Terriers

The ASPCA reports that terriers, the dogs that win at Westminster more than any other breed, are one of the top five groups most frequently abandoned. Why would any group of dogs so cute that thousands of spectators stamp their feet and applaud for them wind up abandoned and on the street? Among the reasons are
· barking,
· stubbornness,
· running off, and
· difficulty to train.

With these potential challenges, why would anyone choose a terrier? Terriers are personality plus. Common Terriers include the Jack Russell, now called the Parson Russell, Scottish Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. Looking at that group, it’s easy to understand there’s no milk toast Terrier. Nope. These are lively, spunky dogs. Unfortunately, because Terriers are as stubborn as they are lively, some folks think their dogs don’t understand, and begin yelling. Yelling and hitting are techniques that do not work with dogs bred to kill rats, and engage in vicious activities. In response to this failure, many yell louder and hit harder, and this causes Terriers to bark and run in circles. When the family has had enough, out the door the Terriers go. What a waste of a truly sensitive group of dogs.

What goes wrong that causes Terrier abandonment is that Terriers are not honored for what they excel at—feisty action. If these dogs are given jobs and lots of physical activity, the odds are they’ll be physically ready to listen to their families. To make them emotionally ready, it helps if the family stops yelling and starts to whisper. Another technique with Terriers is to stop yourself from charging after them. Instead, keep all their food in your control and talk very softly to them when you hand feed them. They’ll respond by learning to focus on what you want. Then, when giving a command, start by making it something they are willing to do. For example, don’t ask a Terrier to shush and disregard anything that looks like it’s pure excitement. Instead, offer an even better activity, such as a great treat for coming to sit near you. If tempted to scream, scold or hit, stop yourself. Rather than becoming excited, slump down and act emotionally hurt. A Terrier understand hurt feelings and is more likely to listen to your soft expression of frustration than to freight-train screaming.

Terriers with the tendency to be independent when outside should be walked with a harness. Terriers that don’t appear to learn readily should receive brain-nourishing Omega 3 fatty acids. Feed a natural diet that is high in protein and contain whole grains and vegetables. Either make your own dog food, or use a food from a company you can trust, such as Azmira. Provide a comforting pheromone that will help your terrier feel peaceful. (We can’t smell it.)

Families that do best with Terriers provide proper food, supplements and physical activity. Those with fenced yards often have an easier time of exercising pets, but Terriers do fine in apartments, if they’re exercised and trained not to bark. When Terriers are raised with what they need to be healthy and happy, their families will tell you that words cannot describe the degree of love and affection they feel for their pet.