I hope you all are not thinking I think Porcupines are some sort of game, my deference to Bob was his explanation of Earth Dog trials of which I have observed several and they are extremely exciting, it's what our dogs are bred for, fortunately for me and my terriers there are no porcupines in the deserts of California so it is not now, or ever will be a worry.

 Quote: Lorie Armendariz

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

 Quote: Lorie Armendariz

My JRT Riley has to sleep with his, and if God forbid in the middle of the night I accidentally knock it off the bed he immediately grabs it and tosses it back at me to play!

May I make a suggestion, Lorie?

Sure, don't tell me, don't let him sleep with it?

Don't let him sleep with you.

I have a jack russel mix and believe me he keeps me hopping. Cody is 10 months old now and there is never a dull moment. But when he rests, which I have trained him to do on command or else he won't rest, he is a little dream boat for about 2 minutes!
I have had the best interaction with him, when I have allowed myself to really get to know him and to expose him to many situations and circumstances. I agree with what was said later in these posts, make it fun, keep it fun, and keep it short and then end with fun, play and lots of praise (praise all along too). I have made mistakes, and it takes time to undo, I haven't hired a trainer though so I appreciate the sharing you have done, it makes me much more cautious.
I allow Cody to do lots of terrior-dog things. We have a large property and he is allowed to run and dig and hunt little lizards and chase rabbits. His schedule is very structured, he has his own treadmill and we have to use it daily, besides outdoor exercise, and training, and play.
Like many jack russel owners, I almost gave Cody back, but gave it one last try and I am so glad I did. He is turning out to be a wonderful dog. I also recommend purchasing or making your own agility course, and for fun, run it with your dog. The little things we have trained Cody to do to get ready for the agility course he loves to do. He loves to go up the slide, jump up on the table and down, to jump (very low) jumps. wait command, over, on, and off and in. and now I am getting ready to buy a hula hoop and train him to jump through it, using the command through. Use you imagination and have a blast!
Hope this encourages you. I know how discouraging it can be to get a dog and then feel like you just can't give it the best life you want to. But you can do it, take your time, get to know the dog and let him get to know you and enjoy and enjoy and enjoy him! I also allow Cody a little more leway in some of his behaviors than my other dog. It takes Cody a while to calm down and get focused, I understand he is little and allow that time and keep up the training. don't give up, it just takes time.
May God bless you

 Quote: Lorie Armendariz

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Francis Daigle

He could end up facing a porcupine (we have a lot of those). The result wouldn't be pretty.

My granddog (Border Terrier) came out of a hollow log (on a regular walk) with a face full of quills, and insisted on going straight back in. Had to pulled out by the tail.


And it WASN'T pretty.

LOL!

Doesn't sound much like a deference to me.

Let's put the porcupine issue to bed as far as this thread goes.

They are not funny, and they can cause dog-damage to the tune of serious pain, infection, prolonged surgery, and even death.

The thread is going off-topic, and it's very long, so let's close it now and look forward to more results/questions from the O.P. in a new thread.

Francis, we will be eager to read about the motivational training and the increased exercise you have with the dog over your three weeks off.