JRT Harness Warning

Well, I've got bad news. Much to my dismay I have found out that the Puppia harness I love no longer works for my little Jackie. (You can see a picture of Charlie wearing her lovely red harness below.)

What happens is that we'll be on a walk, and when Charlie becomes bored or frustrated with me not walking fast enough, she'll just shrug off the harness. In fact it happened again just a few minutes ago and I had the harness very, very tight.

I'm thinking that this 'special ability' comes from her Jack inheritance. That the very physiology that allows Jacks to scurry down a hole after a fox, allows Charlie to scrunch up her chest and throw her harness off.

*sigh*. So I pass on this warning and will post if I find a reliable alternative. Perhaps a regular collar... or a full body suit with an o-ring.

Stay safe.

Pam~

Stripping Jack Russell Terriers

Huh? I have to do what to my dog?
Strip her coat with a knife?
What does this even mean?

I must say that I was clueless about hand stripping (or stripping in general) until I began reading about my Charlie's health and maintenance. Turns out that wiry terriers like Jack Russells have longer hairs that act as protection when they work in the field. Next to the skin there's the soft thick undercoat, but over this are the long hairs that give them that adorable, scruffy appearance.

These long hairs grow and die like regular dog hair, but they don't necessarily fall out. And if they aren't shed they accumulate along with the dust and debris that stick to them, and they not only look unattractive, they can lead to skin irritation in the dog, and aggravated allergies in their people. It's for this reason that we need to pluck the coat.

After reading about the process, I quickly decided that only reading wasn't going to be sufficient to give me the confidence I need to tackle this task. I therefore began scanning YouTube and the internet for videos using 'Jack Russell' and 'stripping' as keywords. And I was amazed at how little useful information there was.

I got better results however using 'terrier stripping' for my keywords and I've listed the videos I think are worth taking a look at, below. If you find others, please let me know. I'll add them to this page.

Best of Show

How to Strip the Coat - Norwich Terrier

-- a longer video that discusses how to shape. Granted, it's about stripping a Norwich Terrier, but the principles no doubt apply. Again, this one does not show how to hold the knife, but the lady strips a good portion of this dog and it's good to see it done.

Tools for Handstripping - Lisa Leady (Lisa Leady on Handstripping, Groom Expo 2009)

-- talks about terrier stripping from a Groomers perspective. Talks about important things like how important it is to get equipment that's comfortable for your hand, and how to dull your knife so you don't cut the coat (or the dog!) instead of pulling it out. THE best advice for me was to use a pumice stone on-a-stick.

Grooming the Jack Russell Terrier for Companionship, Work and Show with Michelle Ward
-- good general advice on grooming, like using a mirror and how to shape feet hair, but no details on the stripping process



Tools!
Wonderful Michelle Ward suggested using a pumice stone on-a-stick and I'm here to say that it works!!! I just got mine and tried it and I was pleasantly surprised at how the pumice grabs the hair. I was soon on my way to pulling out dead hair.

Here's the 'weapon' I choose =>>

Let me note that the pumice is very soft and I'd say that between the little flakes that fall off the stone and the hair that accumulates, that you ought to do this with either outside or with a towel underneath your dog.

I will also note that the handle isn't necessary. I mean, how can you use it .and. grasp the hair with the same hand. No, you have to hold the pumice stone in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to clasp the dead hair.

Pam

Why Do Dogs Like Balls? by Caroline Coile Ph.D. and M. Bonham

Why Do Dogs Like Balls?
by D. Caroline Coile Ph.D. and Margaret H. Bonham

About the Authors

D. CAROLINE COILE has penned many books and articles. Her doctorate is in canine senses, genetics and behavior. She has a website here.

MARGARET H. BONHAM has authored many books and articles and has won numerous rewards. She is also a pet behaviorist and trainer.

