	AllExperts > Jack Russells
	Search

About Carol Ferraro
Expertise
Questions on "Jack" Russell Terriers pertaining to their health, well being, general questions on breed, types, size, shape, health, personalities, behavior problems, genetics, so called standard, what to look for when purchasing, and if you would be a good match with this wonderful and unique dog. Too many times, people buy jack puppies because they are absolutely adorable, and then a few months down the road they own this dog that they know nothing about and haven't prepared or trained for. I love the breed and everything about them and hope to provide some help, education and advice to current and prospective owners. I am a veterinary technician, dog trainer and breeder of Jack Russells.

Experience
I own three Jack Russells and I have been working with dogs for 30 years. My personal interest is in helping educate people about the very special qualities of this breed. I advocate education and research of the breed before you buy one, they are wonderful pets if suited with the right person/family. Do your homework first! I can help you determine if you are a good match with this breed. I want people to know also that there are two types of Jack Russells, the Parson hunter with long legs and the Shortie or Russell Terrier and their very distinct differences. I also hope to allay fears about their CRAZY reputations - which is not always the case. ~*~*~*IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ*~*~*~ PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT ENDORSE THE SALE OF ANY JACK RUSSELLS OR JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES THAT MAY BE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. BEWARE OF PUPPY MILLS OR OTHER PLACES THAT SELL MANY DIFFERENT DOGS OVER THE INTERNET. ALSO I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY VIDEOS OR TRAINING TAPES THAT ARE ADVERTISED ON THIS PAGE. I WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU PICK OUT A REPUTABLE TRAINER/VIDEO SERIES OR EVEN PUPPIES IF PRIVATELY ASKED. I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY SALES ADVERTISEMENTS ON THIS PAGE.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dog Breeds > Jack Russells > Advice for a Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells - Advice for a Jack Russell Terrier

Expert: Carol Ferraro - 10/31/2009

Question

Emma

Hi! I am so glad I came accross your site. We just got our FIRST jack russell today. She is 8 weeks old. We are, of course, trying to potty train to go in a certain area outside in the back yard. An area that is not by the swingset that the kids play on. It is an "obvious" area, marked off by the house and shed. Anyway, if you have ANY advice on potty training, fetch and other tricks, obedience training at all I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much for your time. I have attached a pic of Emma. Her name was Abbey, but since that is my daughters name, we had to change it to Emma!!!

Answer
Hi Dyana,
Sorry took me so long to answer, I was away on vacation and thought I notified this site but it must not have gone through, sorry...
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Emma is so adorable, I love her face and those two different colored ears! How precious!
The easiest and best advice I can give you is to be patient and very consistent in all your training. If you want her to always use the same spot to pee/poop, you're going to have to deliberately take her to that same spot for the next 4 months or more. She's still quite young and will definitely learn what you want, but it takes a good amount of time and patience. Children take 3 years to "potty" train, most people get impatient with a puppy after a few weeks!! It's not pleasant to have pee/poop on your floors so it's understandable why we want them to train quickly, but patience will pay off!
A great introduction to basic training are classes called Puppy Kindergarten. They teach you how to train your pup (and you) the proper methods of how to teach "come", "stay", "sit", "down".
It's best if you could find a local dog school instead of going to those pet store classes. The dogs don't do so great in a store environment because of too many distractions, people, lights, noise, other dogs shopping etc.
I also recommned any books by Victoria Stillwell, she's a professional trainer and has her own show called "It's Me or the Dog" - her methods are kind and committed and work excellent.
I can already see that Emma is a lucky puppy to have YOU. Just by reaching out and trying to find out what's best for her shows your deep love and commitment to her.
Please feel free to write anytime or look back in some past answers for other questions you might come across. Good luck Dyana!! She's a beauty.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question