Jack Russells love their crates and use them as dens. When the door is left open and there is a comfortable bed inside, the dog will seek the crate for privacy and rest. Either a wire crate or a molded plastic carrier is suitable, as long as it is large enough for a grown Jack Russell to stand up in and turn around comfortably. If
the crate is too large the dog may choose to sleep at one end and eliminate at the other.
The bed or pad inside should be one that is not easily torn. An added baby blanket will let a puppy snuggle in and will help provide warmth and protection from drafts, especially in cold weather. A crate should not be
used for more than a few hours at a time and should never be used for punishment.
The crate should be a safe and happy place for your dog—a place where he will go willingly, whether you put him there or he goes in of his own accord.
Where you place the crate in your home is important for your dog’s comfort. Keep it out of drafts and direct sunlight (for a wire crate, a sheet or blanket can be used as a cover for privacy and draft protection, and removed when not needed). It is also very important that the crate be in a “people area,” not in a place where the dog will be isolated from his family.
Choose a time to start crate training when the dog is ready for rest, after he has relieved himself and has had plenty of exercise. Start by feeding your dog in the crate with the door open. He will quickly associate the crate with this reward.
Now that he has been eating his meals in his crate, you can use a small treat and happy voice of encouragement, and add a command, and he will enter the crate.
At first, just quietly close the door and don’t latch it. Later, when he is comfortable with the door being swung shut and he is busy with a treat or a meal, latch the door a few minutes at a time. If he fusses, wait until he settles down to let him out.
By offering him special treats and chew toys in the crate, he should not be upset by the door closing. Take these special crate toys and goodies away when he is not in the crate. When he is in the crate and occupied with a treat or special chew toy, leave the room quietly and return. Teach him this important lesson without discussion: When you leave, you always return.
Crate Training
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
You can prevent much of the destruction puppies can cause and keep your new dog safe by looking at your home and yard from a dog’s point of view. Get down on all fours and look around. Do you see loose electrical wires, cords dangling from the blinds, or chewy shoes on the floor? Your pup will see them too!
In the kitchen:
• Put all knives and other utensils away in drawers.
• Get a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
• Put all household cleaners in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.
In the bathroom:
• Keep all household cleaners, medicines, vitamins, shampoos, bathproducts, perfumes, makeup, nail polish remover, and other personal products in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.
• Get a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
• Don’t use toilet bowl cleaners that release chemicals into the bowl every time you flush.
• Keep the toilet bowl lid down.
• Throw away potpourri and any solid air fresheners.
In the bedroom:
• Securely put away all potentially dangerous items, including medicines and medicine containers, vitamins and supplements, perfumes, and makeup.
• Put all your jewelry, barrettes, and hairpins in secure boxes.
• Pick up all socks, shoes, and other chewables.
In the rest of the house:
• Tape up or cover electrical cords; consider childproof covers for unused outlets.
• Knot or tie up any dangling cords from curtains, blinds, and the telephone
• Securely put away all potentially dangerous items, including medicines and medicine containers, vitamins and supplements, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and pipe tobacco, pens, pencils, felt-tip markers, craft and sewing supplies, and laundry products.
• Put all houseplants out of reach.
• Move breakable items off low tables and shelves.
• Pick up all chewable items, including television and electronics remote controls, cell phones, shoes, socks, slippers and sandals, food, dishes, cups and utensils, toys, books and magazines, and anything else that can be chewed on.
In the garage:
• Store all gardening supplies and pool chemicals out of reach of the dog.
• Store all antifreeze, oil, and other car fluids securely, and clean up any spills by hosing them down for at least ten minutes.
• Put all dangerous substances on high shelves or in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.
• Pick up and put away all tools.
• Sweep the floor for nails and other small, sharp items.
In the yard:
• Put the gardening tools away after each use.
• Make sure the kids put away their toys when they’re finished playing.
• Keep the pool covered or otherwise restrict your pup’s access to it when you’re not there to supervise.
• Secure the cords on backyard lights and other appliances.
• Inspect your fence thoroughly. If there are any gaps or holes in the fence, fix them.
• Make sure you have no toxic plants in the garden.
Puppy-Proofing
You still have work to do before the big day to provide a safe environment. You will need to puppy proof your home to preserve both your dog and your sanity. The box on pages 48–49 explains puppy-proofing.
Curious busy little teeth on terriers have been known to chew up dentures, hearing aids, and eyeglasses. It is better to be safe and not leave anything with your scent on it that can be reached and chewed by your puppy or adult dog. They are little athletes and can get up on things to reach items that interest them.
If you bring a puppy or adult dog home in the summer, make sure he cannot accidentally get into a swimming pool. Lots of Jack Russells love water and swimming, but your dog should always do so under your supervision. When your dog is allowed to swim, install a safety ramp so he can get out of the pool
without the danger of drowning.
Inspect your fence regularly. Make sure there are no gaps under, between, or through any part of the fence and that it is tall enough to contain a small dog who can jump several times his height. Because of their inquisitive nature, without attention to protection and good containment, JRTs can wander. Rather than risk your dog being picked up by animal control, and possibly not being reunited with you, keep him safely contained at home and safe on a leash when you’re out.
