Dealing with Problem JRT Puppy Problem Behaviors

Puppy Training Tips

Dealing with Problem JRT Puppy Problem Behaviors

Everyone who owns a JRT puppy or an adult Jack Russell Terrier will eventually have to correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:

Jumping On People

This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young JRT puppy.  When that JRT puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.

A Big Dog Trapped In A Small Dogs Body

A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult.  However, your Jack Russell is small and his jumping on a person might not hurt them, it is still an undesirable behavior that many people don’t like.

To be a responsible dog owner it is important to treat your puppy as if he was a big dog, he has a huge personality, and often will think he is a big dog.

Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud.

The best time to do that, of course, is when your dog is still a puppy and willing to learn new behaviors. When the JRT puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the JRT puppy’s feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing their, be sure to praise it extensively.

It is also important to give the JRT puppy an alternative to jumping up.  Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction.  Try teaching the JRT puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up.

When teaching the JRT puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent.  Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the JRT puppy is not permitted to jump on them.

Pulling, Charging and Tugging On the Lead

One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one.  It is important that the JRT puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still young and before he has learned bad habits.  Teaching this lesson to eager JRT puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to an older Jack Russell Terrier.

Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a JRT puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash.  When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the JRT puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it.

The first thing your JRT puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel.  Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your JRT puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.

When walking with a JRT puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash.  If the JRT puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions.  The JRT puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead.  The leash should be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions.  It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.

When teaching the JRT puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the JRT puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash.  Allowing the JRT puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson.

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