xxlynne
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Terriers Terrierrescues approach to terriersThe thought came tonight to write a little blurb on my approach to terriers as it dawned on me that there may be a lot of mystic as to 'our approach'.
Our approach is pure and very simple. Terriers are like toddlers 'terrible twos'! they are head strong, very independent in their thinking and have the tendency to be aloof by nature (not all). Don't think of them as adolescents or adults. They are in the moment. Their genetics are a cross between the sight hound and the bull breed so understanding that you see the 'focus; the hunt and chase; the aloofness; sleek look. The bull breed brings the people affection; musculature; the audacity.
So what about rules and pack order etc: Let me tell you our dogs are part of our pack family most sleep in the bedroom if not on the bed. As pack leaders we take responsibility to ensure their safety and care. We are not interested in power games and "control". Having heard so many people share their intellectual understanding about "off furniture, through the door first, demotional tactics etc." I have to say I just don't agree with the 'detached interpretation' "Fennel" approach. We are NOT superior to our dogs, they are not lowly dogs, they are the love of our lives, but they are not babies either. With terriers "grumbles, growls, nips, indirect bites, and general misdemeanours" happen and I take responsibility for these I need to manage their lives so that these don't happen. We are very forgiving. Its hard to explain, but the attunement isn't towards the behaviour, but the reasons behind the behaviour. This terrier feels the need to guard its bed then give it it's space and respect that. This terrier gets excited when people come give them the joy of that moment or should little terriers be seen and not heard! Dee and my motto continuously is when we hear people talk about terriers is in echo 'Yes because its a terrier!!!
So terriers are here to entertain. They need understanding and adoration. They are antidepressants ... if they are depressants perhaps you shouldn't have a terrier. They are little people who have very full personalities and yes bites can happen, but they heal quickly and as a consequence you become a better manager.
Sam and Kizzie came into together always lived together and their owner died. We homed them and Kizzie was everything the terrier bitch and lorded it over Sam. 4 weeks on and the couple wanted to hand back Kizzie and keep Sam swearing they didn't get on and it was so unfair on Sam. I went around there having said I wasn't prepared to separate them I took both or none. We talked it through and they tried again. They learnt to manage the situation until Kizzie had no audience and rewards for her behaviours she was loved and adored she knew it and they settled. No way would they split them now 4 yrs on!
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