Exercises like sit, down, and stay can feel tedious for a dog whose mind is buzzing with ideas. Your job is to make these skills more engaging and rewarding by incorporating them into play and using plenty of toys and treats as rewards.

The Training Game 

When Jack Russells are deep in thought, their tails often wag just as enthusiastically.

Dogs learn best when they are challenged, engaged, and having fun. This mindset does not come from forcing or punishing a dog into compliance; it comes from a trainer who knows how to make learning feel like a game.

Sometimes the games are challenging, but they are always winnable.

Jack Russells were bred to be determined. Their ability to stay focused in the face of adversity is an essential trait for a dog that often finds itself in sticky situations—circumstances that would have many other dogs turning tail or giving up. For Jack Russells, the tougher the challenge, the more they dig in their heels and resist. This means that the more you try to force them to do something, the greater their resistance. 

In the past, when force-based training methods were widely accepted, these dogs were often labeled stubborn or stupid. Hollywood trainers knew better. Because they avoided force-based methods, they could teach these dogs to do almost anything. They understood that, to motivate a terrier, the task had to feel worthwhile to the dog as well. Food, play, and other rewards are effective ways to create that motivation.

Food as Reward 

Professional animal trainers and animal behaviour scientists have shown that food training is highly effective. Food is used initially to guide the dog and later as a reward. The dog is then gradually weaned from getting a food reward for each correct response, but instead is reward only at random correct responses. This random payoff is the same psychology used (very effectively). 

Timing 

Great dog trainers have great timing. The key to effective training is anticipation: your dog learns that after hearing a command, they will be rewarded for performing the desired action without further help from you. Your timing is everything.

Remember this sequence:

1. NAME: Get your dog’s attention by saying their name before giving a command. Keep in mind that some dogs may jump up in anticipation when you use this technique.

2. COMMAND: Use the same word and the same tone every time.

3. REWARD: As soon as your dog performs the command correctly, give a clear marker word or signal, such as “GOOD!”, followed by a reward.

The sooner the reward follows the action, the stronger the association. Since it is not always possible to reward your dog instantly, do the next best thing: immediately signal that a reward is on its way.

Basic Training

It is never too early—or too late—to begin training your terrier. Training sessions for young puppies should be shorter than those for adult dogs. By the time your Jack Russell reaches six months of age, they should understand basic commands such as sit, lie down, stay, come, and heel. These foundational exercises will help shape your puppy into a well-behaved companion.

Begin by calling your dog’s name or using a cue such as “focus” or “watch me.” As soon as they look in your direction, immediately say “YES” and reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time they are expected to maintain eye contact with you.