The Jack Russell Terrier needs very little trimming. Trim the loose hair around the dog’s face with a pair of blunt scissors, and avoid removing more than a little. Leave eyebrow hairs and whiskers around the dog’s mouth, and trim just enough to balance the face evenly on both sides. Trim excess hair around the dog’s genital area to help with hygiene, and trim excess hair on the feet and between the toes. Use thinning scissors to trim the tip of the tail to neaten it up.
If you are uncomfortable trimming the dog's coat yourself, consult a groomer once every eight to ten weeks to keep your dog's coat looking healthy and clean.
Train a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy to Fetch
The highly energetic Jack Russell terriers are strong, hardy and intelligent little dogs. Known by the American Kennel Club as Parson Russell terriers, they love to play and romp, and become frustrated if they don’t get enough exercise. Teaching your Jack Russell puppy to fetch a ball will give the dog a way to expend excess energy, get plenty of activity both outdoors and indoors, and provide mental stimulation. Begin training at an early age, such as around 7 weeks old, while the puppy is still manageable and has not yet reached the hyperactive stage.
Playing Ball
Before you can train your Jack Russell puppy to fetch, you must teach the dog to enjoy playing with a ball. This will enable you to use playing ball as a reward for training throughout the dog’s lifetime and greatly reduce your reliance on food and treats. Show young puppies that the ball means fun by playing with them gently and rolling the ball around. Make a huge fuss of the game and give the puppy lots of love and praise so the dog learns to associate the ball with playtime.
Fetch Command
Put your Jack Russell terrier puppy on a leash and sit on the floor with them. Roll the ball around from hand to hand until the puppy gets the idea that it is time to play. Allow the dog to chase the ball and pick it up, then draw the puppy gently back towards you using the leash. Once the the dog becomes accustomed to the game, start to give the command “Fetch” as the dog runs after the ball. Give plenty of praise and reward the dog with a treat each time the dog chases and fetches the ball. Do this every day for at least a week, for not more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid tiring the puppy or allowing boredom to set in.
Drop Command
Once the Jack Russell terrier puppy is fetching the ball and bringing it back to you to throw again without a leash, start to teach the drop command. As the puppy runs round with the ball in their mouth, call the dog to you, and when the dog comes, give the command “Drop” or “Give” and swap the ball for a treat. Alternatively, use two balls, so the puppy will drop one ball to go after the other. Always give plenty of love and praise, so the puppy knows they have done well. This will teach the dog to bring the ball directly to you instead of dropping it elsewhere for you to pick up.
Hold Command
Teach your Jack Russell terrier puppy to hold the ball, using a ball small enough to fit in their mouth. When the dog brings the ball back to you, instead of commanding them to drop it, give the command “Hold” and place your hand gently under the jaw for a second. Repeat the command to reinforce the idea, then allow the dog to drop the ball and reward the Jack Russell with a treat and plenty of praise. Practice this several times a day until the puppy understands to hold the ball until you give the command to drop it or give it to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rough coat Jack Russells need grooming?
Yes, rough coat Jack Russells do require grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. Although they have a short, wiry coat, it can still become tangled and matted over time. Grooming a rough coat Jack Russell typically involves brushing the coat regularly to remove any loose hair and prevent matting, as well as occasional baths to keep the coat clean and healthy. It's also important to trim their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent infections. Consulting with a professional groomer or veterinarian can help ensure that you're taking proper care of your rough coat Jack Russell's grooming needs.
What is the difference between a rough coat and a broken coat Jack Russell?
The rough coat and broken coat Jack Russell Terriers are two different types of coat textures within the Jack Russell breed. A rough coat Jack Russell has a coat that is dense, wiry, and straight, with longer hair on the body and shorter hair on the face, ears, and legs. The rough coat can be up to 2 inches long and requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats and tangles. A broken coat Jack Russell, on the other hand, has a coat that is also dense and wiry but with a rougher, more uneven texture. The broken coat can have longer hair on the body with shorter hair on the face, ears, and legs and may have a few smooth areas on the coat. The broken coat requires less grooming than the rough coat but still needs regular attention to keep it healthy and free from mats.
Should Jack Russells be shaved?
It is generally not recommended to shave Jack Russell Terriers, particularly those with rough or broken coats. Jack Russells have a double-layered coat that helps protect them from heat, cold, and other environmental factors, and shaving can interfere with their coat's natural insulation and cooling properties. Shaving a Jack Russell can also cause skin irritation, sunburn, and other problems. However, in some cases, such as for medical reasons or to remove severe matting or tangles, a veterinarian or professional groomer may recommend shaving a Jack Russell. In such cases, using appropriate tools and techniques is important to minimize the risk of skin irritation and other issues.
What kind of brush do you use on a Jack Russell?
The type of brush to use on a Jack Russell depends on their coat type. Slicker brush works well for both rough and broken coat Jack Russells. It has fine wire bristles that can help remove mats and tangles from the coat. Pin brush is suitable for broken coat Jack Russells. It has long, flexible pins that can help remove loose hair and debris from the coat. Bristle brush is best suited for smooth coat Jack Russells. It has soft, natural bristles that can help distribute the coat's natural oils and remove loose hair. Undercoat rake is ideal for removing dead hair from the undercoat of a rough or broken coat Jack Russell. It has long, metal teeth that can reach deep into the coat to remove loose hair. Choosing the appropriate brush for your Jack Russell's coat type is essential, and using it regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
Can you cut a Jack Russells hair?
Jack Russell Terriers have a double-layered coat that serves as insulation and provides protection against environmental factors. While it is generally not recommended to cut a Jack Russell's hair, in some cases, such as to remove mats or tangles or for medical reasons, it may be necessary to trim their coat. If you need to trim your Jack Russell's coat, it is best to use scissors or clippers specifically designed for pet grooming. Avoid cutting the hair too short or close to the skin, as this can cause skin irritation or sunburn. It's also important to trim the hair evenly and carefully, particularly around sensitive areas such as the ears, paws, and tail.
