Positive training · From eight weeks

Jack Russell Terrier Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Jack Russell Terrier: a legal digging area channels terrier persistence into an allowed outlet.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Jack Russell Terrier: a legal digging area channels terrier persistence into an allowed outlet.

Breed profile

Training group: Terriers
Origin: The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England as an earth-working terrier used to pursue quarry underground.
Height at shoulder: 25–30 cm
Common weight range: 6–8 kg
Coat: Short or rough coat
Coat: Short or rough coat
Coat care: Condition calm acceptance of brushing, body checks and paw handling, using tools suited to the individual coat.
Drive keywords: Small-animal hunting · Digging · Chasing
Handling practice: Calm, gradual brushing and coat checks for the individual short or rough coat. · Voluntary paw, toe-space, ear and whole-body checks after digging or outdoor activity.

General reference ranges only; individual dogs vary substantially

Prepare the environment first

The 48 hours before arrival: environment & equipment

A good first week begins with a small, predictable environment—not with a house full of freedom.

Overhead arrangement of dog gear including a harness, lead, bowls, brush, puzzle feeder, bed, blanket and journal — Prepare safety, rest, feeding, grooming and enrichment gear before arrival, then fit every item to the individual dog.

Divide the home into three zones

Zone 01

Safe zone

Playpen, crate, fresh water and a washable bed. This is where the puppy rests, eats calmly and succeeds without constant correction.

Zone 02

Activity zone

Open only when an adult is actively supervising. Keep the area small enough to notice sniffing, circling and unwanted chasing before it escalates.

Zone 03

Restricted zone

Stairs, balconies, the backyard pond or pool, and the garage remain physically blocked—not merely “off limits” by verbal instruction.

Breed-specific safety sweep

Inspect every fence base, gate edge and gap; block openings and reinforce soft soil where digging could create an escape route. Block access under sheds, decks and stored materials where a puppy could pursue a lizard or disappear from view. Plan supervised yard and toileting access, with the short lead or long line stored at the exit rather than across the house. If cats or other small pets live in the home, prepare secure separated zones and more than one physical barrier before the puppy arrives. Create a designated digging area and protect garden beds, irrigation lines and fence edges with physical barriers. Remove loose objects small enough to be grabbed during a search, and keep tearing games limited to designated toys and supervised cardboard setups.

Equipment list

Use the listed AUD reference ranges where provided. Breed-specific additions without a stable reference range are marked for a current local price check; sizes, brands and prices vary. See the shopping chapter in FluffyWA Puppy Handbook for Australian retailers.

Buy by function: essential, useful, and not yet
Priority	Item and requirement	Approx. AUD reference
Essential	Airline crate or wire crate sized for the adult dog, with a puppy divider, plus a playpen	$60–220 for the crate/playpen category
Essential	Flat collar and properly fitted Y-shaped harness	$35–90 for the base lead + fitted harness category; collar separate
Essential	Short lead, 1.2–1.8 m	Included in the $35–90 base lead + harness reference
Essential	Long training line for controlled recall practice and wildlife management	Check current local pricing
Essential	Stainless-steel bowls	$12–35 for two bowls
Essential	Enzyme cleaner for toilet accidents	$15–35
Essential	Washable sleeping mat	$25–100
Essential	Soft teething toys	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Essential	Durable tearing or shaking toy sized for safe handling	Check current local pricing
Useful	Two food puzzles	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Useful	Digging box or materials for a clearly defined legal digging area	Use safe materials already available or check current local pricing
Essential for homes with cats or small pets	Secure gates or pen panels for separation from cats and small pets	Check current local pricing
Do not buy yet	Retractable lead: it does not teach a loose lead and can cause cord injuries	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Any collar designed to tighten around the neck	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Hard bones or rawhide chews; puppy teeth and digestion can be at risk, so ask your veterinarian	Ask your veterinarian before choosing a chew

Approximate 2026 Perth retail ranges; actual prices vary by store.

Watercolour front view showing checks for fitting a Y-shaped dog harness — TWO FINGERS FLAT = a snug fit without pinching; Y ON CHEST = the Y sits over the breastbone; CLEAR OF ARMPITS = straps do not rub behind the front legs.

Write the one cue word every family member will use
Skill	Agreed family cue
Sit
Down
Come
Wait
Leave it
Drop / Give
Go to mat / Place
Settle

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