Getting a new Jack Russell Terrier puppy is an exciting time, but it also means preparing your home for their arrival. Jack Russells are known for their high energy and curious nature, making it important to ensure your home is safe and ready for their playful antics. Proper preparation can prevent accidents and help your puppy settle in more easily.
By puppy-proofing your home, you create a secure environment where your new pet can explore and learn without getting into trouble. It’s about making small adjustments that will make a big difference in ensuring your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
Table of Contents
- 1) Install Baby Gates
- 2) Use pet-friendly cleaning supplies
- 3) Hide Electrical Cords
- 4) Secure Trash Cans
- 5) Remove Small Decorations
- 6) Keep medications away
- 7) Store Food Securely
- 8) Use Chew-Resistant Items
- 9) Cover Sharp Edges
- 10) Block Access to Stairs
- 11) Secure Loose Fabrics
- 12) Install Window Screens
- 13) Keep plants out of reach
- 14) Toilet seat down
- Understanding the Jack Russell Terrier
- Creating a Safe Environment
- Training and Socialization
1) Install Baby Gates
Installing baby gates helps keep your Jack Russell Terrier in safe, designated areas. This prevents them from wandering into rooms where they might chew on furniture or encounter hazardous items.
Place gates at the top and bottom of stairways to avoid falls and accidents.
Choose pressure-mounted gates for easy setup without damaging walls.
2) Use pet-friendly cleaning supplies
It’s important to switch to pet-safe cleaning supplies when you have a Jack Russell Terrier at home. Regular cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals that might be dangerous for your puppy.
Look for products labeled as non-toxic and biodegradable. These are safer for pets and the environment.
Make sure to store all cleaning supplies in a secure place where your puppy can’t reach. Even safe products can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
By using pet-friendly cleaning supplies, you help create a safer home for your furry friend.
3) Hide Electrical Cords
Electrical cords can be very tempting for your Jack Russell Terrier to chew on. This can lead to burns or even electrical shocks.
To keep your pup safe, tuck cords behind furniture or use cord concealers. Duct tape or cable ties can help secure them and keep them out of reach.
4) Secure Trash Cans
Trash cans can be very tempting for a curious Jack Russell Terrier. They love to explore and can knock over cans to get to what’s inside.
Use a sturdy trash can with a secure lid. Stainless steel options with foot pedals work well to keep your pup out.
If possible, store trash cans in a cabinet or closet to keep them completely out of reach. This added step will help ensure your home stays clean and your pup stays safe.
5) Remove Small Decorations
Keep small decorations out of reach. Puppies, especially Jack Russell Terriers, are curious and might chew or swallow them.
Check low shelves and tables for tiny items, like figurines or vases. Put them in safer spots where your puppy can’t reach.
Consider using storage boxes for easily movable decorations. Your pup will be safer this way.
6) Keep medications away
Always store medications in a safe place that your puppy can’t reach. Put them in locked cabinets or on high shelves. Never leave pills on counters or tables where your puppy might find them. Even a small amount of medicine can be dangerous for your Jack Russell Terrier.
7) Store Food Securely
Make sure all food is kept in secure containers, away from your puppy’s reach. Jack Russell Terriers are curious and might try to get into any food left out.
Place snacks and leftovers in the refrigerator or high cabinets. Avoid leaving any food on countertops or tables where your puppy might jump and grab it.
8) Use Chew-Resistant Items
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy and strong jaws. Using chew-resistant items can help keep your puppy safe and save your belongings. Look for toys made from durable materials like rubber or nylon.
Avoid giving your puppy soft toys or items that can be easily torn apart. This is important as small pieces can pose choking hazards or cause stomach issues. You can find a variety of chew-resistant toys at pet stores.
Always monitor your puppy with new toys to make sure they are safe and effective. If a toy starts to break apart, replace it immediately to prevent any accidents.
9) Cover Sharp Edges
Protecting your Jack Russell Terrier from sharp edges is crucial. Puppies love to explore and can easily bump into furniture.
Use corner guards or edge protectors. These are simple to install and can prevent injuries. Make sure to cover tables, counters, and any other furniture with hazardous corners.
10) Block Access to Stairs
Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
These gates prevent your Jack Russell Terrier from tumbling down or climbing up unsafely.
Stairs can be dangerous, especially for a curious puppy. Safe gates ensure your pup stays on one floor and reduces the risk of injury.
11) Secure Loose Fabrics
Jack Russell Terrier puppies love to chew and tug on loose fabrics. Curtains, tablecloths, and bed skirts are all inviting targets.
