can my kids have a jack russul terrier?

Question

my kids want a jack russul terrier named charity she is a girl and a puppy. my kids are 8, 11 and 12.how do I know if they are responsable enough.

Answer 1

Jack Russell's are high energy dogs. While they can be wonderful with kids, they'll tolerate no abuse . This may not be a good first dog for you. They honestly require a more experienced owner. I had one that I loved almost like he was one of my kids. They are highly intelligent and very prone to getting lost because of their instinct to "run to ground" anything they get a scent on. I can't say enough about the breed, but they really do require an owner with experience.

Call a local animal shelter and get their opinion on a good first dog. An older dog is an excellent choice for many people, Usually a lot of the training has been done already. I adopted a 2 year old lab/spaniel mix 12 years ago and she has been a pure joy. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Jack Russell Terriers are not good dogs for children. While they are a wonderful breed, they are very hyper & take lots of exercise. A young JRT pup is nippy, jumpy, and never stops. Some people think that would be a great thing as kids are hyper etc, BUT you don't want to get a puppy just as something to occupy the kids. They will get tired of it eventually, and the puppy will be the one that suffers. Not only that, but you say you want to know if they are responsible enough. That shouldn't be the question. The question is, are you a responsible enough parent to take care of the puppy when the kids lose interest, and not just throw the puppy in a shelter or put it in the paper as "free to a good home". Please rethink your choice.

Answer 3

You will definitely have to help! Puppies are so hard to handle and train! A kid can't do it by themselves, no matter how responsible they are. I'm 15 and I consider myself pretty responsible.
However, I would look into other types of dogs too. Jack Russells can be very high maintenance...Some of my family members have them. Look at some bigger dogs....I have a mastiff...If you don't want to deal with BIG puppies look at rescue for the larger dogs... However, the larger dogs are SO good tempered and affectionate. They don't run around and aren't as crazy either.

Answer 4

Jack Russell's are high energy, working dogs. They thrive on plenty of exercise and attention. By exercise, I am not just talking about a simple walk once a day or whatever. These dogs were bred to "go-to-ground" meaning hunt vermin in the deep holes of earth. If you do not give the dog plenty of exercise and an outlet for her abundant energy, he will find something else to do, i.e, chewing on things she shouldn't, running like mad, herding the children, and other wild behaviors. Plus, she can develop some terrible behavioral issues if she is not allowed to exert her energy.

If you and the children are commited to this dog and her complete welfare, meaning giving her the proper care and exercise, then she WILL make an ideal addition to your family.

The breed overall is loving and fun:)

Edited to add: You need to make sure and have a professional dog trainer set up to help you with the training. These dogs need to know who is boss at all times, so they need assertive and constant training. The training needs to start as soon as possible as the dog comes home, so to be sure that the dog can adapt to the kids, the kids understand the rules with the dog and the training, and it all meshes together.

Answer 5

Children should never be solely responsible for a dog. Your kids are going to grow up, get involved in sports, school events, then college. The dog is, more than likely, going to stay with you.

JRT's are NOT for first time owners - they are high energy dogs, require a lot of frequent exercise and an owner who has a strong will and tolerance for training.

If you're willing to take on the responsibility of the pet, and you do some research on the breed, then by all means adopt her. If you want this dog to be the responsiblity of your children, then do not adopt the pet.

My daughter is 16 and she cannot handle the responsibility. She has school, then sports, then volunteering, then social engagements and that leaves ZERO time for the dog. Thankfully I knew this when I adopted 'her' dog and assumed the responsibility from day one.

Answer 6

Well, are they good about picking up after themselves? Do they help out without complaining with chores? You know your children and you know if you'll be the one stuck picking up poop and taking it for walks. It's great you have 3 kids because that is alot of help. I think all kids should have a dog, it teaches alot of responsibility. You need to really sit down and explain that this is their dog and their responsibility and not yours much like the kids are your responsiblity. Ask them how they wouldl feel if you "forgot" to feed them breakfast or dinner or if you never did their laundry. You also could work out a schedule on a board dividing responsibilites (feeding and walking). Jack Russels don't require alot of grooming. They are very active dogs and need to be walked alot (even if it's freezing or raining). The older ones could also look into taking it to a 4-H puppy obedience or puppy kindergarten at a local dog obedience club. Jack Russels can be quite crazy and the sooner you teach them obedience, the better (trust me on this one). The oldest could also look into doing agility with it when it's 6 months which Jack Russels excel in. Whatever you decide to do, please take it to puppy obedience. It's really worth it. If you're kids are spoiled and lazy like they won't clean their room 'cause they want to play video games, they aren't probably ready for a dog. However, it could end up helping them to be responsible. Just be prepared to end up taking care of it like so many parents do. Your children are excellent ages to have a puppy. They are way past the age where they risk hurting the puppy by pulling tails or smothering it. Just make sure they know that the puppy needs lots of rest like a baby. Buy it a large, soft kennel (made out of durable fabric) and put comfy bedding and toys in it so it can get away when it's had enough. Good luck. I say, give it a shot as long as you can take care of it if they prove irresponsible (too many dogs end up in shelters 'cause parents don't have time to take care of dogs that kids promised to take care of).

Answer 7

I had one about 3 years ago. Luke was very active and fun...and with three kids you can divi' the chores equally

Answer 8

oi vay
I'd say almost any breed other than a JRT
They are spunky and energetic which is great for kids
But they are also TERRIERS which to me means terror

and escape artists too

Answer 9

oh my gosh yes!!! i got my jack russell when i was like 13 and she and i are still the best of friends! you definitely need to help with house training, the way we do it is hang a string of bells by the door. ring the bells everytime you take the dog out. then she will learn to do so whenever she needs out. they are great companions, and will not be crazy hyper if you hold them a lot (tightly!)....they are great dogs and very smart!

Answer 10

you don't unless you allow them to have the dog. Jack Russell's make excellent pets and they are very active. the children Will have lots of fun with a jack Russell