I have been raising a Jack Russell Terrier for over 3 years, and I can tell you firsthand that this dog breed has tons of energy.
Finding proactive ways to tire out a Jack Russell is super beneficial for you and your dog.
To tire out a Jack Russell Terrier, you need to always provide a minimum of 3 things:
- Physical Exercise
- Mental Stimulation
- Socialization
These 3 things can provide many benefits and help keep you sane and prevent destruction around the home.
The rest of this discussion will break down what I believe are the best ways to tire out a Jack Russell.
I will also explain the benefits you will experience if you find ways to wear them down.
- The Benefits Of Tiring Out Your Jack Russell Daily
- Best Ways To Tire Out Your Jack Russell Terrier
- Jack Russell’s May Have High Energy, But You Can Tire Them Out
The Benefits Of Tiring Out Your Jack Russell Daily
Before diving into my favorite methods that I use to wear and tire out my Jack Russell, I want to touch on why it’s so important to do so in the first place.
Jack Russell’s are a dog breed that ranks at the top of the scale regarding energy levels.
Not to mention, they require exercise.
Lots of it.
Without exercise and a way to get tired, Jack Russell’s can become restless and bored relatively quickly.
Boredom and lack of exercise can quickly turn into negative behaviors.
Some of these may include behaviors such as:
- Excessive Chewing
- Excessive Barking
- Digging While Outside
- Escaping Or Running Away From The Yard
- Peeing Or Pooping Indoors
- Howling
With plenty of exercise and using some of the activities on my list, you can tire out your Jack Russell, helping to reduce many of these behaviors.
In turn, making the journey and experience of owning a Jack Russell much more rewarding and less stressful.
In other words, tiring out your Jack Russell is an absolute must and will make your life so much easier for just a few minutes a day.
And now, without further ado…
It Is time to cover what activities I recommend and enjoy doing with my Jack Russell Terrier to achieve this state of exhaustion and being worn down.
Here we go with #1.
Best Ways To Tire Out Your Jack Russell Terrier
#1- Let Your Yard Help You Tire Out Your Jack Russell Terrier
For many of you reading, I know that time is not one of the luxuries you have.
Many of us are probably in this situation.
This shouldn’t prevent you from adopting a dog like the Jack Russell Terrier that can ultimately turn into one of the best companions and family pets you can raise.
You just need to get creative and allow the tiring out to take place passively.
To do this, those of you with yards that are safe for a Jack Russell are in great shape.
Especially those of you with a fence.
Let your yard do some of the work for you.
My Jack Russell loves to run around in the yard, pick up scents and chase squirrels.
She loves being outside in general and running in circles like a madwoman.
This can only take you so far because they will eventually want some interaction.
However, it can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.
Proof your yard and ensure it is safe for your Jack Russell.
Then, when weather permits (not too hot or too cold), allow them to be outside, burning off some energy as much as possible.
This can reduce the total time you need to spend with them performing exercise or any other activities on my list to tire them out.
#2- Walking And Running Is Key
No matter how good of a backyard you have, walking and running is what I would consider the bare minimum with a dog like a Jack Russell.
Meaning an adequate yard to burn energy, and yes, a walk would still be super ideal.
Here is why.
A yard can only provide so much socialization and mental stimulation.
It may seem like a subtle shift, but a walk or a run really wears them down because they get so darn excited for it.
Every person, animal, or even car they see, gets their energy and blood moving.
Luna (my Jack Russell) looks at everything.
Some stimuli, she barks at, and some don’t bother her.
This is what happens with adequate socialization and exposure to these things.
Walks and runs provide something a backyard can’t.
Some mental tiring out.
Even if your Jack Russell has been chasing rabbits all day in the backyard, you should try and get in a short walk or run.
You will be shocked at the difference this makes.
Trust me.
#3- Spend The Day On The Water
Now we start diving into activities that can tire out your Jack Russell that I would consider “optional” or based on “preference.”
If you are an outdoors type of person, spending the day on the water is another excellent way to tire out a Jack Russell, depending on the climate in your area.
This could be swimming, or it could be boating with you while you fish or taking the pontoon out.
It could also be something such as camping near water and just playing a game of fetch.
