Getting a dog need advice.

[crazycat]

Hello i am getting a new dog, i am set of a Jack Russell Terrier. I am looking for a young dog. Well this will be my frist dog so anyone with any advice its really welcome. I am planing on getting it in about 2 weeks time and will post a pic of him when i can.

I am calling him Pancho by the way

 

[thedude110]

What kind of advice are you looking for?

Love your dog. Show your dog how much you love it by walking it all the time.
Pet it when it needs petting, give it all the cookies in the world, and give it only a little table food.

If you can, adopt a dog that needs adopting. If you live near a university with a veterinary proram, there are tons of post-research dogs who need homes.

Be nice to your veterinarian, no matter the situation. They're doing the best they can, but sometimes there's only so much they can do.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

As thedude110 said, really, love your dog. I have a 3 dogs, and they are all great. If you show them love, they will be great dogs, be patient while potty-training, and when they do something bad, don't hit them, just take them outside and say No!

Give them some, what my mom calls, TLC. Tender. Loving. Care.

 

[WinterMute]

Hello i am getting a new dog, i am set of a Jack Russell Terrier. I am looking for a young dog. Well this will be my frist dog so anyone with any advice its really welcome. I am planing on getting it in about 2 weeks time and will post a pic of him when i can.

I am calling him Pancho by the way

Jack Russels are bright, busy, clever little dogs, if it gets bored it will eat your house...

Don't let it get bored.

They also love digging... be warned.

All dogs require a change of lifestyle, but they are worth it, remember that a bad dog is usually the sign of a bad owner, most dogs are good.

 

[Xcaliber]

Terriers .. esp. Jack Russells are amazing dogs. However, be warned, they are EXTREMELY HIGH ENERGY DOGS!!!

This is a dog who wants, needs and demands activity. Left to their own devices, they can <note, I can, not will> become quite destructive. I have volunteered at a local shelter for the past 10 yrs. and have seen many JR's come thru the doors because the owners just can't handle them. They can be very hyper little dogs and are quite vocal.

They are extremely intelligent, but need attention. They love balls, and will fetch/retrieve for hours on end. Be warned though, until you get your dog EXTREMELY well trained, do not let a JR off leash. They are fast, and will NOT come back, they just take off. They are stubburn, but charming little devils.

If you get a puppy, I highly recommend crate training it. JR puppies have been known to chew just about anything they can, tables, shoes, walls .. and unfortunately, electrical/computer cables. They can be a bit difficult to house train, this going back to their stubborness.

Hope this helps. JR's are terrific little dogs, alert, loving and full of life and fun. Just remember, if you're looking a mellow, relaxed, willing to just sack out on the couch kinda dog, the JR is NOT that dog.

Best of luck

 

[Detlev_73]

Rescue Greyhounds

Greyhounds are often overlooked because they are a larger dog. You won't be disspointed though if you get one. Unfortunately, there are too many mean, evil people who think that dogs are just a way of accumulating wealth. Greyhounds are very loving dogs who are generally couch potatoes, but will play if you want to play with them. They will love you until the day they pass on down the Rainbow Bridge.

Don't buy or breed, while shelter pets die.

 

[Chundles]

We got two JR pups about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Smart little buggers they are. Cute as a button and full of beans but they get worn out after a little while cause they're only young.

We have them in a "Puppy School" once a week that does all the proper training, commands, leash training, etc and that seems to be going well. I'd recommend it, we didn't do it with our old dog and whilst he was fine around people he got really protective and vicious around other dogs. He should have been socialised more as a pup.

Gee these little guys are cute though. One's crossed with a beagle and he seems to be the dominant one of the two, braver and bossier, he's been able to bark since we got him but the younger one is just JR and he's a little scardey-cat. Don't know if he can bark or not - I don't see them all that often as my parents own them and they're up at their house.

 

[cyberddot]

I too was interested in a Jack Russel terrier, but ended up getting a slightly larger terrier breed instead - Irish terrier (also mellower with age and way-too-expensive)

I would ask if you've talked to lots of people that have JRT's? Have you been around any for extended period of time and asked about any problems that owners have had? They are great dogs for terrier lovers or people that have had dogs before, but I'm not sure I'd recommend them to a first time dog owner.

