How long is a long walk?

[Storminateacup]

My 11 month old jack russell terrier Dicky is not happy with a 3-4 mile walk per day where he is off the lead for 90% of that and runs furiously after rabbits and deer (if he sees them).
Sometimes he gets a short additional walk along the beach at the side of the road but on the lead or round the local shops. If I take him up to my field he has to be chained up as he runs off and is at risk of getting run over as the road is about 500 yards away.
This little doggy is so energetic.
When he is at home he sleeps all the time or barks incessantly in the garden or sulks.

What do you all think, - what should I be doing with him?

 

[woolly]

I think given his age that that is plenty. Maybe try to do some other work in the form of obedience raining to use more brain power. When your dog is around a year and half introduce longer walks. How lovely to hear of a dog walked really well and enjoying life so much. We sympathise as our dog in his peak did 6 hours a day!
Best of luck.

 

[Cop-Pop]

Get him a friend to play with

 

[Oneofthepack]

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Get him a friend to play with

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Likewise! But also 2 shorter off lead walks rather than one long one and a lead only one might help as it's probably his brain that's raring to go not his body. Maybe some agility too as they are a dog that likes a job to do.

 

[prose]

I sympathise dearly. My Boston Terrier is now five-years-old but she had the energy of twenty dogs as a pup. Thankfully, we have dog parks all over the city, so I used to get her there two or three times a day, where she'd run herself ragged after 20 or 30 dogs. It is hard, though, having a terrier pup, and it sounds like you're putting in the work.

Whoever suggested agility is spot on. Out of all the dogs we've done agility with (in our basic, beginner's way) a Jack Russell was by far the best--even better than a Collie cross and a Cattle Dog.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I agree with Wooly, some obedience training will tire him far more quickly than running. Perhaps you could also get him serching for treats/toys in the garden (rather than barking), be inventive JRTs are bight!!

 

[echodomino]

Definitely need to find him something to do!!

I find Jimmy, my JR, gets fed up easily and it leads to him being destructive. He was much better after I did obedience with him and now agility, sometimes though he's happy to just be playing as long as I'm with him. He does play with his mum a lot too now, think that helps

 

[Storminateacup]

Today he had a walk whilst I rode my horse about 2 hours, and an hour ratting at the yard ( no rats caught). Tonight he is having obedience training. I forgot to mention he does dog agility at home and does spins, roll overs, lie down spin, and jump ups!!!
The only time he was tired was when he had another Jack Russell over to stay for 2 days.
He sleptall of the third day.
I am 52 and can now eat whatever I like with all this exercise. Who needs a diet when you have a dog.

Thanks for all your comments