DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT

According to the American Kennel Club, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds. It’s not hard to see why. With its playful attitude and beautiful appearance, Yorkies make the perfect companion, as pet or show dog.

Among the smaller of a mostly small breed (exceptions are terriers like the Airedale), the Yorkshire tops the scales at only about 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg). He stands only 7-13 inches (15-29 cm) high on average. The head is small, rounded and topped by short V-shaped ears smaller than their Scottish relatives. Yorkshire is an area in northern England, south of the Highlands that were home to Westies and Scotties.

It has a long, smooth coat that is typically tan at the head with black markings between the withers and tail, sometimes with a blue tint. But since they have no undercoat, the long hair is less trouble because Yorkies don’t shed like many other breeds. Small amounts of hair loss is normal with any species that has hair. Shedding is a regular, seasonal process.

But, because the coat is silky and fine it will require regular care to keep it in optimal shape. Since they’re so small that requires much less effort than with many breeds. Trimming is important, though, to keep the hair off the floor and away from the eyes. They also tend to carry less dander and therefore represent a lower risk of producing allergens for those who are sensitive.

Unlike many terriers of their approximate size, such as Cairns or Scotties, they don’t always have the scissor bite of their northern cousins. It may be level. That makes them less of a fighter and more of a lover. They will much less often try to dominate the home the way many other terrier breeds may.

But that attitude, and their small size, means they require a bit more supervision to ensure that larger dogs don’t represent a risk to them. When well socialized they’ll get along well with other dogs in the home as well as the entire family. Some other terrier breeds tend more often to bond with only one or two people in the household.

Still, they have the typical curiosity of any terrier and will investigate the yard and garden whenever possible. ‘Investigation’ often involves digging if they’re left unsupervised. Bred originally to hunt mice and rats, they still retain those instincts in some form.

But that same lively mentality makes them relatively easy to train and they’re happy to take instruction, which they react to as play. Still, like most terriers, they’re fairly independent and can be a little harder to housebreak as puppies.

Treat your Yorkie right and they’ll give you years of love and affection in return.

Saying you have a terrier doesn’t tell a bystander much. They’re among the broadest group of breeds around. They range everywhere from a tiny toy Yorkie to the huge Airedale, from the scrappy but small Westie to the sometimes sweet, sometimes ferocious American Pit Bull Terrier.

In between are a whole smorgasbord of breeds. Jack Russells remain a great favorite, thanks to their happy nature and endless energy. Cairns and Scotties retain their ranks near the top, thanks to a good dose of Scottish charm and their stellar good looks. Fox Terriers, whether Wire-Haired or Smooth, are another breed that captures the hearts of many, just as the famous Asta did decades ago in the Thin Man films.

Most of these breeds began over 200 years ago as working terriers, developed to hunt game, control rat populations or chase off varmints. The attributes that were selected for to produce the needed behavior – fearlessness, endless endurance, great strength in a small size and others – have sometimes come back to haunt modern owners. Terriers can be a trial.

Their temperament remains all these generations later. The sometimes stubborn, but always-ready-for-play attitude can make training a mixed endeavor. Terriers, even more so than the average, require great patience and persistence. The rewards are great, though. Terriers are extremely loyal. They bond well with their family or special person.

They do require a moderate amount of care, however. Long-haired, silky Yorkies need regular brushing. But they have no undercoat so shedding is minimal. The dense undercoat and rough fur of a Kerry Blue, similarly, will take regular clipping and good treatment to keep the dog in good condition.

Because they’re so competitive and high-energy, many terriers won’t take well to regular hair and nail grooming, either. More so than most breeds, it’s important to establish early in their lives that you are the alpha dog and will allow no rebellion.

To help with that task, modern dog owners are lucky in having an array of gear at their disposal. For some individual dogs a simple but sturdy collar and leash is enough. Many others will need, for their sake and yours, a strong chest halter and maybe even a muzzle.

Caring for them requires that form of security, but it also means taking great precautions with their diet. Some breeds have sensitive stomachs. The Boston Terrier is an example that demonstrates this more clearly than most. They’re not alone, though. More than one Yorkie has frustrated its owner by requiring considerable research to find just the right food.

Some terrier breeds are also more prone than others to certain diseases, such as cardiomyopathy and von Willebrand’s disease. On the whole, all dog diseases are relatively rare (today, at least, thankfully). But terriers come in for their share or perhaps a little more.

Still, despite all the challenges of housebreaking, training, grooming and diet owning a terrier is one of the most rewarding options for those seeking a dog. That is, at least according to those who should know best: their human companions.

