A Terrier Puppy Was Held Up Close to the Golden Star on the Tree
Held aloft by a single steady hand, a scruffy white and tan terrier puppy reaches toward the tree-top with his front paws curled in the air. His ears are folded, his dark eyes gaze up and to the side, and his wiry coat looks tousled from the lift. The Christmas tree beside him glows with white lights, red baubles, pinecones, and dried orange slices, and a gold star sits at the very top. Below, a cream knit sleeve, a toy train, a plush reindeer, a pair of slippers, and a woven basket fill the sunny room. Let's call him Sparky. He seems to be inspecting the star from a distance.
Jack Russell Terriers are tiny athletes. They were bred for fox hunting and have energy to spare, along with a strong prey drive and a sharp mind. They need vigorous daily exercise, mental games, and consistent training, or they'll find their own entertainment, which can include digging or chasing. They are often lively, funny, and confident, and they can be good family dogs when their needs are met. Puppies this age benefit from short, frequent training sessions.
When lifting any puppy, give him full support: one hand under the chest and another under the hindquarters, close to your body, so he feels secure. Avoid holding a puppy high over hard floors, since a sudden wriggle can lead to a fall, and keep lifts brief. A wriggly terrier should have a firm but gentle hold, and if he squirms, set him down on all fours. Never grab or lift a puppy by the front legs or the scruff.
Sparky is a small, determined adventurer, only a few inches from the golden star. The tree is as high as any hill he could ever want to climb.
