Some dog breeds are known and have a reputation for being slightly more energized than other dog breeds.
There is no doubt about it.
Jack Russell’s happen to be one of those dog breeds.
It often leads individuals who are considering adopting a Jack Russell to have one question stuck in the back of their minds.
Can Jack Russell’s be calm?
I had the same question, and I’ve now been going through the journey for roughly 2 years, and here is what I can tell you on this topic.
Yes, Jack Russell’s can be calm. Jack Russell’s need the ability to exercise and need the ability to be mentally and physically challenged daily. Affording this exercise and mental stimulation can help a Jack Russell to release energy and will allow them to be a calm dog.
That’s the quick and easy answer to the question at hand.
I wanted to take the time in this post to take it one step deeper and discuss how to provide this for your Jack Russell effectively so that you can enjoy this wonderful family pet without always having the hyperactivity taking place.
You can consider this your 2-3-minute guide as to how you can effectively make your future or current Jack Russell a calmer dog breed in general.
Below, I’ve created easy to navigate links that will allow you to skip to any specific section of this post that you desire to read or learn more about.
Here are the topics that I intend on covering in today’s post for you:
- Can Jack Russell’s Be Calm Recap
- Training a Jack Russell to Be Calm
- Final Thoughts
- Share Your Thoughts
As mentioned previously, you can use the links directly above to skip around in this post.
Otherwise, if you have those few minutes to spare, you can feel free to stick around and learn how to effectively calm your Jack Russell and enjoy some relaxing evenings with them.
Here are the critical details to understand.
Can Jack Russell’s Be Calm Recap
Let’s get the most critical statement out of the way right off the bat.
Yes, Jack Russell’s can be calm dogs and act like any other dog will act with the proper planning and proper care.
It’s also important to understand that overall, a Jack Russell is considered a hyper dog.
It’s how they are wired and they naturally have a lot of energy.
The good news is that with some exercise, mental and physical stimulation, they can act like any other lap dog and can have a relaxing and chilling demeanor to them as well.
Without taking these steps, you are likely to encounter some behaviors that you don’t desire to see or deal with such as chewing or even excessive barking.
They need a way to release this energy that builds up within them.
It’s even known to be a factor that can contribute to a Jack Russell shaking.
Nervous energy and needing the ability to release that energy.
Now that we have that initial disclaimer out of the way let’s move into the steps you can take towards calming a Jack Russell and how you can enjoy some excellent calm couch time with your new JR.
Here are those details for you.
Training a Jack Russell to Be Calm
Training a Jack Russell to be calm doesn’t require all that much effort.
In fact, it’s not necessarily training a Jack Russell to be calm that you need to complete.
It’s training a Jack Russell in general that you need to accomplish first.
This can be the little things such as potty training, learning to sit and shake, and other basic commands.
Simply training a Jack Russell these basic commands allows them to use their intelligent minds and put themselves to work and into learning mode.
This alone can help burn energy and help to exhaust your Jack Russell.
Clearly, this training doesn’t need to take place for their entire lives.
This is when it becomes essential to provide other ways for them to release their energy.
This is when you can begin turning towards exercise or even providing toys that can mentally stimulate your Jack Russell.
Some of my top recommendations include simple things such as taking your Jack Russell for a long walk, run or even playing tug of war with your Jack Russell.
You can also do simple games such as fetch with your new JR.
It’s not necessarily the activity that matters but the fact that you are allowing them to burn some energy and use up some of the hyper build up they have inside.
Doing this is going to create a much calmer, relaxed, and much more behaved Jack Russell.
Without it, your Jack Russell will get bored quickly and find ways to push their boundaries.
It’s just how they tend to act if they aren’t given something constructive to do at least once per day.
Trust me, it’s much better to use that energy they have towards positive behaviors as opposed to allowing them to choose the activity and how they will release that energy.
This is when you are more likely to encounter chewing and other behaviors that can not only be deemed as destructive but can also be extremely overwhelming for the owner.
The point here for all of your reading is simple.
Make sure you do something or allow your Jack Russell some form of energy release daily.
Don’t overthink it.
Take them for a walk at the bare minimum, and you will be able to enjoy a calm dog as opposed to the demeanor you have read or heard from other sources on the internet.
I can see a vast difference in the way my Jack Russell acts when she’s able to get out for a bit and perform a game or activity with me compared to the days where I don’t have the time to do so.
Nonetheless, it’s clearly good news that Jack Russell’s can become calm dogs that are perfectly fine cuddling up on the couch with you and the rest of the family.
Final Thoughts
Jack Russell’s makes for one of the most loyal dogs you can choose to adopt.
They are excellent family pets and have a great love for their owners.
While most would agree that a Jack Russell is not naturally the calmest dog breed you can adopt, you certainly have plenty you can do to mold your Jack Russell into the calm and relaxed dog you desire for you and the entire family.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming journey and new Jack Russell if you do happen to decide to adopt.
Thanks again for stopping by and reading.
Share Your Thoughts
What other recommendations can you share with the readers?
Do you have any further tips or tricks you can share that can help calm a Jack Russell?
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.
Thanks again, and we will see you next time.