JRTs (Jack Russell Terriers) are extremely energetic dogs, and they like to run and exercise a lot to burn their energy. Your outdoor yard is the best place where your JRT can run and play around.
However, you need to make sure that you keep it from escaping. That’s why I have come up with this guide that will help you understand how to contain a Jack Russell Terrier in the yard.
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How to Contain a Jack Russell Terrier in the Yard
If you have a Jack Russell Terrier, use the following tips to keep it from escaping the yard to ensure its safety.
Install a Fence
The most obvious and effective way to contain your Jack Russell Terrier in the yard is to install a fence on the perimeter of your property. You can choose any type of fence that matches your house’s theme. You must ensure it’s high enough and your JRT can jump over it.
Remember that JRTs are great diggers because of their instinct to catch small animals out of the earth. You’ll also need to install an L-footer along the fence’s bottom to keep your dog from making its way out.
Although you can simply attach the L-footer to the fence on top of the grass, you can also bury it if you’re concerned about aesthetics.
Remove Climbing Aids
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs. Your JRT will easily find if there is any climbing aid in your yard to jump over the fence. Therefore, you need to make sure that you remove all climbing aids from the yard, such as big boxes, plant pots, and wood or gravel piles.
Use an Invisible Fence
If you can’t install a fence in your yard, consider using an invisible fence. It’s an electric device that comes with a collar that your dog needs to wear. Additionally, you’ll get a few flags or a wire that you need to install in your yard to define a virtual perimeter for your dog.
Whenever your JRT crosses the virtual perimeter defined by flags or a wire, it’ll experience a mild static shock. It’s important to note that the shock is minimal and doesn’t hurt your dog. It’s just a way to remind your dog that it’s crossing a boundary that it shouldn’t.
Use Tie Outs
A tie-out system consists of a stake and a chain or rope that helps you contain your Jack Russell Terrier in a circular area. The best thing about these systems is that they usually have a long rope and give your JRT adequate room to run and play around.
To use a tie-out system, you need to install the stake into the ground or attach it to a tree or any other stable structure. Then, you’ll need to attach one end of the rope/chain to the stake and the other to your dog’s collar.
Make sure you don’t leave your JRT alone in your yard while it’s contained with the help of a tie-out system. That’s because it can get tangled in the chain or rope, leading to an unwanted accident.
Important Note: If you don’t want to install a stake permanently in your yard, you can simply use a long leash for the same purpose.
Use Outdoor Kennel
Installing an outdoor kennel will not only provide your Jack Russell Terrier with an adequate area to play, but it’ll also keep it from running. These cage-like structures are sturdy as they’re made of iron or steel and offer great visibility.
If you have a small yard and don’t have enough space for a permanent kennel, consider using a portable dog playpen. It’ll serve the same purpose, but you won’t need to keep it in your yard all the time.
You can simply disassemble and store a portable playpen once your dog’s yard time is over.
Block the View
As mentioned, Jack Russell Terriers are curious dogs. They usually leave the yard trying to investigate something, like another animal. Blocking your dog’s view, using trees or high fencing is a great way to minimize its curiosity and contain it in the yard.
You can also use plants on your yard’s perimeter that repel JRTs, but you’ll need to ensure they’re not toxic to your dog.
Install Play Equipment
Placing different toys and installing play equipment in your yard is one of the best ways to keep your Jack Russell Terrier from running out of your property. This way, your yard will keep your dog occupied, and it won’t think about escaping it.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone
The easiest way to contain your Jack Russell Terrier in the yard is to make sure you don’t leave it alone. Stay with them as long as they’re in the yard and playing around, and take them indoors with you.
Remember that JRTs feel happy when their owners are around and playing with them. They start feeling anxious and frustrated when you leave them alone for a long time, which can also make them aggressive.
Train Your Jack Russell Terrier
While training your Jack Russell Terrier to stay in the yard can be time-consuming, it’s possible. For this method to work, you’ll need to add some kind of visible boundary to your yard, like a simple rope.
Then you can start the training process by walking around the yard’s edges with your dog. If your dog crosses the boundary, call it inside and reward it after. It’ll encourage the dog to stay inside.
As your dog learns and listens to your commands, start the second phase of the training. Now, you’ll walk outside the yard while your JRT is inside. Encourage your dog to stay inside and reward it if it doesn’t cross the boundary.
This method will take some time, but your JRT will learn that it needs to stay in the yard. Plus, it’ll suit you best if you want a force-free way to contain your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about containing a Jack Russell Terrier in the yard.
Why Does My Jack Russell Terrier Keep Escaping the Yard?
Typically, a Jack Russell Terrier escapes a yard when it’s feeling alone, bored, or anxious. However, it can also happen when they’re feeling curious due to the presence of another dog or any other animal.
Can I Leave My Jack Russell Terrier in the Yard All Day?
You can leave your Jack Russell Terrier in the yard all day, but you must not do it. Leaving your JRT alone for a short time is acceptable. But if you stay out of your dog’s sight for a long time, it’ll become stressed and frustrated, which can lead it to escape the yard.
Does a Jack Russel Terrier Run Away?
According to a study, Jack Russell Terriers are on the third number of the list of dogs that are most likely to run away. They need to exercise, run, and play around daily to burn extra energy. Your JRT will become unhappy if you don’t play with it regularly, and it’ll increase the risk of your dog running away.
Final Words
Jack Russell Terriers love to spend time outside as it provides them with the opportunity to release their energy. However, you need to ensure that your JRT stays in the yard and doesn’t cross your property’s boundary. You can use one or more tips listed above to contain your JRT in the yard to keep it safe and secure.
