Terriers are full of character and act as amazing anti-depressants, sure to make you chuckle. They thrive on plenty of activity and are full of courage. Terriers are pack animals and like to work to pack order so you must make it clear YOU are top dog, or they'll be confused and lead you a merry dance. They can only really relax when you are managing things and that is best done within a routine at home.
Absence of Road Sense Terriers have no sense of danger relating to traffic. Foxes, hedgehogs, cats and terriers are traffic vulnerable species. Take on a terrier and you are never again off duty, needing to ensure there are no open doors, gates or windows for your Terrier to escape. Terriers can have both chase instinct and prey instinct. Some have strong working sight hound traits (fix gaze and chase; mouthy on meeting dogs, and aloofness) and others have more bull breed traits (people focused, tenacious with other dogs). Be aware always!
Recall For terriers, the term is more appropriately 'selective hearing'! Indoors a terrier can be a loving lap dog, following you from room to room, attentive to your call or the shake of a biscuit tin from wherever they are! On their walks it's a different matter - their vision can be focused on the horizon; tuned to the slightest sound or movement. Oblivious to Come! Name! or Here! A shrill whistle can break that intense concentration especially if it has the association of a 'high value' treat. Know your dog and work with your dog in secure areas, but don't think your training won't evaporate when they're "tuned in" elsewhere. Remember ... You can't train the terrier out of a terrier.
Terriers and children Not an easy natural mix, but with a more mature child terriers can be great fun. Terriers can nip. They often don´t like running children or moving wheels, hoovers, brooms and garden hoses. When you witness this phenomenon, you are made aware this isn't a game to them - they are 'lost to it' – so beware. Don't play tug of war with terriers, instead teach fetch and only allow on furniture when invited. And offer them stability and security around their food.
Terrier nips All terriers can nip, that is certain. If that is an absolute no-no, don't go for a terrier (or a collie). These breeds are domesticated working dogs not cute toys. A terrier can be protective of its space, food or possessions but if you take time to really know your terrier and respect them, they can be managed without incident. Be forgiving! Some terriers are no risk at all.
Terrier with other dogs: No guarantees! Whether you've owned your dog from a puppy or have adopted an adult dog, terriers are not famed for being good with other dogs. Behind all the bravado often you find a frightened terrier that is feeling vulnerable and is creating to warn off the other dog - or their sheer excitement to meet a new dog can be misconstrued. Terriers are pack animals, but rarely do they grow up mixing within a pack of dogs where they can develop their skills and have their corners rounded off by competent role models.
Exercise regime Terriers like routine and they also thrive on new experiences. When not on their walks, offer them stimulation to keep their minds engaged in everyday activities. A secure, terrier-proof garden is essential.
Terriers never seem to grow old, just sweeter and more endearing...
