Training a dog, much akin to teaching in a classroom, is often peppered with moments of joy, sheer surprise, and not to forget, a fair share of rewarding challenges. The experience is analogous to a roller coaster ride – you never know what’s coming at you until it’s right on your face! Now, imagine if this roller coaster ride was to be considered an Olympic sport. Which breed of dog would win for easiest to train? Would it be a Border Terrier?
In retrospect, the Border Terrier, a breed renowned for its stellar ‘trainability,’ is almost always voted as the crowd favorite. But is there more to this quaint canine’s triumph than what meets the eye – furry ears, expressive eyes, and an adorable yawn? Let’s explore a little deeper.
The Border Terrier, originating from the rugged terrain of the Scottish-English border, was historically bred to catch rodents and assist in fox hunts. Unsurprisingly, these spirited little dynamos came out tops given their swiftness and agility. What’s more, having a Border Terrier companion promises an interesting life chapter sprinkled with ceaseless entertainment. Their jovial and playful nature is nothing short of a natural mood enhancer. However, the real wonder of Border Terriers thrives in their ability to adapt and learn.
Now, every Border Terrier pup moves to a different beat on the ‘trainability’ scale (a tad subjective spectrum that measures the ease of training a dog). Some tend to fetch a Frisbee faster than others. Some master the “sit” and “stay” quicker. But unanimously, all Border Terriers share a common trait – quick comprehension. Owing to their sharp intellect and knack for interpreting human emotions, Border Terriers pick up on cues and commands much faster than most breeds.
Their origin story as farm dogs lends these charming mutts an inherent resilience, relentless energy, and a keen sense of heightened observation. These qualities play out in the training field. They’re usually eager learners, demonstrating an exceptional aptitude for picking up tricks, house rules, and behavioral expectations.
However, be warned that they also harbor a dauntless spirit and unwavering inquisitiveness that might occasionally rise to a good-humored obstinacy. You may sometimes find your Border Terrier playing “deaf” to your command or developing a sudden aloofness when asked to “fetch.” It almost seems as though they’re testing waters to see how you’d react. Do not perceive this as disobedience; instead, consider it as their unspoken longing for variety. Solution? Throw in exciting twists in your training sessions from time to time, to tickle their curious fancies.
Border Terriers, like any dog, need a consistent and understanding trainer who uses positive reinforcement. Show your furry pal that you value their accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrate their learning journey with treats, praises, and pats. Positive reinforcement has been scientifically proven to reinforce desired behavior in dogs – and humans too!
Simultaneously, assume the role of a firm, calm, and, above all, a patient trainer. Patience, my friend, is indispensable when training any dog, more so with a Border Terrier marked by a spirited energy and curiosity resembling that of a toddler. There might be days when they don’t seem to ‘get it’; they might even evoke a fair share of facepalm moments! But the key here is to maintain your calm. Remember, the process of transforming your untrained, often overtly excited furry ball into a well-behaved one is a marathon, not a sprint.
Another rewarding piece of advice that most trainers swear by is conducting short, scheduled training sessions. Now Border Terriers, much like us, tire out, get bored, and may even lose interest over extended periods of training. So divide their training into short, scheduled sessions to maximize productivity and maintain their enthusiasm level throughout the process.
Even though Border Terriers are highly trainable, it’s crucial to begin their instruction at an early age. Do not postpone their training until they exhibit unwanted behaviors. Instead, start small and early. Potty training, leash mannerisms, or simply familiarizing them with their surroundings can begin as early as eight weeks.
In summary, a Border Terrier’s trainability stands out not due to its perceived ease but due to the joy that its unique learning style brings. Training a Border Terrier isn’t an uphill task – it’s more of a fascinating journey replete with learning, unlearning, and relearning. So is a Border Terrier easy to train? It’s a resounding yes – with dollops of patience, consistent training, positivity, and timely rewards thrown into the mix.
In the end, remember, the Border Terrier, with all its quirks, will bring so much light, laughter, and, of course, a sprinkling of challenges into your life. The best advice any seasoned dog trainer or dog parent will give you is to be patient, be consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey as much as the outcome!
