We've all heard that Jack Russell's are high energy, but have you ever stopped to think about what that means? Essentially, I think, we could agree that our dogs love to move and play. I think we could also say they need exercise. But how much? What kind? For how long? I believe management is key. Assuming, as a pup, you've built a great play/rest schedule you get to build on that. 

First, lets look at two different types of energy. Mental and Physical. I just finished off a tub of yogurt (my lunch today) and I handed the empty tub to Squish, my JRT. He will spend about 5 minutes licking the remains and may spend another 5 chewing the container. Experts tell us that 20 minutes of sniffing is equal to an hour long walk when it comes to mental stimulation. Essentially Squish just got a 1/2 hour walk while I work. Add to that his breakfast that came from a  roller ball and we have a good jump on both his mental and physical exercise needs being met. 

Additionally dogs build stamina, just like we do.  But faster. Which means, if we rely strictly on physical routines to "take the edge off" it will fairly quickly also increase in need/duration. What 5 minutes did for a puppy now takes 30 as a teenager and more as an adult. Varying how and when we exercise is the key to keeping it fresh.  Why? Because it uses mental energy. Squish uses different muscles and thoughts to roll the ball to get breakfast, than his slow feeder, or snuffle mat. 

Furthermore, very few of us really need a dog that runs 10km a day, we do need a dog who can behave while we are at work though. A dog that is able to wind down at night and one that sleeps well. Did you know an adult dog should be getting about 18 hours of sleep a day?

In essence, we are often our own worst enemies. We have the best intentions, but the delivery falls short. 

So now what? Let's , look at two types of activities involving balls. Fetch, seems fun, and it is. The challenge is how long it takes the adrenalin to leave the body and how hard it is (especially on puppy joints that aren't fully developed) That short term relief of puppy energy often results in long term unwanted behavior and health implications. The puppy, from his point of view, is being highly rewarded for grabbing something with it's teeth, fast and with purpose, when it moves by. That often translates into chasing the cat, or pant legs. All fun and games until the children get hurt. Then the trainer/breeder/shelter gets called and your dog gets tagged as aggressive. 

Instead of fetch, why not toss a ball into a snowbank and have them hunt/sniff/dig it out for a better outcome. Or teach swimming retrieves or finding it in long grass. A much calmer approach with a calmer pup as the result. 

Another activity gaining popularity is treibball!  Maybe you've heard of it, maybe you haven't, but treibball is a wonderful way to burn both mental and physical energy and have fun. You don't need fancy equipment or classes to start! By definition treibball means Ball Driving. ​ Treibball is a sport of distance skill and teamwork. Your dog will get great exercise and play an engaging game. Dogs quickly gather large exercise balls into a goal, based on the handler's signals. you teach your dogs to move the ball, and add directional cues. They can weave the ball through traffic cones, or around the coffee table. It can be a tennis ball size or an exercise ball. The little soft Walmart or Dollar store kids balls work well!  Add different color balls and different sizes to increase difficulty.  This is a great thing to do outside before a vet appointment, or on weekends at the park.Take your dog to the office? A great way to burn off some energy, weave a ball through some coffee cups or figure 8's through your legs as you walk. It's limited by your imagination only.  You can be a competitive or as chill as you'd like.  It's all fun to them!

I've said many times there are two kinds of tired. The tired you feel when you come home from the mall at Christmas time when your senses were assaulted the entire time. Music too loud and different in each store. People talking, cutting you off, bumping into you. Mental calculations of who is left to buy for and where you're going to eat. Balancing manners with your rights. Overstimulated.  Or the tired you feel after spending the day with friends, beverages, fun competition, relaxed after a bonfire. 

Lets aim for bonfire days with/for our dogs.