Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies [Paperback]

Deborah Britt-Hay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 9, 2000

With their spunky personalities, endless energy, and remarkable intelligence, it’s no wonder Jack Russell Terriers have become a favorite for television ads and Hollywood films. Performing comes naturally to Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs for short). They love to show off their strange and quirky personalities, and they have more than their share of fun while entertaining you and themselves.

Despite their winsome ways, Jack Russell Terriers aren’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and an unmistakable sense of humor to tolerate their endless antics and tireless energy. For thousands of dog owners across the country, however, no other breed is worth considering. Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies is the guide for you if

• You're thinking of owning a Jack Russell Terrier
• You just brought a new puppy home
• You are curious about this popular breed
• You already own a JRT and want to know more about its temperament

Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies shows you how to cope with the breed's high energy levels and odd but common behaviors. You'll become acquainted with the breed standard and look at common faults. This book also covers the following topics and more:

• Distinguishing between a pet dog and a show dog
• Deciding if a puppy or an adult dog is best for you
• Puppy-proofing your house
• Understanding guidelines for obedience training and agility training,
• Dealing with behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, aggression, and barking
• Finding a great veterinarian
• Knowing how to care for your pet: Health, grooming, exercise
• Dealing with health concerns specific to JRTs

Jack Russell Terriers are cute, charming, and very smart. They're a big dog in a little dog’s body and are fun, fearless, and funny to be around. Remember, however, that they also are pushy, extremely active, and have a voracious appetite for attention. Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies will help you make sure you’re making a well-educated, conscious choice to purchase one of these little white tornadoes and to give you the knowledge to keep your sanity after the decision has been made.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Find out about your Jack Russell Terrier's special needs

Get the lowdown on keeping your Jack Russell Terrier happy and healthy Sharing your life with a Jack Russell Terrier can be a challenge. This fun and friendly book gives you expert advice on the Jack Russell temperament, whether this energetic breed fits your lifestyle, how to train your dog to be a well-mannered companion, and much more.

Discover how to: Choose the right Jack Russell for you Maintain your dog's good health Feed your JRT properly Exercise and entertain your Jack Russell Handle behavior problems

The Dummies Way^™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Attention pet owners! Get free Dummies Daily^™ e-mail newsletters Sign up today for tips on dogs, cats, or birds Keep your pet healthy and content — the Dummies Way^™

About the Author

Deborah Britt-Hay has been breeding and training Jack Russell Terriers for nine years. She finds that her dogs make great companions for her family and her horses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 9, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552686
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552687
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Accurate Portrayal of a Beloved Breed, March 5, 2004

By 

Amanda Eaton "Jack Russells rule!!!" (Custer Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies (Paperback)

Wonderfully written in the typical "Dummies" format, this book covers all of the basics and more in an easy-to-read casual style. It is an excellent introduction into the world of the breed fondly known in my home as the Jack Rascal Terrorist!

One of the most refreshing and important aspects of this book is its truthful tribute to the JRT as a breed with very special requirements and a unique personality. Unlike some books which say "this breed may not be right for everyone," Deborah Britt-Hay explains the adorable quirks that draw some people to the breed and turn others away. She masterfully explains the typical concerns of owning and raising a JRT with fun examples and lots of helpful tips.

Really good things about the book:
· Addresses the TRUE nature and temperament of the breed
· Realistically projects the special needs of these dogs
· Presents tips on choosing a good breeder and the right puppy
· Advocates crate training
· Has wonderful sections on exercise ideas, canine sports, and dog trialing with your Jack!

Although this book has more good points than bad, I gave it four stars for a few reasons:
- First of all, the author explicitly encourages what I call "the double-trouble factor" in that she actually suggests getting two terriers! An inexperienced terrier-person should not acquire more than one dog to start with, and only consider another Jack when the first puppy is trained.
- This book also addresses buying a puppy from a pet shop, and although the author mentions that this is not the "best way" she allows for it as a consideration... in my experience, this is not an option!
- Some of the training methods in this book are more "forceful" than I would suggest using on a JRT (such as "gently pushing" the dog into the down position). I am an advocate of lures and rewards, and my experience is that forcing a JRT to do anything can have consequences!
- One last very minor flaw: it offers no good nutritional info... but there are plenty of other books for that!

This was the first book I ever bought on Jack Russells and it is the most complete that I know of! It is an very accurate and down-to-earth book, easy-to-read, and very enjoyable! I recommend it to anyone considering a JRT!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information in an easy-to-use format, September 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies (Paperback)

My husband and I got our Jack Russell sort of by accident, and thus didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into. While we don't regret getting our dog for one second, we DID have quite a learning curve as neither of us had ever owned such a quirky, smart (but stubborn!) dog before. We have purchased several books on the topic, but the Dummies guide is by far the best resource we've found for answering questions about feeding, training, behavior, et al. The format really helps -- the information is easy to find and doesn't require super-sleuthing methods in order to unbury it as we found other books did. I highly recommend it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Has Jacks down!, November 26, 2001

By 

Dog Mom (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies (Paperback)

This book really gets to the core of the Jack Russell Terrier. It was great to read that the quirky habits mine have are totally normal! (Well, for Jacks!) A well put together book that is a huge help for any JRT owner or anyone wanting to know more about the amazing and fun breed.