Meet Our Star Dog
Meet Jesse, winner of the second Modern Dog Star Dog Contest. Could your dog be next?
The winner of our second Star Dog Contest is one amazing pooch. (Just wait ‘til you read the list of tricks he can do.) He and his person, Heather Brook, have the kind of bond that can’t help but put a smile on your face. Heather tells us, “Ever since I can remember I have loved dogs. I had always wanted a dog of my own.” For her 16th birthday, all she wanted was a little Jack Russell. She made a compelling argument; she knew all the responsibility that was involved in bringing home a new family member and was prepared to pay for all of her puppy’s food, toys, and vet care. As her birthday approached, her parents surprised her with an announcement: she would be getting her dream puppy! They held out a photo of a little male puppy that had just been born—her first glimpse of the pup she would name Jesse. When they met, it was love at first sight. He suckled Heather’s finger and fell asleep on her chest. She visited Jesse every week until he turned eight weeks old and would be coming home with her for good. “From the day Jesse came into my life, we went everywhere together,” she says. “We quickly became best friends and people started referring to us as Heather and Jesse. We’ve been inseparable since.”
Heather has taught Jesse an enormous variety of tricks and they love to inspire others to have a better relationship with their dogs. Jesse acts in movies and commercials, models, performs in his own YouTube videos (check him out at JustJesse197), and works as a therapy dog; this is clearly one accomplished duo. We asked Heather a few questions about her best friend.
What makes the Jack Russell a great breed?
Jack Russell Terriers are awesome little dogs. They have such charisma, intelligence, soulfulness, and are very loving. They are incredibly active, able and willing to run for miles, go swimming, hiking, or participate in dog events. Jack Russell Terriers are extremely versatile, excelling in whatever activity you pursue with them. They are great at agility, Frisbee, therapy and service work, canine freestyle, tricks, and even as movie stars! But most importantly, they are very loyal and bond beautifully to their family. They want to be involved in whatever you are doing, quickly becoming your shadow and following you around the house.
Who are they a good fit for?
Jack Russells are a great fit for someone who is active and has a sense of humor. They are the comedians of the dog world.They need someone who can fulfill their physical, mental, and emotional needs daily. They require a lot of time and commitment from their people to become the best dogs that they can be. This is the kind of dog that is willing to go all day and seek out adventure. When raised as part of the family, these dogs are the whole package: lovable, loyal, intelligent, charismatic, adventurous, and the perfect companion. Their cuteness is a plus!
Jesse’s showstopper tricks:
Being able to do a walking hand stand, somersault, skateboard, jump rope, dramatically play dead, ride a scooter, double dutch, drive a motorized car, roll atop a ball, weave through my legs, blow bubbles underwater, run backwards, foot stall, and skateboard like a human. His cutest tricks are when he sits up, waves with his front paws, says his prayers, goes shopping (puts items in his own mini-shopping cart, and pushes it while on his hind legs), skipping, playing a mini-piano, and catching a ball between his front paws.
Your top three dog training tips:
Our top three dog training tips would be to first bond with your dog. Have a great relationship with your dog and training will come naturally. Second is to dedicate yourself to spending time with your dog and be patient. You are your dog’s whole world. Patience and consistency are key to teaching your dog something new. Going at your dog’s pace and celebrating all of your successes goes a long way. Third is to focus on what you want your dog to do and teach him. Let your dog know what you expect of him and he will gladly listen. It is much more productive to educate your dog on what you want him to do rather than what you don’t want him to do. And remember to have fun!
Lessons you’ve learned from your dog?
I have learned how to be more patient and how to live each and every day to the fullest. If I am ever having a bad day, I am reminded by Jesse that life is too short to dwell on the negative. He has taught me to focus on the positive and enjoy any adventure life throws our way.
>> Go! Jesse is the Star of the Original “Useful Dog Tricks” Viral Videos series on YouTube. See more of Jesse’s adventures at youtube.com/JustJesse197 or facebook/ JustJessetheJack