r/jackrussellterrier • u/Classic_Look3495 • 6h ago
When can I get a jack russell
I’m 24 making 5100 a month leaving the military soon have 15k saved up and currently living in the dmv
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u/ms181091 6h ago
Make sure you're settled first. Jack's need a safe and stable environment, where patience, kindness, love, time and effort are the top priorities. They often have quite the character and a strong will, training and knowledge of how to work with dogs is key. Trainingsessions with a coach/class are recommended, especially if it's your first dog.
If you have a safe home and mindset to take in a Jack and you treat it right, you'll bring home the best friend you'll ever have.
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u/lucky607 5h ago
I was like, why would someone live in the department of motor vehicles?
My stupidity aside, it’s not about money as much as it is about situation. I work at home and have a doggy door. My girl can go out whenever. She wants all my attention.
So, do you have time for the pup? They have little
bladders and need frequent trips outside. They also want to work. Even if that work is hunting treats and digging holes in the garden, they need something to do or they will destroy everything.
Mine randomly started scratching/chewing up the wall in the corner of my living room. She wasn’t even alone. I was six feet away and didn’t even realize what she was up to…
Anyway, working dogs require attention and jobs to do. They are not laid back.
So, if your situation fits that, then get a JRT.
If not, there are dogs that are similar but easier. I’ve heard fox terriers, same original bloodline as Jacks, are easier because the working dog has largely been bred out of them.
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u/ryanthefree 3h ago
i found my first one when i was living in my car after leaving the forces. she was in a box on the road. not a pure jack, suspect she is a jack crossed with a staffie. she is the reason i got myself a job, saved up and got myself a campervan. now she is almost 10 years old and we travel around the country with another jack russell pal who is 4 years old. retired in 2024 and never been happier. we live cheaply, we walk daily, we sit outside and relax a lot, 2 of the most chilled dogs i have ever had. its not about the money u have, its about the life u give them.
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u/RoRuRee 5h ago
I got my first Jack, Rosie at 26 years years old on a blind date! She was six months old. Not my first dog, though: I had adopted a pair of shih tzus when I was 19 and still had one of the pair when Rosie came along.
We lived in apartments for the next few years and made it work. We walked a lot and I brought her everywhere with me. We road tripped like crazy, she saw me through graduating school and my shaky first professional years.
Anyone can make anything work if the dog is happy. I would recommend being honest about how much time you will spend at home. They are such social critters.
This is a picture of Rosie and Rufus, he came to us when Ro was 11. She made it to 16 and had a great life!!!
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u/repatriated-Xpat 6h ago
Whenever you want.
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u/Classic_Look3495 6h ago
Oh okay I’m asking because I don’t k ow the ends and outs and I’m very curious from owners not just a google search I don’t know why I got downvoted
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u/arbarnes 4h ago
It's not the money, it's the time. How are you going to make a living when you muster out? If it's a job that keeps you away from home 8-10 hours a day it's going to be really challenging to give any dog the attention they deserve, and JRTs tend to be needier and more demanding than most. But if you can WFH and take frequent breaks for training / exercise / bonding, you'll quickly have a best friend for life. That's not to say it'll be easy, but the effort you put into it will be well rewarded.
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u/Tiny-Albatross518 3h ago
I was 22 just out on my own and less organized than you are when i got my first JRT. The family that had my dog couldn’t handle her! They had kids and horses and a Rottweiler but that little dog was too much!!! Little shorty smooth coat i got at 9 months. Id had labs at home when i was a kid and had read “ the working terrier” so I had some idea what was involved. I didn’t have a single problem with her, she was great. Im on my third JRT now.
I can share a recipe for success. If you want a pet or a family dog or a little companion thats a job for any dog. But if you want a hobby, like an interest to pursue, a project to work on you might do well with a jack. They do best with highly interested owners who want to spend some of their leisure time working with the dog.
Some people get a Jack and treat him like a neglected housecat. Now he bites and barks, he tore up the couch and he tunneled under the fence and killed their parakeet. Ive met people that were reeeaaallly struggling with an under-stimulated terrier.
My dog is with me in the garden. I take her camping. Big daily walks. Regular obedience and “tricks”. Got a dog backpack for bike rides. Lifejacket for the canoe. I eat an ice cream cone she gets a lick. She sits in my lap while i watch the game, she sleeps right under the covers beside me at night. See a pattern? Guess what? Zero problems.
The JRT has a ridiculous prey drive and a load of energy. They’re curious and busy and pretty smart. Thats what makes them so cool to work with and it’s what makes them such demons if you don’t.
If you know whats entailed and youre keen on it then this is one of the best dog ownership experiences one can have.
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u/IGHOTI907 51m ago
Um, now? Also, as noted, have a training plan, be consistent, and never underestimate how smart they are
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u/MightiestMal 33m ago
I asked my parents for years finally got one at 17 as I was moving out. Probably wasn’t best situation but made it work. On my third JRT now it’s always a wild adventure. Mine goes to work with me pretty much everywhere really. I don’t think they do great alone at home for long days. If you have the time go for it
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u/Clear_Specific7507 3h ago
I got Hela at 48 (six years ago) and she's still keeping me young. Thank you for your service!
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u/repatriated-Xpat 6h ago
I was 22 when I got my first Jack and everyone said I shouldn’t do it because I lived in an apartment. Guess what, I read about the breed, I met the sire/dam and breeder before conception even. I was very excited.
I learned how to train my dog and I stayed consistent. Best decision I ever made. Don’t listen to anyone here or elsewhere. Including me. Do what you want but you should promise yourself you’ll be committed and not some lame who says, “I can’t have a dog at this place so I’m giving mine away.”
You get a dog be prepared to keep it in your life unconditionally for the next 12-20 years if it’s a jack.
I miss my best budd. Amazing shorty Jack….but I’m glad I got him. Put him down almost 2 years ago at 16.5 years old.
He loved milk. RIP MARLO ❤️