Terriers were bred from their very beginnings to perform services. In Great Britain that often took the form of breeding programs to produce a dog that would hunt fox, chase badgers or kill rats. While those activities still take place, the average modern terrier’s working life has changed a great deal.

In many instances, their role is simply that of a watchdog. Many, as diverse as the Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier or the Fox Terrier perform that function extremely well. Territorial and loyal to the family they bond with early in life, they will guard a home and alert at the first sound of a stranger.

As with any watchdog, a terrier needs to be trained to perform that job correctly, of course. Snapping at random strangers can lead to problems that are larger than the ones they were intended to solve. Acting as a barrier to intruders is good. Forbidding the plumber to come into the house when the basement is flooding is not.

American Pit Bull Terriers are often found among professional working dogs. They’re used by the Border Patrol, DEA and other government police organizations. They are extremely strong, have great endurance and can track well when trained properly. For many of the same reasons, they’re often used as police dogs where they may see duty as narcotics or explosives sniffers.

But even for people requiring gentler services, the terrier can often be a terrific working dog.

Bred to chase small game, they can perform well as a gopher or rat catcher. Cairns, Jack Russells and others do this naturally. The only challenge, and it’s not always a small one, is to train them to stop before they’ve dug up the entire yard. There again, without proper guidance, the solution can be worse than the problem.

Farmers often employ terriers to control grey foxes, raccoons, ground hogs and others that prey on chickens and geese. The prey often survives to be relocated to a safer area and life goes on for all. Jack Russells, Fox Terriers and other smaller terrier breeds are used, since the key is a chest circumference no larger than the animals they chase in order to get inside burrows.

The terrier is still put to work in hunting. They’re not retrievers by nature but they can locate and alert with the best of them. They can trap with ease small game, such as rabbits and fox – no mean feat given how alert and quick are these prey animals.

Still, more peaceful pursuits are possible with a well-trained terrier. Many are high-energy, but that nature can be put to good use. Though most are too small to serve as effectively as other breeds as guide dogs for the blind, some make first-rate service dogs for the deaf. With their intelligence and keen attention to the right stimuli, they may alert someone to a ringing phone, a visitor at the door or just someone entering the yard.

Smart, really smart. That’s a good description of just about any terrier. That fact would suggest they should be easy to train. Unfortunately, they’re also stubborn, really stubborn. Bred to be independent, fearless and intrepid, the terrier is a natural high-energy dog. But they can be and should be trained.

It will take considerable patience. That’s true of any training program for any breed, but it goes double or triple where terriers are concerned. A contest of wills with a terrier will rarely result in satisfaction to dog or human. They like to do what they like to do, not necessarily what you want them to do. The trick is to make those two things the same.

Terriers love to play. They love attention. They have endless energy for chasing, running, jumping and more. Those attributes are your keys to training your terrier without strangling him or yourself out of frustration.

Whether Scottie, Westie, Jack Russell or any of the other dozens of terrier breeds, find something your individual dog wants. Then, make sure he understands that to get it he has to cooperate. That ‘thing he wants’ can be attention, a ball, the freedom to play or a wide variety of other things, including all of the above. But every terrier wants something.

Sit, stay and other basic routine dog training moves will come with difficulty when working with most terriers. As independent, high-energy dogs, sit and stay are not behaviors they enjoy. But they will ‘trade’ a successful move for something they want.

Take care not to depend on treats to get the desired behavior, though. Most terriers can easily become overweight and have an imbalanced diet when treats become too numerous and frequent. Instead, use a clicker or a finger snap or other attention getting method, then reward with high praise and lots of love. Most terriers are friendly and enjoy attention and good cheer. You’ll get much farther with positive than negative reinforcement with terriers.

An expandable obstacle course makes for an excellent training aid with terriers. Because they love to burrow, jump and have fun, setting up different stations and working with them gradually increases the odds of success. Introducing your Jack Russell or Wire-Haired Fox Terrier first to a low barrier, then a tunnel, then a short maze can satisfy them.

They enjoy jumping the barrier, wiggling through the tunnel and working through the maze to satisfy their curiosity. That engages their need for activity, works with their historically bred-in nature and exercises their native intelligence.

Having realistic expectations will help curb your frustration. Unlike German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers or some other breeds, terriers don’t automatically want to do what you ask. But, like strong-willed children, they can be led to when they perceive the task as connected to something they want to gain.

Like any group of breeds, terriers share some common attitudes. At the same time, any individual dog is just that, an individual. This mix of similarities and differences defines the terrier temperament.

