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Do you want to train your Jack Russel Terrier to come when called? Professional trainers call this “recall” and teaching it is not difficult. However, it does take a little know-how, practice, and patience.
In this guide, we will show you how to train your Jack Russel Terrier the basics of a great recall, how to turn your training sessions into a fun game, and how to “proof” your dog’s recall so that it will work under even the most distracting circumstances.
A special note about Jack Russel Terriers:
It is important to keep in mind that Jack Russel Terriers have been bred to hunt vermin and they have an extremely strong urge to run after small game such as rabbits or squirrels when scented or spotted visually. It may be unrealistic to ever expect that he is going to choose any reward in your arsenal over the reward of the chase. This means that if you do not feel that it is safe for him to roam about on an adventure, then letting him off the leash, no matter how strong his recall, is taking a risk.
The basics of training your Jack Russel Terrier to have great recall are not difficult, but they do require some consistency and practice. Here are some tips to make sure your recall training is backed up with good practices:
- Never call your Jack Russel Terrier to you, and then punish her or take away something she enjoys such as a toy, without trading it for something better. It should never “cost” your dog to come when called.
- Always practice touching his collar as part of his recall training. Getting “close” won’t be enough for these quick little guys! You will want him to expect you to touch his collar before he earns a reward so you can catch him in an emergency.
- Practice often, and add distractions gradually. Use a long line to make sure your Jack Russel Terrier will come to you past distractions such as other dogs or cats.
- If you need to call your dog in an emergency and he is not responding, run away from him in a very excited way, screaming loudly like a crazy person. This often triggers an instinctive response to chase. If you try to chase him when you are upset, he is more likely to run away from you, potentially towards the danger.
You do not need fancy equipment to train your Jack Russel Terrier to come when called. Make sure you bring plenty of patience and excitement to your training sessions to make sure he stays engaged. In addition, keep your sessions short and fun so that he will look forward to learning with you and associate recall with a fun game.
Get a long line, either a leash or a sturdy rope that is 25’ or longer, before you start to work outdoors in a non-fenced area. This will allow you to safely be away from your dog without her being able to bolt after some prey. It will also let you enforce the recall by reeling her in if she gets distracted while outdoors.
Make sure you are using rewards that are really motivating for your JRT. Although treats can be great, make sure to use other rewards like tossing a ball, pats, and praise, or a quick game of tug. If your JRT does not know what she will get when she comes to you, it can add to the excitement and fun, making her recall stronger in the long run.
The Basic Recall Method
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Set up
Start with this method to give your Jack Russel Terrier the basic understanding of how to come when called. Make sure you start your training inside so that she won’t be distracted by smells, other pets or people.
Run away
Start to run away from your dog, then say his name followed by “Come!” Your tone should be exciting and inviting for best results. Most dogs will instinctively go after someone running away, and when he catches up with you, touch his collar before rewarding. Repeat 10-20 times.
Add distance
Add some distance to your indoor recall drills. You can even try calling from another room to add a challenge to the drills. Make sure that you always touch the collar before rewarding and keep your sessions fun and short. At this point, ignore failures. Repeat several times daily, and when your Jack Russel least expects to be able to earn a recall reward!
Go outside
Attach the long line and move the training sessions outdoors. This will add some distraction to your training. If your Jack Russel ignores your recall, tug her to you using the long line, but do not scold her. Just try again and reward success.
Add consequences
Over time, you will continue to add distance to your recall drills. At some point, once you are sure he understands what is expected, you will have to add some consequences for failures. One way to do this is to reel him in and put him in a 3 minute “Time Out” in his crate, or in a safe room where he can be left alone. Make sure that you are vigilant about using this consequence as you move forward with your training.
Next steps
Be sure to check out our 'Proofing' method to teach your Jack Russel to come when called, even in highly distracting environments.
The Fun Recall Game Method
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Set up
This fun way to teach recall uses the format of a game to make sure that your Jack Russel Terrier gets to enjoy being the star of the show and enjoys learning this vital skill. It will require that you enlist the help of a few friends, or have the kids get involved. Make sure everyone playing has a small bag of treats.
Take turns
Have the group make a circle on the floor. They will alternate calling your pup with her name and your recall command. It is okay if they have to bribe her by offering a treat the first few rounds. In no time these bribes will no longer be necessary.
Reward
Have one person call your dog in an excited and playful tone. Be sure they touch the collar or harness before dispensing a reward and lots of praise. Have them hold your dog while the next person calls so he will be extra excited about running off to the next person.
Add distance
Add some distance to make this game more challenging. With some practice, you can even play this game calling your dog from different rooms in your home.
Go outside
Using the long line for safety, take this game outdoors to add even more of a challenge for your Jack Russel Terrier. Keep the tone exciting and make sure to end the game before your dog gets bored.
The Advanced Proofing Method
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Why you need to proof
After your Jack Russel understands to come when called and has plenty of practice in lower distraction environments, it is time to add some challenges to their recall drills. Professional trainers call this “proofing” and it is a critical step if you want her to come when called, every time.
