The most important things I have to work on with Evie, since she's a terrier, are:
- Barking
- Energy
With proper training, attention, and exercise I'm sure we can overcome any problems.
Here are some tips on having a dog in an apartment:
- Many dogs, purebred and mixed breed, can live happily in the city as long as their needs for exercise and companionship are met. For many, a daily walk is sufficient; for some, biweekly romps in the park or participation in serious sports such as hunting trials, tracking, agility, flyball, lure-coursing, or other working events are necessary to dissipate large amounts of energy.
- Every dog, no matter what breed or size, needs exercise. And no matter how big a house, he should not be getting his exercise in the house anyway!
- ...if you shop around for the right dog, and make the commitment necessary to care for it properly, you may find that life together in your tiny urban abode can be a happy one for both you and your new best friend.
- The amount of time, energy, and compassion you are willing to commit to your new pet is far more important than the square footage that you have to offer.
Apartment tips specific to Jack Russells:
- Your Jack Russell will do best in an apartment if he's crate-trained. This means that he's been housetrained using the crate method, which is an extremely efficient means of preventing your dog from soiling in the house.
- think like a dog. How would you like to be entertained? Put a chair by a window and encourage him to sit on it and enjoy watching the parade of people and other dogs going past. Leave windows open a crack (but no more!) for fresh air. Leave a radio or TV on, tuned to a talk-show - dogs find the sound of human voices comforting. Supply him with a variety of toys and chews - but make sure they're safe for unsupervised activity.
- According to the Dog Breed Information Center (2007), even though Jack Russell Terriers are quite physically active, they can survive in an apartment if they are properly exercised. However, it is wise to keep them in their crate if no one is home. As an owner, you need to be prepared to play and exercise them daily upon your arrival home. Because they are hunting dogs, Jack Russell Terriers enjoy running around in wide, open spaces.
- Take your dog out for a brisk walk at least twice per day. These walks should be a minimum of 20 minutes. It's also not a bad idea to jog, as this will burn your dog's energy faster, and can also help keep you in sound health...Playing a fetch game with your dog is an ideal way to allow him to burn energy, and bond with you.
- You need to keep him from finding any objects, foods, cleaning chemicals, electrical wires, or plants that pose a serious health risk to the dog. Keep items such as plants, sharp objects, and cleaning chemicals out of reach by placing them on high shelves, tables or counters, and make sure the floors are clean and free of any food. You should also ensure that the garbage is never left out so curious doggies won’t get into mischief that could lead to possible choking or sickness from bad food or foods they are allergic too such as chocolate.