Jack Russells, for example, are high-energy, high-activity dogs – as are Scotties, Westies and many more terrier breeds. Still, many of their characteristics are different. Jack Russells are taller, short-haired, with different coloring than a Scottish Terrier or his West Highland cousin. At the same time, they all have that intelligence, tenaciousness and fearless demeanor common to so many terriers.

Within those broad outlines individual dogs will vary in ways other than coloring, height and so on. Nature plays a large role in providing terriers with a certain form and attitude. But nurture is still significant. The experiences an individual has early in life matter a great deal.

This mixture comes out most clearly during training. Like all dogs to one degree or another, terriers can be trained. Fox Terriers and Yorkies alike have starred in films, seen service as game hunters and more. Training can shape and channel behavior.

It’s best to have realistic expectations when training terriers. That strong-willed spirit is never going away. It can be molded, but attempting to suppress it can only result in unhappiness for the dog and trainer. Dogs can ‘act out’ like children who are unfairly punished. The person becomes frustrated along with the dog. Working with the terrier’s nature, not against it, is the way out of the dilemma.

‘High energy’ can result in a restless dog who often gets into trouble, simply out of boredom or lack of direction. Training can redirect those high spirits into more acceptable and even productive behavior. That can cover anything from being an efficient rat catcher (one traditional role for terriers) to simply enjoying directed play in the park with a human companion.

Within the different breeds there are differences of temperament, too. Yorkies are typically more friendly than, say, Pit Bull Terriers. But within a breed there are still individual dogs, and their temperament can vary widely. Even with the best training methods and practice possible, individual dogs will react, well, individually.

Some will learn more quickly than others. Some will be naturally more wary of strangers, others more spontaneously friendly. Some will be content to be alone for longer periods. Others will want a great deal of attention. Some will bond tightly with a particular family member. Other dogs will be happy in the presence of anyone in ‘their pack’.

Training will have a limited effect in those circumstances. It’s easy to produce a terrier with a defective personality, or one that feels abused. But even the most loving training won’t eliminate individual traits. Nurture is important. Nature is at least as much so. But, like people, at the end of the day neither accounts fully for the result. Every terrier isn’t just a Cairn or an Airedale or a Kerry Blue. He (or she) is Fido, or Scott, or Asta, the individual.

Since the terrier breeds are so varied, their diet is also variable. That’s even more true when considering the individual. But like any dog diet, there are similarities that run across all.

Dogs were historically descendant from wolves. As such, they were primarily carnivores, or meat eaters. But they’re also somewhat like scavengers and can consume some vegetables or plant material without harm. The net result is that a diet suited to their needs can well be a mixture of meats and grains.

Take care with grains, though. Some individual terriers are prone to wheat or corn allergies although this is less common than in other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. Commercial dry kibbles that contain wheat gluten are fine for most. But animal meal – chicken, lamb or beef – should be the main ingredient.

Any quality commercial dog food will have the proper balance of nutrients that terriers need. Though many terrier owners prefer to cook their dog’s food themselves, the reasons are often less based on good science than personal values.

It is possible to feed a raw or cooked diet from available ingredients, but it requires great care and expertise in order to ensure the meal is healthy for a terrier. Just as one element to consider, prepared meals don’t contain the proven-safe preservatives that make food last without spoilage. That means anything prepared has to be served within a few days at most, unless it’s frozen, which adds to the effort required.

Creating a dog meal that contains the right mix of protein, fat and vitamins is a challenge. Getting the proportions right is even more difficult. It’s possible, but few will devote the time and effort to do objective research, much less the added task of actually preparing meals correctly.

Boston Terriers, for example, who don’t get the proper diet can become flatulent. That represents not only an unpleasant odor for the owner, but is uncomfortable and unsafe for the dog. As in humans, it represents an inability to completely digest certain substances. Unlike humans, though, dogs’ stomachs are more sensitive to failure and there aren’t the wide range of over the counter remedies to alleviate discomfort.

Such stomach difficulties are not limited to a mild discomfort in many cases, as it may be in humans, but is more often a real health risk, particularly in smaller breeds. More seriously, dogs rarely convey clearly what is ailing them. Play it safe and, unless you can commit to developing a diet on your own based on sound nutritional science, rely on your vet’s recommendation.

That recommendation will almost always be in favor of a commercially prepared kibble and/or soft meat food. Most will tell you to look for a dog food with a ratio of about 40% meat meal and no more than 30% vegetable, with the remainder starches and fats. Vets are not just providing commercial dog food companies with free advertising, since they make only a small profit, if any, from them. Their concern is for the welfare of your dog first and foremost. As, undoubtedly, is yours.

