At what age do Jack Russells calm down

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

What Age Do Jack Russells Calm Down? Times Tender Touch

Some owners appreciate the lively, energetic, and playful nature of Jack Russells, especially if they have an active lifestyle themselves.

On the other hand, some parents may find this breed too active and demanding. Its likely that owners of Jack Russell Terriers wish their pets could calm down faster under pressure.

But at what age do Jack Russells calm down, and what can we do to make him more manageable? Join us, and well share what weve learned with you.

Jack Russell Terrier Growing Stages

Figuring out changes in behavior, such as when a Jack Russell Terrier might start to calm down, requires insight about the breeds stages of growth.

Jack Russells show the highest rate of growth during their puppy years

Puppyhood

In general, Jack Russells show the highest rate of growth during their puppy years, which last about a year after birth. Jack Russells are at their most active, curious, and reckless when they are young.

To mature into well-adjusted, sociable dogs, they must get early and consistent socialization.

Adolescence

The Jack Russell Terrier adolescent period lasts from about the age of one to two years. Adolescent Jack Russells are often full of energy and liberty, much like human teenagers.

During this time, dogs often push their boundaries and become stubborn, rude, and disobedient to their owners. At this point, youll need to be patient and train consistently.

Adulthood

This is the Jack Russell Terriers longest life stage, and it may also be the easiest to train. Adulthood commonly kicks off at about age two and continues until about age seven.

While Jack Russells still have a lot of energy at this age, they can be well-behaved pets if they get plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Its also when their unique personalities become most apparent.

The Senior Years

Age eight marks the turn of the senior years, aka the golden years, for Jack Russell Terriers, while some dogs can live to reach ten without showing any real signs of age. They may be less active or show signs of slowing down at this time.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are still necessary for them, although on a less demanding level.

One helpful fact is that their lifespan is 12-15 years. Thats quite a bit of time to invest in loving and enjoying being with them.

At what age do Jack Russells calm down?

A Jack Russell Terrier will not often slow down until he or she is too old to continue that active lifestyle.

Jack Russells usually begin to calm down about the time they enter their senior years, which is somewhere between the ages of five and six. But this can vary greatly from dog to dog.

While some dogs may become quieter as early as their adult years, others can keep their youthful exuberance far into their golden years.

a Jack Russell Terrier calms down due to age

With each passing year, they tend to become more subdued. By the time theyre 2 or 3, many Jack Russells have tuned into a more settled behavior, in contrast to the erratic ways they often acted as their puppy and adolescent stages. As they get older, Jack Russells gain emotional stability and learn to channel their energy better.

If a Jack Russell Terrier calms down due to age, this is a natural part of life. Having fewer moving parts isnt necessarily a bad thing, and it can make them easier to manage in a home with fewer members or in smaller living spaces.

What Can Be Done To Calm Down A Jack Russell Terrier?

You cant wish for a Jack Russell to calm down quickly; thats against the reality of the breeds characteristics. These dogs are high-energy by nature, and this energy doesnt disappear overnight.

Instead of looking for a sudden change in behavior, training, mental stimulation, and sufficient exercise are the best ways to channel this energy.

Well-socialized Jack Russells exhibit calm and relaxed behavior

Jack Russells are smart dogs that are, in fact, pretty easy to train if you put in some time and effort.By effort, I mean actual, genuine effort.

Theyve got boundless amounts of energy; they are on a different level from other dogs in this aspect. And if you dont give them a way to channel it, theyll have a hard time focusing on what you want them to do. Theyre actually rather good pets if raised in the right conditions.

Training

Training properly is key to helping Jack Russells calm down and develop appropriate behavior. Training can provide mental stimulation and help establish boundaries and routines.

Jack Russells like to take part in different kinds of games and sports. They perform well in activities that test their agility and intelligence, such as agility classes, flyball, and obedience training.

Because they are so active, they make great pets for people or families who like to stay busy and go on outdoor adventures.

Socializing

Socialization plays a significant role in shaping a Jack Russells behavior as well. Early and ongoing socialization exposes them to various people, animals, and environments. It helps them learn to navigate different situations, develop confidence, and reduce anxiety or fear-related behaviors.

Well-socialized Jack Russells are more likely to exhibit calm and relaxed behavior in different social settings.

Provide Suitable Toys

By providing them with appropriate toys like chew toys, interactive toys, or mentally stimulating toys with different ways of entertainment as a channel for their energy, owners can help prevent behavioral issues that may arise from pent-up energy or boredom.

Its important to choose the toys to suit their age, health, and individual preferences, ensuring a happy and balanced lifestyle for both the dog and their owner.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that even though they might become a bit less energetic as they age, Jack Russells are naturally active and lively dogs throughout most of their lifespan. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are necessary to keep them happy and healthy.