Use ties or clips to keep curtains out of reach. Remove tablecloths when not in use to prevent accidents. For bed skirts, consider using Velcro to attach them securely.
12) Install Window Screens
Make sure all windows have strong, secure screens. Jack Russell Terriers are curious and energetic. They might push or scratch at screens, so it’s important they are durable. Checking and replacing old or torn screens can prevent accidents or escape attempts. Your puppy’s safety starts with small steps like this!
13) Keep plants out of reach
Certain plants are toxic to dogs. Common toxic plants include amaryllis, lilies, and poinsettias.
Keep these out of your puppy’s reach. Move them to higher shelves or another room.
Holiday plants like mistletoe and holly also pose risks. Consider artificial plants instead.
14) Toilet seat down
Jack Russell Terrier puppies are curious and adventurous.
They might try to drink water from the toilet bowl.
Always keep the toilet seat down to prevent any accidents or health issues.
This simple habit helps keep your puppy safe.
Understanding the Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their lively nature, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts. These traits make them unique but also require specific care and attention from their owners.
Breed Characteristics
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs, typically weighing between 13-17 pounds and standing about 10-15 inches tall. They have a short, dense coat that can be smooth, rough, or broken. Their coloring is mostly white with black, tan, or brown markings.
These dogs are known for their agility and high energy levels. They were originally bred for hunting foxes, and their physical traits reflect this past. Their strong, muscular build and sharp senses make them exceptional at detecting and chasing small animals.
Behavioral Traits
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent and independent. They are quick learners but might challenge authority if not trained properly. These dogs need consistent training and firm leadership.
They are very energetic and require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise is vital to keep them happy and healthy. Without sufficient activity, they may develop behavioral issues like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.
Socialization is important as these dogs can be territorial. Introducing them to different environments, people, and other animals early can help mitigate aggressive tendencies.
Creating a Safe Environment
Making your home safe for a Jack Russell Terrier involves securing spaces they will use and implementing essential measures to prevent accidents and hazards. Focus on living areas and key safety practices to keep your energetic pup safe.
Secure Living Areas
It’s important to keep your pup from accessing dangerous areas. Use baby gates to block off certain rooms, like the kitchen, where they might get into trouble. Install cabinet locks to keep curious paws away from harmful chemicals and cleaning supplies.
Organize electrical cords using cable protectors, or move them out of reach to avoid chewing. Store small items like coins, batteries, or toys that are choking hazards.
Ensure your trash can has a secure lid, or place it inside a latched cabinet. Check your windows and opt for dog-safe blinds and partial opening to prevent escapes or injuries.
Essential Safety Measures
Place medications and hazardous items like chocolate and small bones high up or inside locked cabinets. Consider investing in child-proof locks for cabinets containing these items. Use storage containers for items that could be scattered, like food or small toys.
Install pet-safe plants in the places where you keep houseplants, as some common plants are toxic to dogs. Be mindful of wires and cords again, as these are major hazards. Use furniture and cord organizers to keep things tidy and safe.
Secure the furniture that can fall over, and always supervise your Jack Russell when they are exploring new areas of your home.
Training and Socialization
It’s important to start training and socialization early to help your Jack Russell Terrier become a well-behaved and friendly companion. Focus on teaching basic commands and carefully introducing your puppy to new spaces.
Basic Commands
Teaching basic commands is essential for managing your Jack Russell Terrier’s behavior. Start with simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Begin training when your puppy is around 8-12 weeks old. Early training sets the foundation for their behavior.
Use positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, or play to reward good behavior. Consistency is key. Repeat each command often until your puppy understands and responds reliably.
Practice in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Gradually introduce distractions once your puppy has mastered the commands in a calm setting. Always be patient and keep training sessions short, around 5-10 minutes, to hold your puppy’s attention.
Introducing to New Spaces
Introducing your Jack Russell Terrier to new spaces helps them become confident and adaptable. Start with familiar environments before moving to more complex settings.
Begin by letting your puppy explore a new room in your house. Allow them to sniff and get comfortable while providing positive reinforcement for calm behavior. Gradually move to other spaces like the backyard, then to public places like parks.
Monitor your puppy closely. Ensure each new experience is positive by keeping them away from overwhelming stimuli. Short, regular exposure to new environments helps them adjust without stress.
By combining these training and socialization steps, you’ll help your Jack Russell grow into a well-adjusted and happy dog.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.