Now, having said that, I can understand the desire to have one. They are cute, small, fiesty, super-active, like to go on LOTs of walks, have a tendency to be independent thinkers.

The last bit comes from their original breeding being for a dog that can go into tight places and think on its own once it reaches a rat, fox, or whatever quarry the dog (her/his owner) was hunting. The 3 that I know give me my JRT fix, without having to worry about keeping my dog from killing and eating small animals - the 3 that I know regularly eat anything they can catch and eat, including mice, voles, rats, squirrels, musk rats... I don't know about small birds or cats, but I'm sure they'd be interested.

Rescue dogs can be a GREAT idea. Pound puppies, rescued greyhounds, rescued research dogs...or even rescued JRT's, are LOTS better than buying a dog from a pet store.

Why the 2 week count down? If you don't already have a dog selected, I would take more time to talk to owners, go to a dog show to meet JRT's, or find a local JRT club that can provide great advice and things that you should consider before getting your dog.

I've been a primary-care-giver to my dogs (not just having a dog in my mom and dad's house) for 20 years now, and an animal husbandry pro for 10 years, and if I would advise anything it would be to take your time. You'll be committing 10 to 15 years (or more) of your life, and more importantly, the dog/s life, to whatever course you decide to take. The reason there are numerous websites committed to JRT rescue? Because too many people made a rash decision to get a dog they expected to act like the one they saw on TV. The same can be said for 1000's of dog rescue operations, including the Humane Society.

Oh...and thedude...don't give your dog table food. They have all they need in good quality dog food or dog snacks, and your dog won't pick up habits you have to fuss over - like jumping into a friends lap for snacks. Show you love your dog by not setting them up for failure or nagging. They'll be healthier and happier for it.

 

[OutThere]

Greyhounds are often overlooked because they are a larger dog. You won't be disspointed though if you get one. Unfortunately, there are too many mean, evil people who think that dogs are just a way of accumulating wealth. Greyhounds are very loving dogs who are generally couch potatoes, but will play if you want to play with them. They will love you until the day they pass on down the Rainbow Bridge.

Don't buy or breed, while shelter pets die.

Amen. Greyhounds are great dogs. They love to run and play, but at the same time think that they are lap dogs, and really enjoy the couch. Rescuing former racing greyhounds is a simple process, and they'll love you forever.

Getting a purebred dog is also asking for health problems....mutts from the pound can be the nicest dogs, and are usually much lower maintenance than purebreds that come with genetic defects from being inter-bred too much.

 

[cyberddot]

Whiskey and Sadie

This is my dog Whiskey (the red, Irish terrier w/puppy teeth) at four months old, looking like she's going to swallow Sadie's head (the broken-coated JRT). Terrier's of the same sex don't always get along, so I made sure Whiskey got LOTS of dog socialization with other terriers.




Now, almost a year and a half later, I'd say that Whiskey has a great time with other dogs, including terriers. Like Sadie though, Whiskey can be cranky about certain things when it comes to other dogs. In other words...she's a terrier through-and-through.

 

[cyberddot]

<snip>Getting a purebred dog is also asking for health problems....mutts from the pound can be the nicest dogs, and are usually much lower maintenance than purebreds that come with genetic defects from being inter-bred too much.

A bit of an oversimplification, since mutt genetics come from those purebred dogs, and vice versa. Breeds come from selection of traits, incuding traits repeatable in mutts. Remember, they're all the same species.

I do agree though, that buying a purebred dog as your first dog hardly assures a happy relationship. I've been lucky, all of my dogs, mutts and purebreds alike, have lived long lives. Then, this is coming from a guy that took two years of research to decide on a breed and breeder of our current dog.

I've had friends that have had health problems with mutts; one unlucky friend has lost 3 of her pound puppies at young ages to cancer(s). I've also had friends that have had health problems with purebreds, often because they didn't take the time to pick a breeder that wasn't spreading a known trait - like deafness in JRT's, for example. Iresponsible breeders and buyers are the problem there, not the breed.

