ARE JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS GOOD APARTMENT DOGS?

Can I Live in an Apartment with a Jack Russell?

The short answer is: yes, so long as certain conditions are met. For some, having a dog in an apartment is to be avoided at all costs due to lack of space, boredom, no garden, etc. There are plenty of reasons not to do it. However, we tend to think that small to medium-sized dogs will be much more comfortable in a small space, where larger dogs would quickly feel cramped. But this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, some giant dog breeds, like the Great Dane or the Bernese Mountain Dog, would be much happier in an apartment close to their master, than alone in a big garden. It's all about understanding the breed that appeals to you. 

For a Jack Russell, life in an apartment is possible, under certain conditions! Jack Russells, like all good hunting dogs, need to exercise and run. Their small but muscular physique makes them very athletic, tireless doggies. In addition to the short walks you take each day to allow your pooch to do their business, make sure to schedule at least one long walk a day, of at least two hours. Make your dog run as much as possible and allow them to smell and sniff lots of new scents. On your days off, take your Jack Russell hiking in the forest or the countryside or for a walk by the sea. They will gladly join you for all your favourite activities, such as cycling, running, or even swimming. If you live near a dog park, allow your pooch to meet and play with other dogs: it's excellent for their socialisation!

How to Raise a Jack Russell in an Apartment

Training a dog to live in an apartment is a little different from living in a house and garden; it will take some fine-tuning and a little patience. First and foremost, you need to ask yourself the right questions: Are you out of the house a lot? Can you come home during your breaks? How much time can you spend with your Jack Russell each day? 

These questions are essential, whether you live in an apartment or a house. And it’s important to be honest with yourself! The Jack Russell is a dog that requires a significant investment of time. As we mentioned above, these doggies need to go out for at least two hours a day so they can stretch their legs, in addition to regular trips to do their doggy business.

Next, don’t forget to buy your dog some toys! It’s essential that you provide your Jack Russell with enough games and toys to keep them occupied while you’re gone. Left alone for too long, your Jack Russell will quickly become bored which could lead to them developing problematic behaviours, such as chewing the furniture or barking incessantly. Unfortunately, this could cause issues with your neighbours. 

If you don’t work from home, try to come home on your lunch breaks to see your Jack Russell or ask a friend or neighbour to pop in on your dog. If your budget allows, you could even hire a dog sitter! When you get home, be sure to spend some time with your pooch and take them out again for a walk.

Some Additional Tips for Living in an Apartment with a Jack Russell

A Jack Russell’s happiness living in an apartment also depends on your ability to set up a good dog training routine. Your pooch needs to learn how to handle being alone, to avoid them developing bad behaviours such as barking. This is an essential step in your dog’s training, without which they would feel abandoned and lonely. Start this training your Jack Russell as soon as you welcome your new puppy home, at the age of two months old. Begin with short absences of five minutes at a time: leaving the room, for example. Don’t act any differently towards your Jack Russell when you return; you want your pup to see you coming and going as a normal part of life, not a special occasion. Gradually increase the duration of your absences, until your Jack Russell can be left alone for a few hours at a time.

Finally, to avoid accidents, it’s important to potty train your Jack Russell. Potty training is a little more complicated in an apartment and often takes longer when you don’t have a garden at your disposal. After all, you can't simply open a door and let your dog outside to relieve themselves. But anything is possible with a little patience! Start by taking your puppy out after meals, naps, playtime, and when they first wake up in the morning. Congratulate your Jack Russell every time they go to the toilet outside. You can even offer them a healthy dog treat! Unfortunately, you will never completely avoid accidents, but try not to get angry with your Jack Russell if they poop in the house, especially if the accident happened while you were out. Nonetheless, Jack Russells are intelligent doggies, so they’ll understand what you want from them before too long.