can i train my 11 week old jack russel pups ears to go down?

Question

she is cute but she holds her ears straight up like a rabbit wrather than a dog. I call her fruit bat most of the time..lol is there any way i can train her ears to flop down by rubbing them downwards or will they maybe go down with maturity?

Answer 1

P-rick ear in a jack russell is considered part of poor breeding
http://www.jackrussell.net/faq/faq/ears.htm

Though I am not recommending here is a taping guide which is meant for setting the irish terriers ears

http://www.irishterriers.com/welcome.htm?eartrain.htm

Answer 2

Big question.....is she purebred? I ask this, because every JRT I've seen, has naturally floppy ears. Although, there is an Irish ''strain'', that has short legs, and erect ears, so only time will tell you if your dog will continue to have erect ears, or if they'll flop over.

Either way, love her for the ears she has. You can't change them. The ears the dog is born with, should be the ears the dog gets to keep. I don't see any reason to change the appearance of your dog, unless there's a health concern.

Answer 3

When your pup does this he is showing dominance. I highly recommend the family watch a few episodes of the "Dog Whisperer". Everyone in the house should learn the proper method of subduing the family pet. JRT's are extremely tenacious and it is a family affair. I also recommend obedience training for this breed in particular. You will find over time the only difference in the JRT and APB is about 65lbs. They are every bit as strong willed and require constant supervision. Be kind to your JRT and have him neutered at the 1st availability. An intact JRT is almost uncontainable if there is a female in the area. We had one that went 30 miles to socialize with an Airedale female he got a scent on. Fortunately we live in a very tight knit community and so we got him back without incidence. I love this breed and currently have 2. I set aside one full day to outside excursions for them every weekend. Yesterday we covered miles of beach and forest trails. This is the only way I know to keep them calm during the week. They also hunt for vermin about 2 hours every night after work. Remember this is a working dog 1st; with regular exercise he will be a great family pet. Congrats on your new family member!

Answer 4

Jack Russels are like this. Part of their charm. I have a dog that is Half Jack Russel. And his ears only go up when he is intently listening to something.
Just love your puppy and her style.

Answer 5

Anyone here that says they have one with erect ears, don't have a purebred one!
Jack Russells have folded ears, not floppy nor erect.
If your dog has erect ears, there is something else in its bloodline, and it can come from few generations back.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry to tell you but it won't work!! I have a Jack Russell who's ears stand up to!! It just makes better personality :P

Answer 7

The breeder needs to help you tape them---& you have to remove the tape every other day & swab the insides out with listerine to avoid ear infections (by not getting enough air in. The breeder should really show you. If the breeder has no experience, call local groomers or kennels & ask a professional handler to show you how.

Answer 8

We have 3 Jacks in our family and I have never seen up-right ears either???? Are you sure you dont have a Ratt terrier? They kinda look alike....

Answer 9

Yes u can, but make sure that she feels comfortable doing that. Every time her ears go down give her a treat.

Answer 10

Well, first of all I don't know why you have such a big issue with this and you probably couldn't anyway.