is important to maintain the famous traits of the Jack Russell temperament.
They need to run. They need to hunt. They need to play. And in down times, they need to be shown intimate affection. When enjoying downtime Jack Russell’s love to snuggle. They enjoy nothing more than making you keep them warm in your own bed, and taking up as much space as possible while doing it. If a Jack Russell is in the mood for petting and isn’t getting, it will let you know by forcefully ramming its head under your hand and making it run along his head. It’s best to take the hint and give him some affection.
A prime example of the change in mood is the sudden switch that a Jack Russell can make from being your lovable cutie to a snarling beast when encountering a dangerous animal. This trait was highly desired by the hunters who created the breed, and necessary for them to do their job. It’s this sudden toughness that has made them able to combat and defeat even the meanest fox in his own home.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
When bringing animals together it’s important not to leave them unattended for any length of time, especially if there are more than two Jacks. Jacks have a pack hunting mentality, a natural instinct from hundreds of years of breeding. They will exhibit those traits. It’s very unwise to leave two or more jacks alone with a cat or another pet. A Jack that has previously been non-aggressive towards cats and other animals may take part in the killing of such an animal when in the pack environment. There have even been cases where some Jacks have ganged up on a weaker one in the pack and injured or even killed it. A close eye on the dynamic of any pet gathering involving the Jack Russell is advisable. Again, it is possible that this can happen no matter how cute or well trained your dog is. It’s in their nature, the behavior is instinctual and no amount of training will overpower the animal’s instincts entirely.
First time owners will often find they are overwhelmed and wonder why the dog’s needs are so demanding. It’s best to know what you are getting into before hand and make sure that your home has the time and environment to meet those needs before bringing a Jack Russell home. Although the Jack Russell owner always has to be alert of the potential dangers, many owners will eventually come to think of their Jack as more of a person than a dog. The unique and intelligent personalities exhibited find many owners considering their Jacks to be like a child. Owners will even find themselves worried about their Jack’s mood and happiness. This is because the Jack is prone to mood swings.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com |
It’s always advisable to keep your Jack Russell on a leash when out in the public or in wilderness areas you are unfamiliar with. If the dog is loose and catches an interesting scent he will be gone. Jack Russell’s seem to suffer from an indefinable, genetic form of deafness, known to people as selective hearing. They appear to hear very well any other time, but when they’ve caught an interesting scent all your cries of “stop!” and “come back here!” seem to go unheard. It’s wise to keep your Jack on a leash in public parks. Jack Russell’s don’t only see foxes, cats, raccoons and other furry animals as an enemy. Jack Russell’s have also been known to aggressively attack, defend against, and hunt any digging or crawling animal, even snakes.
As previously stated, Jack Russell’s do not possess the fears that humans do. A Jack Russell will respond to an aggressive snake in the same way as an aggressive dog, and even chase them to their holes and dig if need be to catch them. Many Jack Russell’s have met an untimely end from a poisonous snake. It’s recommended to never leave your dog unattended in a place where it may encounter such an animal. If possible it’s best to avoid any type of snake altogether. Although a Jack Russell can and will easily kill snakes, poisonous or not; non-poisonous snakes can still present a danger. Some species of non-poisonous snakes will have long, hooked fangs and will bite your dog in self defense. If these bites become infected they are not treatable on the surface because the infection is actually nowhere near the puncture wound. These types of infected wounds can result in fatal blood poisoning or painful and expensive surgery. It is best to simply avoid snakes altogether.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ |
The Jack Russell is also unwaveringly loyal. The mighty little wonder will go to any lengths to protect its home and family. A jack will not hesitate to protect owners and children in its family. Some Jacks have even been known to protect other pets in the family from harm. If a Jack perceives a member of the family to be in danger they will even often protect them by placing their own body between whomever they are protecting and the perceived danger. This loyalty makes the Jack Russell one of the bravest little dog breeds in the world, and many a Jack has been injured or even killed while protecting loved ones from harm.
Thanks to its energy level this mighty little bundle of fur requires a huge investment of time and attention. In order to maintain any sanity in their home life, owners have to focus on activity, exercise, training and discipline. Owners of Jack Russell’s also have to exhibit a certain amount of acceptance of their Jack Russell and the history behind the breed that makes him who he is. The owner has to understand the hunting nature that has been bred into the dog and find ways to work with it. Your Jack Russell is who he is, and you will not change him.
In the very early years a Jack Russell must have consistent training and vigorous exercise. Without that ground work in place a Jack Russell can become aggressive, unmanageable, disobey commands, bark excessively, chase strangers, and even exhibit aggression towards guests in your home. A well trained Jack is more than happy to comply with the rules of the home and obey commands…unless they’ve caught onto the scent of another animal.
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Kellie Rainwater loves her Jack Russell Terrier, Trixie, so much that she co-authored the book, “The Jack Russell Terrier: Canine Companion or Demon Dog.” You can find this book and other Jack Russell toys, jewelry, and merchandise that is branded with the face of this tenacious canine at http://www.dkrainwater.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles |
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