Jack Russell Terriers may be all about loving their entire pack, but let’s get real—these pups are known for picking favorites! Most Jack Russells will be one-person dogs, that is, a dog that shows an obvious preference for one particular person in the family.
And if you’re secretly hoping to be the chosen one, don’t worry, you’re not alone! However, there is some good news! Believe it or not, there are some key things you can do to boost your chances and win over that furry little heart.
In this article, we’re diving into the 8 surprising ways Jack Russells pick favorites and how they decide who’s their number one human. And trust me, you won’t want to miss the last two—they’re total game-changers!
1. The person they view as the pack “alpha.”
Jack Russells have a bit of a “pack mentality,” thanks to their hunting dog heritage. So, it’s no surprise that they’re always on the lookout for an alpha—the top dog who takes charge when things get tricky.
More often than not, their alpha and their favorite human are one and the same. Why? Because Jack Russells respect a strong leader. They’re drawn to the person who lays down the law, sets the rules, and provides structure.
But here’s the thing: if that person also happens to dish out belly rubs and treats, and throws a mean game of fetch, well, congratulations! You’re probably their number one.
That said, being the “alpha” doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’re their best friend. Sometimes, Jack Russells keep things a bit more complicated.
They might follow the rules set by one family member, but sneak off to snuggle with another—the one who lets them get away with just a little more or always has a tasty snack at hand. Think of it like their way of saying, “You can be the boss, but I’ll decide who gets my cuddles!”
2. The person that spends the most time playing with them.
When it comes to picking favorites, Jack Russells often have one simple rule: fun first! They’re high-energy dogs with a passion for play, so naturally, they tend to favor the person who knows how to throw a ball or run a game of fetch like a pro.
Playtime is serious business for Jack Russells, and they’re experts at sniffing out the one person who’s always up for an adventure. Whether it’s a marathon game of tug-of-war, chasing after toys, or inventing new tricks, they crave interaction that matches their boundless energy.
But don’t think of fun play as just about burning off energy—this time is really about bonding. During these play sessions, your Jack Russells build trust, have fun, and connect with their chosen human.
They’re not just choosing a fun playmate to pass the time with; they’re choosing their partner in crime, the one who shares their love for fun and adventure. So, if you really want to be your Jack’s favorite, you better start tossing that ball!
3. The person that can consistently match their energy levels.
Let’s be honest—there aren’t many people out there who can consistently keep up with the wild, over-the-top energy of this supercharged, hyperactive dog. But those that try their best to keep up have a great shot at landing in their top spot.
As you probably already know, Jack Russells are like little furry batteries that never seem to run out of juice. They’re always on the go, ready for action, and looking for someone who can keep up with their boundless enthusiasm.
Naturally, they gravitate towards that one person who can match their energy level day in and day out. However, Jack Russells are clever enough to know that not everyone in the family has what it takes to keep up with their constant need for activity.
They’ll pick out the one human who can handle their zoomies, keep up with their sprints, and maybe even outlast them during a game of fetch (if that’s even possible).
If you’re the one who can tackle their endless enthusiasm head-on—whether that means a morning jog, afternoon agility course, or an impromptu game of “catch me if you can”—you’re likely to become their chosen sidekick.
4. The person that offers consistent training.
Are you the one always teaching them fresh tricks and commands? Or the one sharpening their obedience skills day in and day out? If that sounds like you, there’s a good chance you’re their favorite!
The thing is, Jack Russells are sharp as a tack, and they thrive on structure and learning new things. That’s why they often choose the person who provides consistent training as their favorite.
They need someone who can channel their cleverness and energy into positive activities and skills, rather than letting it run wild—literally! Training sessions go beyond teaching good manners or showing off new tricks.
They’re really about building trust and deepening the bond between you and your dog. They’ll seek out the human who keeps their brain busy with challenges, whether it’s mastering a new trick, solving a puzzle, or navigating an obstacle course.
