Adopting a Jack Russell Terrier is exciting but also requires that you be prepared in advance, and part of that preparation requires that you have an adequate crate ready for use for your Jack Russell.
With that being the case, many individuals on the verge of the adoption day are often curious if you can crate train a Jack Russell Terrier.
I have been raising a Jack Russell Terrier for almost 2 years now, and here is what I can tell you on this topic.
Can You Crate Train A Jack Russell Terrier?
Yes, you can crate train a Jack Russell Terrier, and it is recommended. Crate training a Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent way to potty train a Jack Russell and to utilize when you are away from home. Crate training allows you to avoid destructive behaviors when you are not around.
In the most basic terms possible, crate training is not only an option but something that should be considered a requirement for Jack Russell Terriers and offers many benefits.
The rest of this brief post will not only break down all of my recommended crates that you should consider for your Jack Russell Terrier but also teach you how to crate train your Jack Russell Terrier the correct way.
Here is what I intend to cover:
- Can You Crate Train A Jack Russell Terrier?
- What Size Crate Should I Get for A Jack Russell Terrier?
- Best Crates and Kennels for Jack Russell Terriers
- Considerations to Keep in Mind When Crate Training A Jack Russell Terrier
- Crate Training A Jack Russell Puppy Vs. A Mature Jack Russell Terrier
- Crate Training Is Something All Jack Russell Terrier Parents Should Consider
Can You Crate Train A Jack Russell Terrier?
We kickstarted this post making one thing clear.
Jack Russell Terriers can be crate trained and should be crate trained.
In my opinion, it is one of the critical pieces of training a Jack Russell Terrier effectively and serves many purposes.
Not only for your overall sanity as the owner of the Jack Russell but how your Jack Russell Terrier will respond to other training such as potty training.
It is also beneficial in teaching your Jack Russell a timed schedule with sleeping and when you will typically not be in the home.
It allows you to leave your Jack Russell Terrier home alone for different periods of time without the worry of destruction taking place in the form of chewing.
Not to mention other destructive behavior that Jack Russell Terriers can often exhibit when they experience separation anxiety.
My overall take on crate training a Jack Russell is that it is imperative to implement into your routine and that a suitable crate for your Jack Russell is one of the first purchases you need to be making.
Do not worry.
I will be covering what I would consider being the best crates for Jack Russell Terriers shortly.
What Size Crate Should I Get for A Jack Russell Terrier?
A crate for your Jack Russell Terrier should be a minimum of:
- 24 Inches Length
- 18 Inches Width
- 19 Inches Height
This size crate will work for a Jack Russell Terrier puppy or a full-grown Jack Russell Terrier.
Typically, Jack Russell’s only grow to 13-17 pounds.
If you choose a crate with the recommended dimensions above and choose a crate that offers dividers such as the crate that I currently use for my Jack Russell Terrier, you will be in excellent shape.
I have had no issues with my crate that comes in that recommended dimensions and utilized the dividers to shrink her space some when she was younger and smaller.
I will touch on this specific crate in a moment.
Best Crates and Kennels for Jack Russell Terriers
Now that we understand that crate training is highly recommended for Jack Russell Terriers and we understand what size they need to be, we need to begin discussing which crates I would recommend.
The following 3 crates below are what I would consider being the best crates for a Jack Russell Terrier.
Below this table, you can read my brief overview of each crate in addition to checking out my video.
My video breaks down crate training a Jack Russell Terrier in-depth and allows you to look at my #1 recommended crate for a Jack Russell Terrier.
1. Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
This is the crate I currently use for my Jack Russell Terrier and the crate that I have been using for the past 2 years.
I have had zero issues with this crate, and for the price, I do not think you can go wrong choosing this option.
However, I do highly recommend that you purchase the option that includes two entry doors and the divider.
The divider is extremely helpful for shrinking the cage some when your Jack Russell is a puppy, which eliminates some of the potential potty messes inside of the crate.
Pros
- 👍Double Door Design for Easy Access
- 👍Removable Plastic Bottom for Easy Cleaning
- 👍Durable and Works Great for Jack Russell’s Who Like to Chew
- 👍Can Be Purchased in Multiple Sizes
- 👍Easy Grab Travel Handles
- 👍Excellent Air Flow and Breathability
- 👍Excellent Price Point
Cons
- 😔Completely Open Visibility for Your Jack Russell Which Can Increase Whining and Barking
- 😔Not the Most Physically Appealing Dog Crate You Can Purchase
2. Eco-Flex Pet Crate
This crate I love because of how stylish it is and how easily you could use it as an end table or functional furniture in a room of your home.
