J. Sparrow - All About Jack Russells: The Comprehensive Complete Guide to Jack Russells

THE
COMPLETE

GUIDE TO THE JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

copyright 20011
Publisher Kevin Winslet For Dogs Sake!

C ontents

Jack Russell tERRIER DECISIONS

Planning to purchase a Jack Russell Terrier , or Jack Russell is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning a Jack Russell is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning a Jack Russell is a wonderful, rewarding expe rience but people need to realis e that there are right and wrong reasons for owni ng such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about Jack Russell Terrier s largely based on your living situation, as well.

There are many right reasons for purchasing a Jack Russell , depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A Jack Russell requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Jack Russell is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a Jack Russell will usually live at least 13 to 16 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Jack Russell include:

You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

You can make the time commitment to train and work with your Jack Russell both now and in the future.

You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to your Jack Russell . The average cost of raising a Jack Russell is approximately $250.00/1 5 per year in vet fees plus an additional $ .00/ per month in dog food. For those that have Jack Russell that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $100 .00/ to $150 .00/ per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/ to $50.00/ 5 per month. These costs are per dog , so families with more than one Jack Russell will pay significantly more per year.

You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the Jack Russell will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house a Jack Russell in a quality home environment.

You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Jack Russell is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Jack Russell .

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reason s . Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Jack Russell from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

Purchasing a Jack Russell based on emotion rather than planning and thought.
All Jack Russell puppies are cut e and ado rable, but they are not perfect . Rescues for Jack Russell are full of do gs that involved more responsibility than their former owners were willing to take for owning a dog . A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

Purchasing a trendy breed.
Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Jack Russell can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a Jack Russell without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

Purchasing a Jack Russell to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

Feeling guilty about a Jack Russell and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a Jack Russell even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

Taking home a Jack Russell at the wrong time in your life. Dont get a Jack Russell when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

Purchasing a Jack Russell for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pets training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Jack Russell will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

There are several considerations that a Jack Russell owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owners job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to ow n ing a Jack Russell :

Travel

Will you bring the Jack Russell with you? Who will provide care for your Jack Russell while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your Jack Russell to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those Jack Russell s that are being left behind, either boarding t hem or having someone dog sit is an important consideration.

Vaccinations
N o t only should your Jack Russell be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even Jack Russell s that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your Jack Russell on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

Kenneling
F i nding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your Jack Russell .

Car Safety
T eaching your Jack Russell to ride in the car, in a crate or using a leash seat belt, is important. These devices keep your Jack Russell safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

Biting and Other Legal Issues
K eeping your Jack Russell in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying a Jack Russell , check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.