Wheaton Terrier

How To Train A Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier Using Positive Discipline

A Wheaton Terrier is an active dog breed which is known for having a great deal of energy. It is up to a potential owner to train a Wheaton Terrier using loving discipline and positive reinforcement methods to keep them under control and teaching them appropriate and acceptable behavior.

Training a Wheaton Terrier is something best done when the dog is a puppy, trying to train an older dog can prove to be challenging and difficult. Since the breed is extremely intelligent, a Wheaton Terrier is easier to train than some other types of dog breeds. You should begin training by using a firm but gentle method, letting the dog know from the start that you are the alpha. Repeated training for approximately thirty minutes daily should be sufficient. In the beginning the pup may be resistant and stubborn, trying to struggle and break free, but it is important to remain in control and not give up, the dog will settle down given time.

By using gentle, positive reinforcement, your Wheaton Terrier will soon be under control and do what is expected. The dog will learn that you are the alpha and that he or she must do what is expected. You can teach the dog how to sit, stay, come and walk on a leash and get them used to grooming and anything else you want to teach them.

Wheaton Terriers are a very playful breed; you can take advantage of this quality when training the dog. One way the dog can be trained is by using the clicker method, which features positive reinforcement. One person should hold the dog by the collar, while another person stands a few feet away and holds a dish of food or some treats at knee level. The person who has the food or treats should take a few steps back and click the clicker, instructing the dog to "come, " in a pleasant voice. The other person should then release the dog and the dog should be motioned to go towards the person with the clicker and food. When the dog gets close, say "stop, " take the dog by the collar and allow him to eat while praising at the same time.

The next thing to do during the training session is to move backwards until the dog gets accustomed to coming to you when you say the word "come." While moving progressively further and further away, gradually reduce the amount of food until it is down to nothing. The dog needs to learn to come when called without expecting to receive a reward of food. Remember that yelling or striking out at the dog will not make the dog want to come and any frustration on your part will impede the training. Having the dog learn to respond when called is very important; Wheaton's are natural escape artist's which is why proper training is so imperative.

One of the main difficulties of owning a larger dog breed is that an owner oftentimes feels as if the dog is taking them for a walk. To alleviate the situation, the Wheaton needs to be trained as a puppy to walk properly on a loose leash. Use a regular collar and put the dog on a lead that is about 6-8 feet in length, make sure you carry treats with you during this training exercise. If the dog starts tugging and pulling on the leash, stop and stand firmly planted in one spot. Do not say anything to the dog until he or she acknowledges you, once this happens you can loosen the leash and proceed again, repeating the exercise until the dog understands what is expected. Once the dog complies, you can reward with treats and praise, the dog will soon learn that pulling away on a leash is unacceptable behavior.

This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com. For more information on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Soft_Coated_Wheaten_Terrier/.

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