Common Problems With Jack Russell Terriers

 

We all like to think that dog ownership will be nothing but sweetness and light, with your canine companion being better than an angel. However, anyone who has had a dog knows this is hardly true, especially with Jack Russells who never fail to generate a few problems! While Jacks are fun and loving, an owner will tell you that a few issues are simply inevitable. You shouldn't let it put you off though - Jack Russell problems are simply part of who they are, and if you know what to do about them then you'll have a much-loved family pet.

What Kind Of Jack Russell Problems Am I Likely To Encounter?

Obviously the Jack Russell shares some common ailments true of all dogs such as tendency to gnaw on themselves, shed and be overactive indoors, but the Jack Russell has some other issues that are all its own. Initially bred to be a hunting dog, the Jack Russell continues to display many of these hunting characteristics, such as aggression and a propensity to chase and dig. As well as this they tend to be stubborn, they don't get on well with cats and other small animals, they have a very short attention span and have a particular tendency to jump, but all of these things are simply part of who they are and, in fact, totally understandable.

Consider, too, certain health issues that tend to be common with Jacks. Typically Jacks have joint and vision issues at far greater rates than other dogs. As a result, you will need to consult with your vet on a regular basis to treat any sort of hereditary condition.

Taking Care Of Jack Russell Problems

Remember that it's exceedingly unlikely that a Jack will possess all the problems listed above. For example, plenty of Jacks have no interest in digging and other ones are fairly timid, so of course there are exceptions. Prospective owners should also know that many of these problems, aside from medical issues, can be solved through obedience training, so there is certainly hope for you and your dog.

In order to give your pet the best opportunity to become responsible and obedient, it's important to start when they are young. Begin by socializing them by exposing them to people and dogs, being sure to discourage any signs of aggression. Root your training through positive reinforcement methods, rewarding his good actions and disregarding any negative tendencies. Such instruction will encourage your dog to be good all the time, knowing he'll get some sort of positive reward. Wouldn't you do the same?

You'll need to stay patient with your dog. Their short attention span means that any training sessions need to be brief and to the point, so don't try to train them for more than 5-10 minutes at a time when you first get them home. Once you've lost your Jack's concentration, he won't be able to learn anything further that session. Be patient with training and eventually you will yield results, turning your Jack into man's best friend.