But keep in mind, consistency is key here—doing this once in a blue moon won’t do much for the relationship. Jack Russells are quick learners, but they need someone who is steady, patient, and dedicated to reinforcing what they’ve learned.
5. The person who provides comfort during the most stressful situations.
From the outside, Jack Russells may feel tough and full of confidence, but even these fearless pups have moments when they feel overwhelmed or stressed.
When the world gets a little too loud or a bit too chaotic, they naturally gravitate toward the person who knows how to provide comfort and reassurance. Does that sound like you?
Whether it’s fireworks, thunderstorms, or a trip to the vet, Jack Russells will flee to someone who can help them feel safe and calm. They need a human who knows just the right way to soothe them—whether that’s a gentle cuddle, a soothing voice, or simply being there to offer a steady hand.
The person who can create a safe haven in these moments of anxiety often becomes their rock, the one they trust above all others. However, being the comfort provider means understanding their needs and knowing when they need space or when they need to be held close.
It’s the ability to read their signals and offer the perfect kind of support that makes a Jack Russell feel secure. So, if you’re the one who can turn their worries into wags, you just might just be their favorite person in the whole world.
6. The person who can respect their independence.
Something that often catches new Jack Russell owners off guard is just how independent these little dogs can be. If you were hoping for a clingy lap dog, you might have picked the wrong pup! The truth is, Jack Russells may be small, but they have a huge sense of independence.
They’re not the kind of dog that needs constant babying. In other words, they’ve got a mind of their own and aren’t afraid to use it. That’s why they tend to favor the person who truly respects their independent spirit.
Jack Russells appreciate someone who understands that, while they love affection, they also need their own space to explore, sniff, and sometimes just be left to their own doggy devices.
They’ll choose the person who knows when to step back and let them roam, wander, or chase that mysterious squirrel in the backyard. Being able to read their signals and knowing when to give them a little “me-time” is crucial in winning their favor.
In fact, trying to turn a JRT into your constant lap dog is the quickest way to make them want to bolt in the opposite direction. It’s all about balance with these dogs. So, respect their need for the occasional solo adventure.
7. The person that creates their daily routines.
All dogs, but especially Jack Russell terriers, thrive on routine like a chef thrives on a sharp knife—it keeps things running smoothly. These dogs love a sense of predictability, and they’re quick to bond with the person who sets their daily schedule.
Consistency is key for these little creatures of habit. When they know what to expect, it makes them feel secure and content. If you’re the one organizing their day—setting mealtimes, planning play sessions, and sticking to a regular walk schedule—you’re likely their go-to person.
They’ll seek you out, not just for the routine itself, but because they appreciate the stability you bring to their world. However, it’s more than just timing; it’s about understanding their rhythm. You need to be the person who knows all the nuances in their schedule.
For example, some JRTs will need a few minutes to sniff around before getting down to business on a walk. Or others may require a special night time dental treat right before their bedtime. So, if you can learn all the small details in their daily routine, then you’re speaking their language.
8. The person that’s their constant companion.
This might just be the biggest factor in deciding who becomes their favorite person. Jack Russells, with their adventurous spirit and big hearts, thrive on having a trusty sidekick by their side.
That’s why they often pick their favorite person as the one who’s their constant companion—the one who’s always there for every adventure, every cuddle, and every playful moment.
These dogs adore having someone who’s around to share their day, from morning walks to afternoon naps. But don’t think of it as just being in the same room all the time; it’s about being present and engaged.
Jack Russells will naturally gravitate toward the person who makes them feel like they’re never alone, whether that means tagging along on errands, hanging out on the couch, or exploring the great outdoors together.
However, being their constant companion doesn’t mean you have to be glued to their side 24/7, but it does mean showing up regularly in their lives and making them feel like they’re an essential part of your world.
If you’re the person who’s always there to scratch their ears, give them a belly rub, or offer a reassuring word, chances are you’ve won their heart.
Did we miss anything on this list? Let us know in the comments section!
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