Terriers are among the most diverse breeds, ranging from the tiny toy Yorkie to the large Airedale. Originally developed to hunt and trap small game, the group has largely changed its role in human life over the past 200 years. But the wide range of size, temperament and appearance has caused terriers to continue to be among the most popular group in the world.

Even within a single subset, such as the smaller breeds, variety is everywhere with terriers. Jack Russells look and behave very differently from Westies. A Scottie and a Yorkie are roughly the same size, but have very different attitudes in detail, while still retaining many general terrier characteristics.

Medium-sized terriers, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Welsh Terrier could hardly look more different. To the novice, it would be hard to find reasons to put them into the same category. Yet both have similar lineage, being developed not far from one another by modern measurements of distance.

Larger terriers look still more different from their smaller cousins. The Airedale, the Lakeland Terrier and the Irish Terrier are much more similar to one another, in appearance and behavior, than they are to the smaller breeds. Yet, a Kerry Blue – while much larger than the Scottie – was bred in similar circumstances and show common behaviors. That shows in the stance, the coat and other attributes, such as their high spirits and able mountain herding ability.

These are all very different from others that carry the terrier name. The Border Terrier resembles a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, even though the former is quite a bit taller. Both have the same square head, close coat and highly alert nature. Yet, you could hardly find two terriers more closely related, while looking dissimilar, than the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire-Haired Fox.

This ’similarity within diversity’ is no accident, of course. Originally bred to hunt, many breeds were narrowed to perform that service for a group of prey that is equally varied. Fox and rabbit are similar enough to be hunted by the same breed. But animals that live above ground, such as tree squirrels, require a different technique.

That variation took on even larger dimensions as the generations went by and hunting became much less common. Everything from sports contests to film production, from watchdog and drug-sniffing duty to Border Patrol has called terriers into action. Breeding a dog to perform services for the deaf is naturally going to take a very different turn from one who will simply be a family pet.

Tastes in terriers run as wide a range as the breeds. Some like the portability and cute look of a little Westie. Others will find their hearts stolen by a miniature schnauzer, with their floppy ears and quizzical look. Still others can’t resist the sweet good nature of an Airedale and enjoy their tall, proud stance and beautiful appearance.

But whether one’s taste runs to the Manchester, looking a lot like a Doberman, or preference is for the tiny Norfolk, there’s a terrier just right for you.

The Scottish Terrier isn’t the only native breed of its homeland, but it is probably the most recognizable. These stalwart descendants of Scotland are a favorite of so many for good reason.

They’re shorter than even the average short breed terrier, standing only about 10-11 inches (22-25 cm) high. But their proud stance makes them appear taller. The average Scottie weighs only between 19-23 lbs (8.6-10.5 kg), but it’s all muscle. The length from withers (between the shoulder blades) to the tail is typically about 11 inches.

The coat tends to be on the long side if left unclipped. Facial hair in particular can reach several inches off the muzzle, which can represent a problem for non-show dogs. Black dominates, but a few wheaten Scotties are around and brindle coloring (a mixture of black and tan) is not unknown.

Like all terriers, they’re very lively. But the Scottie outdoes many in his desire to romp and play. Developed in the early 18th century near Aberdeen, they were trained to hunt den animals like rabbit, fox and even badger. Though the practice is much less common today, they retain that fierce hunting instinct, where it comes out if they’re challenged.

That behavior can be seen clearly when playing tug, where even the most loyal family dog can become extremely competitive. It may be exhibited also during grooming. Most are not fond of having their nails clipped and will jerk when their feet are touched. A loud, piercing bark signals their desire for dominance and snapping is possible, too. But in calmer circumstances they’re very loving and become closely attached to one or two members of the family.

That focus makes them good watch dogs, but they will sometimes need to be restrained around strangers until they’ve had a chance to adjust. Biting is unlikely, but a healthy warning bark is common.

They’re very quick, surprisingly so for their size given their tiny legs. But they tend to be muscular and strong, a consequence of genetics that is reinforced by their active lifestyle. They rarely want to sit around very long and require lots of exercise to avoid becoming ‘problem children’.

That active nature is nowhere more evident than in their instinct to dig. An unsupervised Scottie can tear up a garden within a few minutes in its search for a gopher. Because of their small size, fencing them out is difficult. For maximum protection – for the garden, local rabbits and the Scottie – low, close-mesh fencing is best. But the yard is at risk, too, so supervision is always best.

Loving but strong-willed they require firm training, but will react negatively to any type of physical punishment. These are not dogs that will cower at the threat of a swat with a newspaper and that type of interaction is strongly discouraged. But because they can be so stubborn, patient training is a must or they’ll come to dominate the household.

