One morning, you saw a picture of a Norwich Terrier and instantly fell in love with its adorable face, cheerful expression, and those perky ears that looked like it’s always up for some fun. But before you decide to welcome this small but captivating canine into your life, there’s one crucial consideration to ponder: Is a Norwich Terrier easy to train?
Well, hold on to your seats because fascinating facts about this zesty dog breed are about to be served! After gaining insight into the distinctive traits and captivating attributes of Norwich Terriers, you will be better equipped to decide if they are the right match for you.
If you think the Norwich Terrier is simply one among those cute little dogs you glimpse in the dog park, you’re wrong. This adorable breed is often mistaken for a puppy even when it’s fully grown, thanks to its size and playful spirit. However, don’t be fooled by their puppy-like features because Norwich Terriers carry a heart full of courage and endurance that’s typical of larger dogs. The Norfolk terrier was a fearless ratter in its ancestral cradle in England. Today, those qualities of moxie and tenacity can render them both enchanting and challenging pets in equal measures.
What’s interesting about Norwich Terriers is that unlike some dog breeds that stand aloof to strangers, this breed tends to exhibit an amiable disposition towards both people and dogs. Shower them with ample socialization, tender care, and love, and you will find it reciprocated a thousand-fold.
Now, let’s move on to the million-dollar question: Is a Norwich Terrier easy to train?
The short answer? Yes…and no. Given how smart Norwich Terriers are it could go both ways. You see, these dogs are intelligent but their stubborn streak could sometimes come in the way of them being trained easily. How does one tame this quandary? The key is to make training sessions engaging and enjoyable, for Norwich Terriers respond well when work seems like play.
The social tendencies of Norwich Terriers should be emphasized early on, and housebreaking them could sometimes be challenging. Yet again, turning the whole exercise into a game that’s fun with frequent rewards can make the voyage smoother. Positive reinforcement methods go around a long way in training these little dynamos.
Bear in mind, patience and playfulness should be the brush-strokes while painting the canvas of the Norwich’s training. As a breed, Norwich Terriers lack patience for repetitive training drills that don’t go anywhere. Spicing things up and introducing variations in the exercise can help. Thus, enrolment in agility or obedience classes could add depth and layers to their training journey. This keeps them engaged, well-mannered, and versatile.
But, here are some words of caution. Even though they are generally sociable, Norwiches can sometimes be territorial and selective about their animal friends. Let your dog play and mingle at an early age, with other dogs, cats or rabbits. If not, they might switch to their predatory instincts and consider small animals as prey. Early socialization can help them get along well with other animals.
Another important item on training the Norwich Terrier would be biting. Remember, the breeders were brave ratters, and therefore prone to most likely bite or nibble. Ignoring bad biting and rewarding soft-mouthed behavior is crucial in this regard.
Neil Forrest, a professional dog trainer says, “Norwich Terriers are not for the faint-hearted! They were bred to be confident and independent, and they can be pretty stubborn about doing what they want if you let them! However, a determined, patient owner will find an intelligent, loving companion capable of great feats of learning.”
To encapsulate, let’s look a bit more closely at some of its standout traits. Norwich Terriers are:
1. Intelligent: They are eager to please and can be trained to high standards of obedience.
2. Independent: They have a mind of their own and aren’t afraid of using it.
3. Sociable: Early socialization helps them make friends easily.
4. Active: They love playing games and being a part of outdoor activities.
5. Loyal: A Norwich Terrier will always stick by your side.
There’s no such thing as a perfect dog, neither is there a perfect breed. A Norwich Terrier, like any dog breed, comes with its shares of pros and cons. But remember, owning a pet means embracing them in their entirety. So, if an energetic, social and slightly independent furry friend is what you crave for, a Norwich Terrier will make an excellent addition to your family. Happy training!
