Jack Russell Terriers for Dummies (Paperback)

by Deborah Britt-Hay (Author) "If you've ever spent any time in the company of a Jack Russell Terrier, you know that this little dog is a bit different than..." (more)
Key Phrases: purebred dogs, older dog, United States, Parson Jack, Healthy Lifestyle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 9, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552686
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552687
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 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

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 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and "reader friendly" owner's manual, March 19, 2001

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Jack Russell Terrier breeder and trainer Deborah Britt-Hay draws upon her many years of experience in Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies to write a fun and "reader friendly" owner's manual. Every aspect is covered from choosing the right Jack Russell, to maintaining the dog's health and well-being, to feeding the animal properly, to exercising and entertaining the dog, to handling behavior problems. Authoritative, practical, easy-to-understand, Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies is a "must" for anyone seeking to own or who has obtained a Jack Russell Terrier as their animal companion.

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 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.