a typical day w/ a jack russell? please help!

Hi! We used to breed JRTs so i know what you're going through. Right now i have an extremely active 8 year old, and a less active, timid 4 year old. Really, the 8 year old (Ginger) will be satisfied for hours if you just throw her ball while you watch Tv. Ginger also really enjoys treat balls or kongs...because like you said, JRTs are very smart. My 4 year old (roxanne) is less active, and is happy if she's curled up in your lap. If you have a fenced in back yard, i would let the pup stay out there when you're busy with lots of toys, but if you live in a neighborhood, you may want to monitor the barking situation! haha! When we leave, the dogs stay loose in the house...they really have never gotten into anything at all. But, at 7 months i would say to crate him for a while, until he can be trusted. I wouldn't give up on him just yet...they make a great companion and are a good motivation to go for a walk or run! Post some pics!! Any other questions just let me know...we've been in the breed for awhile...

thanks for the words of encouragement! 
 
like you mentioned, we are crating him each time we're out and whenever we can't keep an eye on him.  i figure once we get into obedience training and he's got the housebreaking down, we'll trust him to roam while we're out. 
 
i will definitely post pics just as soon as i get a new digital camera!
 
thanks again

Hi there!  Welcome!  Our dog isn't a JRT, but is high energy and a lot of work.  I know where you are coming from thinking, OMG, what did we get ourselves into...  Just take a deep breath - it gets easier.  Yes, it is a lot of work.  Yes, you need to exercise and play with your dog, every single day...  But, while right now, it feels like it has taken over your life, and you don't have any down time and all the time you spend at home is now totally focused on your dog - it gets better.  The first month or so, I felt like the ony time I let myself relax was when I left the house.  Now, we have had Wesley almost 9 months and my home life has completely stabilized.  Our walking and playing schedule has ironed itself out, the dog is comfortable here and no longer requires constant supervision or entertainment.  Don't get me wrong, we spend a lot of the time we are home with the dog, but it is because we want to, and now it is fit it along with all the rest of the things we do, including relaxing and spending time with eachother that is not dog-related.  Hang in there!!

Hi and Welcome!!
 
I encourage you not to give up.  Youve only had him for a small time and I know that even though he is an active breed, they are very good about adjusting to our lifestyles.  Although he may need more exercise than some other breeds, and may always be a bit more active, I think with time he will calm down and get settled.

Don't give up on the JRT! I have a Jack-mix (he's 3) and my sister recently adopted a full Blooded JRT (she's 7 months). I'll admit, they're a wired breed, but they're also extremely loveable and loyal. Make sure you have lots of toys and balls to play with when you get home. I crate my guy for about 6 hours while I'm at work and I always try to give him at least 30 minutes of my full attention when I get home. The rest of the evening I usually will throw his ball for him or play tug or war when he brings me his rope. For the most part, the energy does wind down after a while. Good long walks and playing with other doggies does wonders to tire an active pup out too.
 
Don't give up. JRT are the best []

I have a 2.5 year old JRT named Emma. Em was born at the shelter, and has a myriad of congenital health issues.She is what would be considered a "special needs" dog. On a typical day, we get up at 6:30, and spend 20-30 minutes outside. We'll play frisbee for a bit after she potties. I get ready for work, and she goes into her room at 7, with her breakfast. I don't crate her while I'm gone, because she is incontinent, and I want to give her space to get away from her accidents. She has a 10x10 dog proof room. Around 2, I come home, let the dogs out, make lunch, walk the dogs (2 miles) and put them back up, to be at my other job at 4. I get home around 7:30, and feed them. There will be frisbee, ball, walking, or biking (another two miles) in the evening. Lots of exersize, and lots of structure. We practice our obedience every day, and my dogs live on pretty strict NILIF (www.k9deb.com/NILIF). They are allowed on the furniture, unless they get pushy.  We keep each other in pretty good shape, and we're quite happy with being active for most of the year (til it gets a thousandymillion degrees, in late July and August). JRT tend to do well with lots of exersize and structure. They also tend to not tolerate a poor diet, as they are quite an allergic breed. Diets high in carbohydrates will make them "hyper" with jittery, nervous energy. Diets high in good quality proteins and fats tend to make them energetic, but not at all unmanageable.

Ooh I just love those lil terriers! Congrats on a wonderful pick!
Do you walk him in the mornings befer you go to work? That is so helpful in releasing energy that they have stored all night while they were sleeping!
At night when you get home?
You gotta remember, you are his WHOLE life, it basically revolves around you so when you get home he wants your lovin!
Does he have toys in his kennel?
Obvious question but you'd be surprised!
I couldnt bear puttingmy girl in a kennel, she was such a aenergetic puppy! We had a kitchen with tile floors when Rory was a pup so we bought two baby gates and let her roam the kitchen while we were gone. It made her much more comfertable. Although that sure does take some puppy proofing! Good luck with your new baby
 
 

Hi, Welcome!!
Don't give up on your guy just yet!!Yes, you are right typically a JRT need lots to do.  A typical day with Dasher goes like this:
5:30 a.m. let everyone out to potty, then back to bed for about 1 more hour.  After we wake up, its back outside for a game of fetch (we have a fenced in yard).  After everyone cools down its breakfast time, then back out to potty,etc.  Back in the house for naps or chewing, Dasher will nap and play with toys for a few hours.  We will let Dasher is in and out periodically to play on his own and potty.  (I work from home most days)  Usually around lunch another game of fetch or maybe agility.  When I go to the office Dasher comes with.  Then in the afternoon a bit more time outside on his own then dinner.  After he has had time to digest one last game of fetch or agility time.  He will go out a couple more times until bedtime but no more games, just time out sniffing, etc. on his own (well also with Lille).  Also one day a week we go to agility class.  We sometimes don't get to play mid-day depends on my schedule, but luckily since I work from home my guys get plenty of outside time to run around.

As others have suggested, make sure he has lots of fun toys.  As you said, JRT are quite active so its likely he will have a high energy level through most of his life. 

Good luck!! Please post pics!!