New places
Take your JRT to some new places to do some recall drills. This will teach him that coming when called is always expected, no matter where he is. Make sure to use very high value rewards to make coming back to you better than whatever is interesting in each new place.
Add distraction
What is most distracting for your JRT? Think through how you can add specific distractions in a controlled way to help him learn that he needs to ignore that distraction when he has been called. For example, if cats drive your Jack Russel nuts, then try having a cat in a carrier, calling your JRT past them with a long line on so you can enforce the recall. Make sure the reward is really big when challenging your dog in these ways.
Other people
If you want anyone to be able to call your dog, be sure to get some help asking others to do some recall drills with you. This will teach her that no matter who is calling her, running to them is a great idea and a chance at a very nice reward.
Refine
Start getting serious about choosing only the best recalls to reward. Decrease the reward rate over time, giving huge rewards for very snappy and enthusiastic returns. Never call your dog to you and then punish him.
When NOT to recall
Stop using the recall unless you know you will either get it, or you are willing and able to enforce it. At some point, the recall needs to be a mandatory command that if it is not followed, will be met with a consequence. If you are not sure if your JRT will come when you call her, you can try a different recall such as a whistle or the squeak of a toy to get her to come. This way, if she ignores you, then you are not breaking your all-important recall command.
Written by Sharon Elber
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 02/05/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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Training Questions and Answers
Bruno bites me a lot I know he thinks he’s playing with me but he gets aggressive sometimes and really digs his teeth into my hands, I’m the only one in the house he does that with , when my dad tells him to stop he does but doesn’t listen to me at all I’ve tried distracting him with toys and it isn’t working , I’ve tried putting him into crate when he does it and it isn’t working either if you could give me some advise it would be really appreciated thanks
March 1, 2021
Bruno's Owner
Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer
253 Dog owners recommended
Hello! Here is information on nipping/biting. Nipping: Puppies may nip for a number of reasons. Nipping can be a means of energy release, getting attention, interacting and exploring their environment or it could be a habit that helps with teething. Whatever the cause, nipping can still be painful for the receiver, and it’s an action that pet parents want to curb. Some ways to stop biting before it becomes a real problem include: Using teething toys. Distracting with and redirecting your dog’s biting to safe and durable chew toys is one way to keep them from focusing their mouthy energies to an approved location and teach them what biting habits are acceptable. Making sure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise. Exercise is huge. Different dogs have different exercise needs based on their breed and size, so check with your veterinarian to make sure that yours is getting the exercise they need. Dogs—and especially puppies—use their playtime to get out extra energy. With too much pent-up energy, your pup may resort to play biting. Having them expel their energy in positive ways - including both physical and mental exercise - will help mitigate extra nips. Being consistent. Training your dog takes patience, practice and consistency. With the right training techniques and commitment, your dog will learn what is preferred behavior. While sometimes it may be easier to let a little nipping activity go, be sure to remain consistent in your cues and redirection. That way, boundaries are clear to your dog. Using positive reinforcement. To establish preferred behaviors, use positive reinforcement when your dog exhibits the correct behavior. For instance, praise and treat your puppy when they listen to your cue to stop unwanted biting as well as when they choose an appropriate teething toy on their own. Saying “Ouch!” The next time your puppy becomes too exuberant and nips you, say “OUCH!” in a very shocked tone and immediately stop playing with them. Your puppy should learn - just as they did with their littermates - that their form of play has become unwanted. When they stop, ensure that you follow up with positive reinforcement by offering praise, treat and/or resuming play. Letting every interaction with your puppy be a learning opportunity. While there are moments of dedicated training time, every interaction with your dog can be used as a potential teaching moment.
March 1, 2021
Hi, I’m really at my wits end with my dog. He is good as gold off the lead until he sees or hears another dog he runs off and it can go either way.. fighting or nothing. I am calling him and calling him but he just doesn’t listen and just runs off! Nothing gets his attention, toys/treats etc. I just don’t know what to do anymore apart from keeping him on the lead all the time but feel like he doesn’t get to run about when he’s on the lead. I usually always get him on the lead in time before he sees the other dog but sometimes they just come out of nowhere and I don’t have time to catch him. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you
Feb. 16, 2021
Zack's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1128 Dog owners recommended
Hello Lauren, First, start working on a reliable Come. Check out the Reel In method from the article linked below. Reel In method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall More Come - pay attention to the PreMack Principle and long leash training sections especially once pup has learned what Come initially means. These need to be practiced around all types of distractions like dogs and kids at the park to ensure pup is reliable before attempting true off leash. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ More advanced come: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtJxSXu4rfs&t=1208s I also recommend working on the dog reactivity itself. See if there is a G.R.O.W.L. class in your area. Those classes are for dog reactive/aggressive dogs who all wear basket muzzles during the class and are intensively socialized and desensitized to each other in a structured environment under the guidance of the class trainer. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Feb. 16, 2021