Trying to stop barking from extreme
territorialism can be quite more challenging than that little
story. Especially when you consider that barking is a quite
natural reaction for the Jack Russell because of its breeding
history. In the past the Jack Russell was supposed to view all of
its surroundings as its territory and bark as an alarm when other
people or animals were in it. The best way to practice good
ownership and good neighbor relations is to prevent any
unnecessary barking behavior before it starts. The way to do this
is to start from an early age, as soon as you bring your puppy
home. The dog is smart and will learn from repetition. The key to
success is consistency. Scold negative behavior and reward good
behavior or responding to the command when you say "no" or "stop".
The most important detail in order to
successfully train your Jack is to evaluate what is acceptable
consistency. Do it every time and do it immediately. Scold bad
behavior, reward good, do it every time, and your Jack will be
much more manageable as an adult. During the early training period
it is best that the Jack Russell pup be kept indoors while the
owner is away instead of in a fenced yard; unless another care
provider will be present in order to administer the same strict
correction as the owner in their absence. Remember, it's very much
discouraged to try and achieve success in training by physically
harming the dog or breaking its spirit. The Jack Russell's
behavior is rooted in its ancestry and breeding, using violence to
correct it will often create more personality problems in this
strong willed breed. A well trained Jack Russell will enjoy
pleasing its master and spending time with them. A happy Jack will
exhibit more loyalty and affection than the owner can handle.
Remember to be understanding, no Jack, even the best trained will
respond perfectly to every command 100% of the time.