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (September 2, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 1402750390

This is a fun, breezy book that's an enjoyable read. The format is that the authors pose a question which they then answer. The topics are diverse and range from silly to serious. Questions like "Do other dogs think Poodles are aliens" to "Is cocoa mulch harmful to pets?"

I found it both entertaining and informative though it took me a while to get used to the authors talking about one another and their dogs.

Pam

The Jack Russell Terrier by Alan and Maureen Broadstock

The Jack Russell Terrier
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying, Owning, and Training (Breed Basics)
by Alan and Maureen Broadstock

About the Authors

Maureen and Alan Broadstock are breeders of JRTs. In addition, they have run a kennel for over two decades and are show judges; Maureen being a Treasurer with the Parson Russell Terrier Club.

Hardcover: 111 pages
Publisher: Willow Creek Press (December 2002)
ISBN-10: 157223511X
-- amazon


My Take

This is another nice book from Great Britain. It is made with quality paper and it has some wonderful color photos of beautiful Jacks and Jackies. [My vote for best coffee-table Jack book.)

In general I would say that it would make a fine introduction to Jack Russells as many facets of dog ownership are covered. Everything from how to acquire a Jack to how to successfully assimilate him into the household. However, like most of the books I've read thus far, it is not a stand-alone book and I'm sure there will be some questions left unanswered at the end.

Find the table of contents below. Items which are underlined will show some additional information if you hover your mouse over them.

Table Of Contents

WHAT MAKES A RUSSELL SPECIAL?

CHOOSING A RUSSELL

WELCOME HOME!

STARTING RIGHT

ROUTINE CARE

HAVING FUN WITH YOUR RUSSELL

THE HEALTHY RUSSELL

Appendix
FURTHER INFORMATION

Click here to see a sample text page

Click here to see a Sample Chapter with it's sub-headings

The best part of the history of John Russell and his terriers in this book is the delightful picture of Penelope Russell sitting with one of the first John Russell terriers. It's a very shaggy creature indeed!

Other information that I found especially helpful, and which was not available in every other volume on JRTs, was the advice on how to introduce a pup to it's new family. In fact, I used this information when we introduced Charlie-Amanda, our then 8 week-old Jack-mix to our fat-cat Ling; and then subsequently when we added Rodger to our clan. (Two pups is MUCH easier than one, by the way. Our new poodle is keeping our now 7 month-old Charlie busy and happy.) Everything went smoothly both times. Rodger was happy to meet both Charlie and Ling; and the advice on small children I used with our neighboring small ones.

Final thoughts: I found Alan and Maureen's book very readable and informative. Their advice on how to locate a decent breeder and pup was solid. The history and how-to's of health and maintenance were also good. However, as much as I liked this book, especially the information on introducing puppy into the home, I don't think you can get by with only reading this one book. I don't think, for example, that there is enough information about potty training.

Deficits:::

• The only deficit I can think of is that it could have been longer. This couple obviously knows a great deal and I wish they had been given the pages by the publisher to give us more detail. As it stands, it's a nice introduction but there's not enough information on every topic. [The sections on training were very brief.]
  

Strengths:::

• Wonderful color pictures. Out of the 5 or so books I've read thus far, this one has the best layout and images. I especially liked the picture of John Russell's wife, Penelope, with one of the Parson's original dogs. A very scruffy and adorable creature. (Mrs. Russell looks sweet as well.)

• This book is well written and very readable.

• I particularly liked the discussions on introducing a puppy to the other inhabitants of the house: be they cats, other pups or children.
  

• The only book thus far that gives advice on second dogs. "If you already have a dog at home, it is advisable to get a pup of the opposite sex. Although this may pose management problems if the dogs are not neutered, that will probably get on better with each other. Russell bitches often get on fine with bitches of other breeds, but they are not so keen on their own kind."

• I like their discussion on coat markings, and suggestions on getting an older dog.

• Unlike the Pavia and Barron's book this one gives some outlines on how to train your pup to do basic commands like sit and stay.

Pam

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