always instantly obeyed. Because of their keen hunting instincts, hunt terriers have a remarkable ability to key in on some- thing and tune out everything else around them. Th at includes their owners’ com- mands. Training must be fast-paced, fun and designed to take advantage of the Bor- der’s natural intelligence and curiosity. Th ey catch on quickly and become bored with repetition. Keep training sessions short and vary the exercises. Terriers enjoy not know- ing what’s coming next, the excitement and mental challenge of problem solving. If you make training too easy, terriers will find something more interesting to do. Border Terriers are highly food-moti- vated. Use food treats liberally rather than correcting mistakes. Correction will sim- ply make them more stubborn. Use posi- tive motivation and reward them gener- ously when they’ve done right. For terriers, training must be fun or they will simply refuse to learn. Indeed, the pursuit of fun is the Border’s main goal in life. Anything that prevents them from having a good time becomes an obstacle to overcome. Being very smart and curious, they are able to figure things out quickly and are easily bored by standard obedience classes. With skill and patience, Border Terriers can be trained to meet the high standards for advanced obedience competition. Socialize your Border during pup- pyhood and adolescence. Some may go through bashful periods. Let him see, hear, investigate and get used to new sights and sounds. Take him places and expose him to the activities he will participate in as an adult dog. Continuing socialization is important at this time and through- out young adulthood so your dog does not become introverted, fearful or defen- sive towards other dogs. Take care not to allow circumstances to occur which might cause your Border to become defensive or get into a fight. Th ough not aggressive by nature, if challenged, they will fight and likely hold grudges against aggressors. As rugged and hard as the Border sounds, its heart is soft. Borders like to stay out of trouble! Th ey are usually good with children—tolerant and patient; but, chil- dren must not torment them, hurt them, interfere when they are eating or become
frantic. Border Terriers are known to leap up and give a quick, gentle nip on the arm or wrist when they are excited or when chil- dren dash by. Teach children to appropri- ately play and give attention and a ff ection to your dog. Overall, Border Terriers are a healthy, long-lived breed. Th ey need su ffi cient exercise to keep them fit and happy. Long walks on a leash are best in the country or the city. Excursions can be interspersed with yard time. Be careful that yard time is limited and does not become boring. Th e Border Terrier has an active, working heri- tage and likes to have something to do. Anyone who likes terriers should enjoy a Border. Th ey have pleasant personalities, are easy to care for and have an irresist- ible impish appearance. Th ey are a rare and ‘unspoiled’ breed that makes a splen- did companion. Th ey are definitely a dog lover’s dog. BIO Annette Ne ff has been breeding Border Terriers under the Wildwood prefix since 1993 and is an AKC breeder of Merit. Many of her Wildwood dogs have received AKC Championships, Perfor- mance and Companion titles. She is very active with her Border Terriers in AKC dog sports including conformation, obedience, rally, agility and Earthdog. Annette is also an AKC Earthdog judge. She operates Pet Behavior Associates, a dog training and behavioral consulting business—having been a dog behaviorist and trainer for over thirty years. Annette belongs to Obedience and Agility Train- ing Clubs and instructs in obedience, rally and agility. Annette has served on the BOD of the Border Terrier Club of America for nearly 9 years and produced the club newslet- ter, the “Borderline” for over 7 years. She is also the Treasurer for a regional club, the Border Terrier Club of Central Ohio (BTCCO) and direct rescue operations as Vice President of the North American Bor- der Terrier Welfare. Annette lives with eleven Border terri- ers that make her smile every day! She can be reached via wildwoodbts@aol.com with questions or comments.
“OVERALL, BORDER TERRIERS ARE A HEALTHY, LONG-LIVED BREED.”
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