Thursday, March 19, 2009

Understanding Jack Russell Terriers as Hunters

By Cody Richardson

If you observed one breed of dog that often appears on screen, that is probably a Jack Russell Terrier. This dog is regularly seen on tv and movies that even those who are not familiar with breeds can easily spot them. Although well known now, the fact still remains that Jack Russell Terriers are first and foremost a hunter's breed.

Jack Russell Terriers are descendants of small and lovable terriers in Europe and are originally bred for hunting. These days, although they are popular as pets for the family and as playful friends, their natural characteristics as hunters are still prioritized because it's where they are good at. If it's your first time as a Jack Russell Terrier owner, better know these basic facts to help you raise your companion very well.

Jack Russell Terriers are born feisty, happy, energetic, and bold. To be their owner requires a disposition that accepts them for what they are- hunters. In raising JRTs, you must provide them with a huge amount of attention, activities they can be busy with, training and discipline, and acceptance and understanding of their hunting nature.

Jack Russell Terriers or JRTs can be aggressive with other dogs, even other terriers, and other small animals such as cats. If left unattended, this could result to the death of those animals or the terrier itself. But their aggressive traits can be avoided through proper training and discipline.

On your part, you must be responsible, consistent, and authoritative in imposing the rules. You must provide them with rules to follow and limitations to what they are allowed to do. If you fail to do these, it may result to negative behaviors such as senseless aggressiveness, snapping, and obsessive barking.

JRTs love to bark, dig, chase, and explore making them innately energetic. That's why a sedate lifestyle doesn't fit them or else it will only make them more aggressive. What they need, however, are activities to keep them busy, outdoors so they can explore, and training so they can be social and not fight or kill other animals.

Raising and training Jack Russell Terriers require patience and authority. If you think you want to adopt one, make sure to have these qualities. Bear in mind that they are natural hunters so don't resent them if they try to be one.

Inexperienced owners of JRTs will likely misinterpret them if proper research is not done. Jack Russell Terriers are excellent, intelligent, and loyal companions. Be sure to know the right ways of raising them and you will be a happy and fulfilled owner.

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