Being outdoors in a new environment will stimulate the mind and body of your Jack Russell and help them get tired out.
Another great suggestion if you are dealing with what feels like too much energy from your JRT.
#4- Provide Ongoing Training
This is the best recommendation on this list, in my opinion.
Especially if you are grading this list based on the ability to mentally wear down and tire out a Jack Russell.
Not to mention, it keeps a routine with providing discipline and consistency with your efforts.
Continue training even if you feel like initial potty training and basic commands are well covered.
Repetition and practices make perfect, and Jack Russell’s love to please their owners.
It is top of mind for them.
Especially when you effectively reward them for a job well done.
JRT’s seek praise and active training.
Whether it’s clicker training, more advanced commands, or something super advanced like hunting, which can go a long way towards wearing out your Jack Russell.
#5- Interact With Durable Dog Toys
Dog toys that are durable and allow destruction while remaining safe are essential with a dog like the Jack Russell.
You can check out some of my recommendations here.
Chew toys teach your Jack Russell to chew the correct items around the house.
In the early stages, I had this problem getting my Jack Russell interested in the toys.
She wanted human interaction so bad that if I didn’t play with the toys with her initially, she wouldn’t even blink an eye at them.
Make sure that you don’t give up on a toy before implementing this.
Start by playing with the toys with your Jack Russell.
Example (tug with a rope toy)
This will get them interested and allow them to understand they can chew it without getting in trouble.
After this, allow your Jack Russell to know where the toy basket or the toys are in the home.
Doesn’t always work perfectly, but overall, a good fix for some built-up energy.
#6-Let The Kids And Family Help Tire Down Your JRT
My 5-year-old son is a lifesaver when it comes to wearing out my Jack Russell.
He loves just chasing her and almost playing a game of tag with her around the home.
This is great socialization for a Jack Russell as well to be exposed to younger children.
Let your kids play with the dog (once trust is established) to help burn off some of that energy and tire out your dog.
Trust me, in my opinion, he does a better job at wearing her out than I do a lot of days.
#7-Stimulate Your Jack Russell’s Mind To Calm Them Down
We touched on this when we touched on ongoing training.
Something you need to realize is that Jack Russell’s can often need more than physical stimulation.
Jack Russell’s are intelligent dogs with a stubborn side.
If you give them control, they can abuse it quickly.
Find ways to wear them out mentally as well.
Instead of always using training as your method, try mental stimulation or brain games for your dogs.
Often, these will be toys that require more thinking and effort to get a treat from.
Anything that can force your Jack Russell some mental efforts can help a ton to tire them out.
#8- Allow Plenty Of Zoomies
Zoomies are a trademark of the Jack Russell Terrier.
In my opinion, at least.
Zoomies are essentially your Jack Russell running at full speed in circles for no apparent reason.
In the beginning, it may startle you or even be annoying.
They don’t stop.
I’ve been witnessing these for the entire 3 + years of raising Luna.
It’s usually once or twice a day when this burst of energy occurs, and then they calm down.
It is almost like the zoomies are the last dance of the day for your JRT.
Roll with it and enjoy it.
They are funny to witness and always put a smile on my face.
Allow your Jack Russell to have this mad dog phase for a few minutes inside or outside the home.
No matter how much it annoys you, it seems almost like the JRT needs this final energy release.
Get out the smartphone, get a video and send it to the family and then head to bed for the evening.
Zoomies are not something you will avoid owning a JRT and something I love about raising this dog breed.
Plus, they certainly tire them out and wear them down post zoomie.
Jack Russell’s May Have High Energy, But You Can Tire Them Out
By this point in this discussion, you probably have a good understanding of some of the activities you can do with your Jack Russell Terrier to wear them down.
It doesn’t make a difference which one you choose if you make a little time each day.
Effectively wearing down your Jack Russell Terrier will make a more behaved dog and allow essential bonding time between the two of you.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Jack Russell Terriers and the journey you have ahead of you.
What Other Methods Can Jack Russell Owners Use To Tire Them Out?
What other tricks and tips have I left out that can help tire out and wear down a Jack Russell Terrier?
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, and we will see you again next time.