Your Jack Russell is intelligent enough to learn fetch quickly with little training.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a dog that was originally bred in England for fox hunting. The Russell Terrier is described as game but not troublesome, according to the American Kennel Club. The instincts the dog was bred with will enable it to pick up the game of fetch relatively easily. Most dogs, and Terrier breeds especially, are quick to chase a moving toy or ball. Teaching your Jack Russell to play fetch will consist of timing and teaching your dog to return with the toy or ball. Your dog should know basic obedience commands such as "come" and "drop it" before attempting to learn this game.
Instructions
1. Place training treats in your pocket or in a solid bag or sack that your puppy cannot see through.
2. Sit down on the floor with your puppy and a ball. Start by rolling the ball only a few feet away. When your puppy chases the ball and and picks it up in his mouth, praise him and reward him with a treat. Use a clicker to signal to your puppy that he has done as you asked before praising and rewarding him if you already use a clicker in training.
3. Repeat Step 2 until your puppy consistently goes after the ball and picks it up at least three times. When your Jack Russell does not chase or pick up the ball, ignore the dog and wait 20 to 30 seconds before trying again.
4. Roll the ball at least 5 feet away. When your puppy chases and picks up the ball, praise and reward him immediately. If you use a clicker for training, you must click, praise and reward him within seconds of him picking up the ball. Repeat this exercise while changing and extending the distance you roll the ball.
5. Roll the ball away as you have been doing but withhold praise and reward. Now each time your puppy chases and picks up the ball, instead of praise call him to you. The instant your dog reaches you with the ball praise him and reward him. If your dog does not know the "come" command, try going back to basic obedience commands before continuing to teach your dog to play fetch. According to Victoria Stilwell's "Have the Perfect Pet" basic obedience, commands are important to your dog's and other people's safety. They should be taught before tricks and games. If your dog drops the ball before returning or does not come to you, ignore him and try again after 30 seconds.
6. Practice getting your dog to chase, pick up and return to you with the ball. Praise and reward should come instantly when he brings the ball to you. When your dog consistently brings the ball to you, begin using the "drop it/leave it" command to get your dog to drop the ball before praising and rewarding him. Go through the entire process over and over until your dog can consistently go get the ball, bring it back and drop it.
7. Continue to play fetch with your dog. He knows do it and now needs only to learn the command. Start each game with the word "fetch." When your dog goes through the motions, returns with the ball and drops it, praise and reward him. Repeat this regularly. Your Jack Russell can now play fetch, and with consistent training he will learn and remember what "fetch" means and what is expected of him.
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