You need consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience when training and socializing Jack Russells. The key is to use reward-based methods and avoid harsh or punitive techniques

Can Jack Russells Be Calm? [Yes, Heres How To Do It]

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Some dog breeds are known and have a reputation for being slightly more energized than other dog breeds.

There is no doubt about it.

Jack Russells happen to be one of those dog breeds.

It often leads individuals who are considering adopting a Jack Russell to have one question stuck in the back of their minds.

Can Jack Russells be calm?

I had the same question, and Ive now been going through the journey for roughly 2 years, and here is what I can tell you on this topic.

Yes, Jack Russells can be calm. Jack Russells need the ability to exercise and need the ability to be mentally and physically challenged daily. Affording this exercise and mental stimulation can help a Jack Russell to release energy and will allow them to be a calm dog.

Thats the quick and easy answer to the question at hand.

I wanted to take the time in this post to take it one step deeper and discuss how to provide this for your Jack Russell effectively so that you can enjoy this wonderful family pet without always having the hyperactivity taking place.

You can consider this your 2-3-minute guide as to how you can effectively make your future or current Jack Russell a calmer dog breed in general.

Below, Ive created easy to navigate links that will allow you to skip to any specific section of this post that you desire to read or learn more about.

Here are the topics that I intend on covering in todays post for you:

As mentioned previously, you can use the links directly above to skip around in this post.

Otherwise, if you have those few minutes to spare, you can feel free to stick around and learn how to effectively calm your Jack Russell and enjoy some relaxing evenings with them.

Here are the critical details to understand.

Can Jack Russells Be Calm Recap

Lets get the most critical statement out of the way right off the bat.

Yes, Jack Russells can be calm dogs and act like any other dog will act with the proper planning and proper care.

Its also important to understand that overall, a Jack Russell is considered a hyper dog.

Its how they are wired and they naturally have a lot of energy.

The good news is that with some exercise, mental and physical stimulation, they can act like any other lap dog and can have a relaxing and chilling demeanor to them as well.

Without taking these steps, you are likely to encounter some behaviors that you dont desire to see or deal with such as chewing or even excessive barking.

They need a way to release this energy that builds up within them.

Its even known to be a factor that can contribute to a Jack Russell shaking.

Nervous energy and needing the ability to release that energy.

Now that we have that initial disclaimer out of the way lets move into the steps you can take towards calming a Jack Russell and how you can enjoy some excellent calm couch time with your new JR.

Here are those details for you.

Training a Jack Russell to Be Calm

Training a Jack Russell to be calm doesnt require all that much effort.

In fact, its not necessarily training a Jack Russell to be calm that you need to complete.

Its training a Jack Russell in general that you need to accomplish first.

This can be the little things such as potty training, learning to sit and shake, and other basic commands.

Simply training a Jack Russell these basic commands allows them to use their intelligent minds and put themselves to work and into learning mode.

This alone can help burn energy and help to exhaust your Jack Russell.

Clearly, this training doesnt need to take place for their entire lives.

This is when it becomes essential to provide other ways for them to release their energy.

This is when you can begin turning towards exercise or even providing toys that can mentally stimulate your Jack Russell.

Some of my top recommendations include simple things such as taking your Jack Russell for a long walk, run or even playing tug of war with your Jack Russell.

You can also do simple games such as fetch with your new JR.

Its not necessarily the activity that matters but the fact that you are allowing them to burn some energy and use up some of the hyper build up they have inside.

Doing this is going to create a much calmer, relaxed, and much more behaved Jack Russell.

Without it, your Jack Russell will get bored quickly and find ways to push their boundaries.

Its just how they tend to act if they arent given something constructive to do at least once per day.

Trust me, its much better to use that energy they have towards positive behaviors as opposed to allowing them to choose the activity and how they will release that energy.

This is when you are more likely to encounter chewing and other behaviors that can not only be deemed as destructive but can also be extremely overwhelming for the owner.

The point here for all of your reading is simple.

Make sure you do something or allow your Jack Russell some form of energy release daily.

Dont overthink it.

Take them for a walk at the bare minimum, and you will be able to enjoy a calm dog as opposed to the demeanor you have read or heard from other sources on the internet.

I can see a vast difference in the way my Jack Russell acts when shes able to get out for a bit and perform a game or activity with me compared to the days where I dont have the time to do so.

Nonetheless, its clearly good news that Jack Russells can become calm dogs that are perfectly fine cuddling up on the couch with you and the rest of the family.

Final Thoughts

Jack Russells makes for one of the most loyal dogs you can choose to adopt.

They are excellent family pets and have a great love for their owners.

While most would agree that a Jack Russell is not naturally the calmest dog breed you can adopt, you certainly have plenty you can do to mold your Jack Russell into the calm and relaxed dog you desire for you and the entire family.

Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming journey and new Jack Russell if you do happen to decide to adopt.

Thanks again for stopping by and reading.