Jack Russell Puppy Care
Like all puppies, Jack Russell puppies require patient and loving care. In fact, before you even bring your Jack Russell puppy home, there are several things you should do to prepare your home for your new family member!
Puppy Proof The House
Jack Russell puppies are notorious chewers! Before your puppy sets foot in your door, pick up anything that she could possibly sink her teeth into! This includes shoes, toys, power cords, decorations, and so much more! Get down on your hands and knees and walk through your home to see if you missed anything. Not only does leaving things out for your puppy to get a hold of put your possessions at risk, but it also endangers your puppy, who does not know what is safe to eat and what is not.
Give Your Puppy Space
Your Jack Russell pup needs a place to retreat to when life gets busy and chaotic. Create a special place in your home for your new puppy to go that is reserved just for her. This might be a comfortable bed or sheet in a secluded area of the house. Put some special toys around this area. You will also want to prepare a crate for your new puppy, because Jack Russell puppies absolutely must be crate trained!
Puppy Training
Because Jack Russell puppies are so smart, as well as stubborn, your new dog needs structured training! Sign up for puppy training classes in your area, and begin training the minute the dog enters the home. Be prepared from day one to show your precious puppy that you are the pack leader in your home!
Grooming Needs
Jack Russells are short coated dogs, but this does not mean that they will not need care for their coat. They shed, and the smooth coated variety sheds particularly bad! They need an anti shedding doggy brush as part of their supplies, and they will need to be brushed on a regular basis.
These little dogs love to dig, so have puppy safe shampoo on hand and be prepared for plenty of baths. Even though they are small dogs, a Jack Russell pup may take two people to accomplish a bath. One to hold the energetic dog in the water, and the other to do the washing! Remember that these dogs are small, so they will get cold if you do not dry them well and the weather outside is particularly cold.
Preparing for your Jack Russell puppy should be fun and exciting, if you know what to expect. Getting the house ready is one of the most loving things you can do for your new pet.
