Dear Cesar,
I have two Jack Russell terriers, male and female.
When we walk on leash, the male gasps for breath because he pulls so hard on his leash. I have tried small elastic extensions on his harness, but this does not help.
The female has no problems walking on leash. The two dogs get along fine and love to walk together in tandem.
What can I do to help my male dog enjoy his walks?
Sandra
Sandra,
With a dog like your high-energy Jack Russell, I put my rollerblades on or jump on my bike! Don't go against his nature. Some dogs just prefer to run before they walk. He may well be one of them.
I would take the calm dog on a walk first until she is satisfied or tired. Then I would leave her at home while I use wheels to let the male run.
Dogs can walk for hours, but they can only run for so long. Generally, after 15 minutes or so, your dog will get hot and be done running. Then he will ready for a walk. If you can't run with him, I suggest using a backpack to redirect the energy to pulling or carrying.
If you would like to walk your dogs together, I would recommend waiting until after you have already run with the male dog. When he is ready to walk, then you can introduce the female and walk together as a pack.
Stay calm and assertive,
Cesar Millan
Get more tips for problem on the walk on the Common Canine Misbehaviors DVD.
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Jack Russel pulling on leash
We've had this problem with our 3 yr old Aussie/Corgie mix and the new JRT...the thing that has worked wonders for us is called a Gentle Leader. It's actually a head collar. Check your humane society or local big name pet store. It works wonders. It's the same concept as a bridal for a horse, plus it doesn't put pressure on their throat! Love ours.
Bike vs Russel
I have a 8yr old Parson Russel, I exercise him by taking him for a 5km run, still this is not making him tired, we can walk 12 km or more and still he's a bolt of energy.
So I wish you luck with a 15 minutes bike ride.
They never ever drain on energy, thou working with tasks and problem solving do make him more satisfied.
Jack Russell choking with collar and leash
Hi Cesar,
I have a 9 months male JRT(my first dog ever, and I'm 42!!). He is so happy when I grab the collar and leash, I make him sit, and he stays. But he starts to pull very hard that he chokes himself and starts coughing hard, but keeps pulling. He is both anxious, and frightened, he goes with ears back, tail between legs, around my block or the next one.
When we are getting to a house where there is a dog he tries to avoid walking by. And there are lots of dogs in my neighbourhood !! So the walking is like a torture for me and for my arm and shoulder !! and not so sure if he likes it. If there are people around, he gets very happy and jumps on them, specially if they are kids, but this excitement causes fear in people... I'm experimenting with a choke chain collar now, but he doesn't care!! His fears are stronger than pain and he still pulls hard.
Should I use a harness? I still haven't tried my rollerblades with him because I'm afraid to fall and get hurt..., also I'm planning on making a backpack for him (those are not available in my country, or at least not for a Jack Russell size).
I watch the show and it's very useful and educational. I love it. You are great!! I wish I can be like you =) also, I wish you come to my country.
Regards from Argentina!
pulling on leash
dear cesar,
my black lab/springer spanial moe is much like sandras jack russell. we adopted him last september and he was not taught how to walk on the leash. Moe Moe pulls on the leash then coughs as well but i was wondering instead of getting roller blades ( because i dont know how to roller blade) it is possible to take him to the local park and play ball with him for awhile to get the energy out and then take him for a walk. or possibly just play ball with him in the back yard before going on a walk? adn i have tried to get him to calm down before i put the leash on but as soon as he sees the leash he goes crazy! what do i do about that? any help would be appreciated :)
thanks,
ashleigh & moe moe
Overexcitement
I have two male jack russell terrier. Befor we go on the walks i grab their leashes they go crazy and overexcitement and during the times we was putting on their leashes and collars. we use harneless cause the last time we use collars they pull and choke themselves. What should I do to calm the two male jack russell terrier before we go for a walk.
jack Russell
Where can I find a backpack for our Jack Russell - I can only find ones for bigger dogs. I would make my own if I could just find a pattern even!
dog packs
I found one for my minitures schnauzer...it said for 10-20 pound dogs...they also had one for up to 10 pounds...check around pet stores or order online. I found mine for $10 at T-Max.