I also love the cage and bar design that still allows for max airflow and breathability, which is excellent if you need to leave your Jack Russell home alone for extended periods of time.
Although it is slightly pricier, you are getting a 2-1 deal out of this dog crate, considering you could easily place a lamp or other décor on this crate anywhere in your home.
Pros
- 👍Stylish and Decorative
- 👍Excellent Breathability and Air Flow
- 👍Double Latches
- 👍Perfect for Your Jack Russell Terrier’s Size
- 👍Safe and Durable Material
Cons
- 😔More Expensive Than Other Options
- 😔Less Visibility for Your Jack Russell While Inside of This Crate
3. Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
This is another good crate/kennel for your Jack Russell Terrier.
This crate, however, is the least breathable of the crates I have recommended, but it is also priced very nicely.
I like this crate due to the simplicity and how it somewhat closes off your Jack Russell from outside distractions.
Overall, it is a good choice for a budget-shopper looking for their first Jack Russell Terrier crate.
Pros
- 👍Awesome Price
- 👍Simple to Use
- 👍Durable
- 👍Easy to Clean
- 👍Easy to move around
Cons
- 😔Less breathability
- 😔Closed off
Considerations to Keep in Mind When Crate Training A Jack Russell Terrier
Okay, now that we know my crates that I not only use for my Jack Russell but the crates and kennels I recommend for your Jack Russel, it is time to dive into the considerations you want to keep in mind when purchasing a new crate for your JR.
If you end up choosing one of the crates I have already recommended, these considerations are already taken care of and were thought of before the recommendations.
However, if you decide to go out on your own and choose a different crate, here are some of the key aspects of the crate itself that you want to keep in mind.
Quality Matters Significantly
Jack Russell Terriers love to chew, and they are good at it.
Durability is an essential part of a crate, and it does not do you much good to have your Jack Russell chew through any cheaply constructed crate causing you to purchase a new one sooner than expected.
You want a crate that is durable, and that is going to last you a long time.
In fact, that is one of the reasons I chose my crate and went with the metal bar construction.
She can chew and paw as much as she wants at a crate like this, and I have nothing to worry about.
Make sure you are sticking with a crate that is durable and safe for your Jack Russell Terrier.
Make It Comfortable With An Appropriate Dog Bed
It is going to be tough for you to keep your Jack Russell happy inside a crate if they are never comfortable.
This is one of the reasons that you need to stick to the recommended sizes when you purchase a crate/kennel for your Jack Russell Terrier.
You want them to feel safe, comfortable, and as if this is a nice spot to lay down and get some sleep.
Not only should the crate be comfortable and the correct size, but you should consider adding a nice dog bed inside the crate.
Getting a good crate in addition to one of the best dog beds for Jack Russell’s is going to make a world of difference for your new JR and have them loving their new safe place.
Do not Allow Your Jack Russell Terrier to Be Crated Too Long
This is also extremely important.
No matter how nice a crate you purchase for your Jack Russell, you never want to overdo how long they are inside of a crate.
It is a bad way to take care of a Jack Russell Terrier and may even cause them to eventually have a reserved behavior about entering the crate.
The crate should be used for potty training purposes in addition to sleeping at night and when you leave home.
Outside of these occurrences, the crate should be utilized as a come and go opportunity for your Jack Russell.
This means the door on the crate is always left open, and if your Jack Russell enjoys the crate and is comfortable inside of it, they have the option to relax inside of the crate with the gate open.
The crate should never be used for discipline purposes or for extended periods of time.
Listen to Your Jack Russell’s Response
Now, this tip is kind of a catch-22.
In the beginning, when you first start crate training your Jack Russell Terrier, do not use this advice.
They are going to whine and bark and go nuts for the first few nights, but you must ride this out.
It is a typical behavior you can expect from a Jack Russell during these first few nights home.
Teaching your Jack Russell that they can whine to get out of the crate is not a good approach and will ultimately hurt your disciplining and training efforts in the future.
However, in the future, if you notice that the space is too small or your Jack Russell is all of a sudden getting vocal about their crate, it may be time to consider an upgrade or to investigate the issue further.
Take Advantage of Sizing Options with Dog Crates for Jack Russell Terriers
This is the tip I mentioned when I discussed my number 1 recommended dog crate for Jack Russell Terriers.
I love the crates that offer the divider when you first purchase them.
This makes it possible to make the crate smaller when your Jack Russell is a puppy and extend the size as they grow.
