What About? Jack Russell Terriers by Audrey Pavia

What About? Jack Russell Terriers
The Joys and Realities of Living with a JRT
by Audrey Pavia

About the Author
AUDREY PAVIA is a former managing editor of Dog Fancy and a former senior editor of the AKC Gazette.

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (Nov. 2003)
• ISBN-10: 0764540890
  -- amazon
  

My Take

If you are looking for a book with a negative perspective on Jacks, then this the one for you. In fact, if I didn't think Ms. Pavia was trying to help potential Jack owners, I would think she didn't like the breed very much. She notes, for example, that Jacks aren't a good choice for the first time dog owner because "Jack Russells are aggressive in nature, extremely active and hard to train." She goes on to note that they are prone to barking frequently and loudly, are difficult to house train, and shed a great deal; and that they are eager and willing to destroy your home and are a potential hazard to nearly every other small animal that might cross their path.

Now, most knowledgeable authors will say something to that effect -- that Jacks are hyperactive, stubborn and prone to wanting (and getting) their own way -- but they won't say it with as much enthusiasm as the Ms. Pavia.


Below is Table of Contents. I've only listed the major chapter headings and you should note that there are many subheadings which I haven't included because it would be overwhelming to type it all out -- although I will provide a sample page to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. These subheadings are very useful, by the way, when you want to locate a particular bit of information or a section to reread.

Table of Contents

What Exactly is a Jack Russell Terrier?
How Does a Jack Russell Terrier Behave?
How Will My Jack Russell Terrier Grow and Develop?
How Healthy are Jack Russell Terriers?
What Should My Jack Russell Terrier Eat?
How Much Exercise Does a Jack Russell Terrier Need?
What's Involved in Training a Jack Russell Terrier?
How Do I Groom My Jack Russell Terrier?
Where Should I Get My Jack Russell Terrier?
What About Registering My Jack Russell Terrier?

How Can I Learn More?
Index

Click here to see a sample text page

Viewpoint aside, I have to say that I ended up liking this book quite a bit and I believe it would make a good book for the first time owner, or good choice for the person who hasn't lived with a dog in a while -- because heaven knows dog ownership has transitioned into a science while we were all weren't looking. The the author provides a lot of detailed material about how to find a puppy/dog, how to puppy-proof your home, and feed and groom your new dog, and otherwise care for them.

As I said, the author has many negative things to say about Jacks, but really these are all points that people should consider before they acquire any dog.

I particularly like the sections where she talks about 'dog body language'. This is something many books don't talk about at all, but which is very important. And in the case of JRTs it's important to know when the dog considers you to be dominant and when they don't.



Deficits:::

• Published on cheap paper with very few small and forgettable black-and-white photos.

• Price estimates for spaying were 1/3 of the going rate in my area, which reminds me that you should know that owning a dog costs an amazing amount of money these days. We've had Charlie for 4 months and have probably spent a $1,200 dollars, what with the cost of adoption, spaying, shots, doctor visits for being stung by wasps, and then stung by a bee on the lip (though she was so cute that they didn't charge my husband for that visit... but they could have), eating wild mushrooms and deworming. Oh yes, and the search for a food she'll eat goes on.
  

Strengths:::

• You are told what to expect in regards to temperament, intelligence, and exercise requirements for your new family member. (No couch potatoes need apply)
  

• You are given good information on how to care for your Jack. There is in-depth talk about dog health, including the basics of fleas and ticks, as well as other potential health problems. I thought the author had very good explanations, for example, for various disorders and why you should be concerned, and importantly what you can do about it!

• There was good info about how to choose a puppy, and what tests are available to determine temperament.
  

• Also good information on what health tests are available and what background information you should expect from a good breeder.

• The author does a better than average job in describing what a Jack's workout regimen should consist of and what sort of play environment they need.

• If you are the type of person that likes a book that uses clear easy sentences, What About? Jack Russell Terriers would be an good choice.

• The best choice that I've read thus far, for children. (Not young children but Tweens on up.)
  

Pam