The terrier family is a varied one, and there are plenty to choose from when it comes to introducing a new companion into your home. There’s plenty to consider with any breed of dog; age, breeding, and background can all play a major role in how your new dog will fit into family life. However, choosing a breed of dog first and foremost is a great place to get started with your search.
You might want a large pooch, which will be a loyal protector of your loved ones, or perhaps you’re after a smaller canine that will bring the ball back and snuggle in front of the T.V with you during the evening. Who, or whatever you’re after; the terrier category is an excellent first port of call. The following are some things to consider, breed characteristics, and information on bringing the right dog home, so you’ll have a great family and lifestyle fit.
They’re A Handful, But Worth The Time
Terriers are notoriously a challenge to train, so once you’ve accepted that you’ll need to put the time and effort into your pooch; you can begin a happy life with one another. However, all dogs and puppies need a significant amount of training at the start of their life within a family, so don’t worry too much; just be persistent and patient. Make sure that you do your research, and begin training your dog from day one so that your terrier, however big or small, knows exactly what’s expected of them; dogs respond best to routine and rules, so be firm and consistent
There are character traits of terrier breeds that you’ll need to control with training as much as possible. Originally bred to seek out and kill vermin; a terrier will need to understand when it’s not okay to chase and target something. Smaller breeds in this category, like the Norfolk and the Cairn, like to protect their turf, and can bark (or yap) when they feel danger is approaching. Therefore, you’ll need to instill in them what is and isn’t dangerous. If you’re bringing a terrier around small children; they’ll need to understand that they don’t pose any threat, and you’ll have to teach them not to be possessive with toys, turf, or food. Adequate training and plenty of exercise will ensure that your dog is happy, healthy, and as calm as possible when needed.
Terriers enjoy being the center of attention; therefore, your training techniques should be full of treats, praise, and reward. Your pooch might lack patience, so train them in short bursts, but ensure they are regular sessions so that they become effective and begin to sink in quickly. Unless terriers are raised together from a young age; they can sometimes suit being the only dog in the family, due to those possessive character traits that were mentioned before. You’ll find this to be the case with many of the longer-haired breeds, like the Schnauzer and Lakeland terriers, so bear this in mind when choosing your pup.
They’re Full Of Energy And Intelligence
The intelligence and energy of a terrier breed are what make them such a fun, loyal, and lively family companion. However, these traits can also mean that they’re stubborn and need perhaps a little (a lot) more attention than other docile breeds. Again; breeds like Yorkies and Welsh Terriers might be one of the smallest dog breeds out there, but you’ll soon find that they’re mighty in character. They’ll keep you on your toes as they look everywhere for adventure, and you may come up against their feistiness from time to time. As long as they’re receiving plenty of attention, have the chance to complete activities where they have to think, and are cared for in a consistent manner; they’ll become your littlest best friend in no time.
The larger breed in the category, like Staffies and Bull Terriers, are often thought to be quite different to their smaller, furry cousins, due to their size and (wrongful) reputation. Much the same as the small breeds; larger terrier need plenty of stimulation and exercise to use up all that energy. Once their strength and intelligence are pointed in the right direction, and they are properly trained; they can fit into family life as a loyal protector. If a Staffordshire Bull terrier has had its exercise; it will be a calm addition to a household, and can live with other dogs and small children more successfully than some smaller terrier breeds. Therefore, if you have the time and the room; don’t rule out a short-haired bull terrier, or mongrel, from your list of potential pooches.
They’re Perfect Cold Night Companions
There’s no escaping the fact that once you’ve put all that hard work into training your dog: they’ll becoming the best friend you’ve ever had. When a terrier’s energy is used up outside, and during inside playtime; there’s nothing they like more than a cuddle on the sofa and some fuss, making them the perfect companion for cozy nights in front of the fire together. Terriers don’t need to be babied, even though you might want to because they can be so adorable. Because of their possessive nature; giving your dog too much affection will spoil it and lead to an array of antisocial behavior problems. However, there’s nothing wrong with relaxing together and plenty of stroking.
When it comes to giving your pooch a treat as they sit and watch T.V with you; make sure these are few and far between, especially with smaller terrier breeds. Obesity is a common problem in little terriers, and they gain weight very easily. Therefore their exercise and food ratio needs to be balanced, and you should avoid looking at those puppy-dog eyes when you’re finishing your evening meal, and they’re after scraps. Terriers can be silly dogs; it’s not all about them being feisty. They love to perform and please their owners; ensuring that there’s a breed in the terrier family that would be the perfect addition to your household and situation, so check them out and choose one right for you.
