Customer Reviews

Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This is a great book for first time Jack Russell owners or anyone like me who's "trying" to train one! It is full of great stories and examples, helpful hints, and solid training advice. I was tired of stumbling my way through training this beast, and now I have a solid road map to follow. Thanks so much for this desperately needed book!!

This is a great book. The things I read about Jacks,I had no idea about. It fits them to a tee. This is my secound Jack Russel and my daughter has one that chases aliens on the ceiling(shadows).
I would recommend for a new or old Jack Russel owner

5 stars to Deborah Britt-Hay. My JRT went from the devil himself to a perfect angel. This is the perfect book for any first time JRT owner.

This book is written in a 'jump to' format you don't have to read it cover to cover to find information important to you. It gives you great information on selecting, training and basic care of the Jack Russell Terrier bread.

I love it! It tells the truth. It tells you straight a away that these are no ordinary easy to train dogs! These are free spirited creatures, with a mind of their own. I enjoy the constant reminder: It takes a person with a sense of humor to own a JRT!

This book offers a lot of great information about JRT's however they are TOTALLY wrong about using laser light to play with your dog. This is a devastating technique. We adopted a young JRT who was trained with this and it has been a nightmare to get him away from following light. He will obsessively stand in one spot when there is light and he can see his shadow. I have worked hard to break him of this habit and after two years he is coming along. If you cannot exercise or play with your Jack, do not get him. Terriers need and want tons of attention and action.

This book was a waste. It does not specify and detail information about this particular breed which in the case of a JRT needs to be VERY specific. It is written for Dummies that never had any dog but not for someone needing urgent help to deal with a JRT.