Jacks, Jack Russell’s… call them what you will. They are ‘terrier-rific’ by any name. Smart, energetic and always eager to play or work, they make great companions… for anyone with the energy to keep up with them.

Jacks are generally on the small side, averaging about 14 pounds with a chest size roughly 12-14 inches around. Like most terriers, they were originally bred to chase out small game.

They come in different sub-breeds, with tri-colored brown, black and white coats that are either smooth, broken or rough. All can live as long as 15 years or more. The natural tail is straight and held high, one reason they’re often docked to about five inches in length. Then they swing to and fro like little metronomes.

That ‘musical beat’ tends to be pretty rapid, though, as a Jack Russell will chase a cat, squirrel or anything else around in a flash. As a result, it’s best to leash them when they’re not in a safe, enclosed area, such as the backyard.

They enjoy attention, though, so it’s not a good idea to leave them out there on their own for long periods. Like all terriers, they enjoy digging and will quickly destroy any manicured lawn or garden. That instinct can be channeled but not eliminated, and only partly curbed. Bred for centuries to ferret out rabbits, foxes and other small animals, a terrier wants to go down a hole, even if they have to widen it a bit. Jacks are no exception.

That same energy level can get them into trouble in other ways. Since, like most terriers, they’re basically fearless, they will fight with dogs much larger than themselves. The results are not always in their favor. Because of their staunch attitude, some larger breeds will run away. Those that don’t will often get the better of a Jack that picked on a larger dog where the size difference is overwhelming.

But that intrepid attitude also makes them loyal and very protective of their ‘terrier-tory’. While they can be socialized to include other pets in the home, they greet strangers with a wary eye and often a harsh bark. They’re not overly inclined to bite, though, and quickly warm up to people to whom they’re introduced by the ‘alpha’ of the pack (i.e., you).

However, when introducing them to young children or those who are nervous about dogs in general, it’s best to proceed with caution. A chest halter and a firm grip can make the process safe for all participants. Getting down to their level reduces jumping, but take care not to get your face close to a Jack that isn’t well restrained. Bites are unusual, but snapping can still be upsetting.

Like all terriers, they can be trained but their behavior is usually somewhat non-plastic. Unlike, say, a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever, they remain independent and strong-willed even with the best of training. Still, the effort is worthwhile. Neglect training and the alternative is uncomfortably close to a wild animal.

Because of their great variety, it’s difficult to state grooming tips that apply equally to all terrier breeds. But two broad categories are most common. The long, silky hair of the Yorkie who has no undercoat, for example, requires one technique. The dense undercoat of a Westie implies another.

For those with long, soft coats like the Yorkshire or Skye Terrier regular brushing is a must. Clipping the coat to a length that will keep it off the ground when walking will help, too, but it’s not recommended for show dogs. Stripping and plucking is used instead though pet owners might want the same look.

With a stripping knife held down with the thumb, work the tool over the coat to get out dead hairs and return sheen and smoothness to the coat. Take care not to twist the tool taking live hair, too. Move in the direction of hair growth.

Plucking requires taking dead hair between the thumb and fingers and giving a quick, firm tug. Hold the skin down to prevent discomfort. Select only hairs that are well developed. Young growth is firmly implanted. Left on their own, the older hairs would simply shed out.

Clipping works well for Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Airedales, Lakelands and similar breeds.

To clip, use a #7 Oster blade down the back, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Then do the chest, elbows and outer thighs. Here again, move in the direction of hair growth, not against the grain. For Miniature Schnauzers, continue inside the thigh. A #10 blade works well for trimming ears, the muzzle and the crown. Eyebrows can be trimmed with a pair of rounded-end scissors.

A pair of thinning shears can make short work of that wiry, coarse coat so common on the above-mentioned terriers. Combined with a good comb, you can work your way over the dense areas rapidly. Use the rounded-end scissors again to work your way around the ears, inside and out.

A wire-toothed comb will help stimulate skin, remove dead skin cells and undo tangles. Work slowly in parts that resist, then give a firm stroke to areas that cooperate. To remove really stubborn mats, use extreme caution and clip the mat away by holding it out from the skin and working the scissors in between the skin and mat. For those close to the skin, snip a small portion at a time and work the hair out gradually.

Whenever possible, perform the procedure on a table or platform. A sturdy kitchen table, well covered, is one possibility. Even a section of plywood over the bathtub, covered with a non-stick rubber mat, can help. Dog grooming tables are available for purchase.

The idea is to use a solid raised surface so you get plenty of light and can walk around to see the dog from different angles. Professional setups typically have a halter attached to the platform to prevent movement. With high-energy terriers, which is all of them, that can be a big help.