As I and others have suggested. They ALL need homes, but the best home for any dog is one that provides dedicated love and companionship to the dog.

 

[prostuff1]

When we bought our dog we were considering a jack russel but ended up going with a West Highland White Terrior. There were a couple of reasons for that but the main one was because they dont shed.

The dog, Mystie, is great! Very smart, protective, and playful. She gets along great with the cat that we have and they always play together. She was pretty easy to potty train and there is rarly an accident in the house...if there is it is our fault for not letting her out when we should. I have taken her to fair and done the obediance training with her for 5 years and she has never placed out of the medal range. THe first time i took her she was about 8 months old and she beat dogs that were three times her age...we ended up getting first that year. The only thing i would say about these kinda dogs is that they get very protective/defensive of the people they love. Me and my sister use to play a little game were we would hit each other and just say ouch, well the dog started to pick up on that and now when ever we do that she starts barking and going balistic...she wont hurt anyone but she is kinda hard to shut up once she starts.

Liike i said one of the main reasons why we got the Westie was because they do not shed. We did not feel like cleaning up hair all the time. Hair still comes of the dog but it is not shed, it just breaks of when her coat gets to dry.

Another thing i have noticed is that our dog likes men more then women. Not sure why but she always sits with my dad when he comes home and sits down in his chair. She also does not like to sleep in my sister room. Even now that i am gone and off to college my mom and dad told me that the dog usually sleeps in my room even though no one is there.

She really like water and when we ask her if she wants a bath she runs to the bathroom and jumps in the tub even before we can turn the water on.

Some will eat about anything, including stuff we dont want her to eat. She use to chew on stuff and actually ruined the legs of a couple of chairs. when she turned baout a year and a half old we let her run lose in the house on day and she was just fine. We dont tie her up anymore durning the day and she is just fine.

 

[ChrisWB]

Greyhounds are often overlooked because they are a larger dog. You won't be disspointed though if you get one. Unfortunately, there are too many mean, evil people who think that dogs are just a way of accumulating wealth. Greyhounds are very loving dogs who are generally couch potatoes, but will play if you want to play with them. They will love you until the day they pass on down the Rainbow Bridge.

Don't buy or breed, while shelter pets die.

I second this, rescuing is an amazing thing to do for an animal.

If rescuing isn't an option, make sure you get the puppy from a reputable breeder. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill or pet store! Go to the AKC website and search the breeder club directory for a club in your area. They will refer you to a breeder. By going with a breeder your puppy will probably be healthy for life and it will have been properly socialized from birth.

 

[CanadaRAM]

You'll have to change your MR handle...

 

[crazycat]

Well thanks for all teh replys, now thinking of it JRT seems a lot of work. I want to be nice and caring towards my new dog and i think think i can handle a JRT. Do you have any recommendations, i want a dog which is not to large, i dont go to parks or for lots of walks so something that enjoys the couch, tv and loves to fetch balls would be perfect.

 

[prostuff1]

Well thanks for all teh replys, now thinking of it JRT seems a lot of work. I want to be nice and caring towards my new dog and i think think i can handle a JRT. Do you have any recommendations, i want a dog which is not to large, i dont go to parks or for lots of walks so something that enjoys the couch, tv and loves to fetch balls would be perfect.

West Highland White Terrior

And best of all they dont shed so you dont have to worry a lot about hair being all over the place. The hair does break off but there is no were near the amount of hair as a dog that sheds

 

[barneygumble]

Well thanks for all teh replys, now thinking of it JRT seems a lot of work. I want to be nice and caring towards my new dog and i think think i can handle a JRT. Do you have any recommendations, i want a dog which is not to large, i dont go to parks or for lots of walks so something that enjoys the couch, tv and loves to fetch balls would be perfect.

Cocker Spaniel (just be careful you might get a dumb one).

 

[w_parietti22]

Introduce them to cat striaght away. Let it make friends with it, otherwise.... they'll bark at cats everytime they see one.

Also, let them make friends with other dogs asap. (After all its shots and everything) Otherwise your going to have a very lonely, unhappy dog who is scared of its own kind.

Make sure they get a walk if not every day, every other day.