This is excellent to help aid you with potty training and helps you continue to use the original crate that they are comfortable with.
You would be surprised how much they get used to something and changing the crate after 6 months may not be as easy as you think.
Try and find a crate that offers this option or choose my recommendation above to utilize this feature.
Should I Cover My Dog’s Crate?
This is completely dependent on your specific Jack Russell Terrier.
If your Jack Russell responds better to having their crate covered, than I would recommend covering the crate.
Some Jack Russell’s if the crate is not covered is going to bark and whine more frequently and get a better night’s rest with a covered crate.
However, some of Jack Russell’s will respond just the opposite.
I would always make sure that if you do cover the crate, make sure it does not get too hot for your Jack Russell inside.
Outside of that concern, pay attention to how your Jack Russell behaves using both approaches and stick with the approach that works the best for you and your Jack Russell.
Can A Dog Crate Be Too Big?
Yes, a dog crate can be too big.
In fact, that is why specific sizes for specific dogs are recommended and specifically why I recommended the crates to you that I did.
If the crate is too big for your Jack Russell, they may use the restroom inside of the crate if they are not potty trained and be more destructive such as shuffling their feet at the pan or tearing up a bed inside of the crate.
You want the crate for your Jack Russell Terrier to be large enough to be comfortable and allow your dog to fully stand up and rotate in a circle but not enough room to promote walking or other behaviors.
Where Should I Place the Dog Crate in The House?
Personally, I would recommend that you place the crate in a room separate from where you sleep.
This helps you with a few things.
First, during the first few nights that your Jack Russell is inside of the crate and screaming, you will still be able to sleep.
Secondly, you will be able to avoid that guilty feeling you get when you first crate a Jack Russell puppy.
Trust me, opening the door and caving during these first few nights is a big mistake, so do what you have to do in order not to fall victim to this.
Next, it is only going to help your Jack Russell Terrier to be away from you in the long run.
You likely have jobs and a life outside of your JR, and the faster they can recognize this, the fewer issues you are going to experience with bad behaviors inside the crate and with separation anxiety.
Ultimately, you can keep the crate wherever you want.
Still, my best advice I can give you is to choose a room a decent ways away from where you sleep for the best results and a minimal amount of guilt.
Crate Training A Jack Russell Puppy Vs. A Mature Jack Russell Terrier
It is important to note that crate training a Jack Russell puppy vs. crate training a more aged Jack Russell is completely different.
My Jack Russell was absolutely terrified of the crate for the 2-3 days and soiled the crate in the first few nights.
That is perfectly fine, and it is part of the process.
However, you need to ensure that you use the crate with your puppy but still actively take them outside as much as possible.
Reward them when they go potty outside in the middle of the night and return them to the crate and go back to sleep.
As they get older, they will stop soiling the crate, and you can begin leaving them in the crate if need be for longer durations of time.
The point I am trying to make with this speech is simple.
An older Jack Russell can use the crate as a basic safe area when you are away, but a puppy inside of the crate still needs attention, training, and the ability to exit the crate much more frequently.
Consistency Is Key When Crate Training A Jack Russell Terrier
My last critical piece of advice I can give you on this topic is simple.
Consistency is everything with a Jack Russell Terrier.
This applies to so much more than just crate training.
The more consistent you are with this dog breed, the more they respond and behave accordingly.
The same can be said with things such as exercise and potty training.
You need to stick with it and not give up.
Trust me, the painful whines to listen to only lasted about 2 days with my Jack Russell and got much better.
Now she uses her crate all the time, even when does not have to or when we are at home.
No matter what you do with your training methods and your Jack Russell…
Always remain consistent, and they will be happy and love you for it.
Crate Training Is Something All Jack Russell Terrier Parents Should Consider
I am not sure if it came across like this, but I am a huge believer in crate training a Jack Russell.
I do not even believe it should be optional because I believe it so beneficial in many ways for a Jack Russell Terrier.
If you use one of the recommended and best crates for your Jack Russell explained earlier in this post, it will be extremely easy to go through the process.
Fight through the first few days with your Jack Russell puppy inside of the crate, and it only gets easier for you after those 48 hours.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your new Jack Russell puppies and hope the crate training goes as smoothly as it did for us.
What Additional Information on Crate Training Can You Provide the Readers?
What additional tips can you provide the readers about crate/kennel training a Jack Russell Terrier?
Do you have any other crates that you think should be on our list for the “best Jack Russell Terrier Dog Crates”?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today, and we will see you all again next time.