New JRT

Question
Hi~ We have had a JRT for about 5 months now he was 2 when we got him and very loving. He is not hyper, hardly barks (only if someone comes up he does not know),loves to go for car rides, does not mess up the house or mess in the house. We have three small boys and he gets along with them well. He has ajusted well to our family. I was needing to know if or what kind of books might help us to train him. How long should he be left in and what size kennel should we get for him? He does real well at follwing direction when we give him an order. He does have a problem with going potty (urainating)in a room that we keep gated off for him when we leave. Could that be acting out because he loves to go so much and does not want to be left? We are only gone for about 5hrs max if that and it is only done a few days a week. I am a stay at home mom so I try when I can to take him with me. His name is "PIZZA" by the way:)! Hope you can help with these questions I took a look at your dog and they are so cute. Our dog looks a little like EDDIE with just a tan patch over left eye and black patch on buttom. Oh one more question is 2yrs.old still in puppy stage? cause he is real clam. Thanks so much! Christina

Answer
Hi Christina,
No, 2 years old isn't considered a puppy, BUT you have a Jack Russell and they act and live young for a long time!
So even when they're older, they act young. That's the beauty of a Jack!
Your dog is lucky to have you, because having someone home with him is the best life you can give him.  
The urinating could be both of the scenarios you mentioned.
He could be upset that you left him, he could be marking his territory ("his" room), or he might just have to go.
You might have more luck crating him while you're gone instead of giving him a big room.  The crate should be large enough that he can turn around in it, but won't be comfortable peeing in his own space.  Typically it's not good to leave any dog for more than 4 hours if you can help it.  
I love anything and everything by CESAR MILAN to help you with training Pizza (love that name!) He has lots of books and videos out that will give you the very best help in any area of training you need help with. Cesar has a show on the National Geographic Channel called The Dog Whisperer that is just awesome. (If you are in the U.S.).
See if you can find the listing and check it out.
Sounds like you have a great dog there!
Best of luck to all of you!!
Carol