John Frederick enjoyed a comprehensive education from Chamberlain Kaspar von Teutleben and Councillor Friedrich Hortleder.

They were accompanied by Hofmeister Hans Bernd von Botzheim and Councillor Tobias Adami.

John Frederick, like his brother Albert, was made a member of the Fruitbearing Society by Prince Louis I of Anhalt-Köthen, before the start of their Grand Tour.

Louis gave John Frederick the nickname der Entzündete ("the Inflamed") and the motto verderbet und erhält ("spoil and receive").

In 1622, John Frederick and his brother Bernhard fought in the Battle of Wimpfen on the side of Baden.