Terriers can be feisty dogs, particularly the smaller breeds but they are also great fun! Consequently, training terriers can be fairly difficult on occasion.
But they also have some great traits, such as loyalty, fearlessness and spirit, so it is worth persevering with their training.
My first terrier was a west highland white or westie as they are affectionately known. I got him at 8 weeks old and he was just a bundle of pure energy.
So much so that it was really difficult to get through to him on a training level. He would never stand or sit still long enough to take in any instruction.
I decided to take him to dog training classes when he was about 9 months old. Needless to say he failed the course! All he was interested in was having a good time with the other doggy participants and trying to annoy two rottweilers.
Despite this, a few months later, suddenly his training all began to fall into place and he started to behave without being told what to do. For example, he would not cross the threshold if the door had been left open.
Please don't allow yoursely to be put off terriers by this. He was an extremely high-spirited dog, even for a terrier - a real little bundle of energy and mischief, so probably took longer than usual to calm down enough for his training to sink in. He was also extremely loyal, affectionate and protective.
Three westies later, I have found that although they all have the same basic personalities, none has matched his energy and enthusiasm!
The basics of training terriers are much the same as those for any other breed. It is important to know that terriers may take a little longer and require more patience, but I can confirm that when you feel that your training attempts have all been in vain, your dog will reward you by doing exactly as you ask.
Just follow the basic principles:
- Be uniform in your approach to training and follow a regular pattern
- Yelling and striking your terrier will not get you anywhere
- Dogs learn best through play and having fun
- Don't punish your dog when he comes when you have called him, even if he has been naughty
- Keep training sessions reasonably short so he does not get too tired or fed up
- Most importantly, enjoy this time spent bonding with your terrier
and I promise you will never regret taking on a terrier. They have an unending supply of love in them and will bring you so much joy.
Author Resource:
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