Does the word “terrier” send a chill down your spine, sparking horrid flashbacks of high-energy, not-so-compliant training sessions with your previous dogs? Well, it might be time to debunk the myth around terrier breeds not being easy to train. Allow me to introduce you to the exception – the Australian Silky Terrier, otherwise known as the Silky, the Sydney Silky, the Aussie Silky Terrier or the splendiferous shiny-coated princess/prince of your living room!
There’s one caveat before we delve deeper into this small terrestrial beauty: while the Australian Silky Terrier can readily be trained, how, when and how effectively you train it guarantees its progress. Let’s delve further into the world of this effervescent breed and explore why they are terrific companions and reasonably easy to train with some helpful advice
This unique small dog will surprise you with their intelligence, agility, and dare we say, a certain level of sass, all wrapped up in a cute, silky coat – hence the name. A direct descendant of their more famous cousins, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, the Silky Terrier may be petite but packs an enormous personality.
Now, as you’ve become acquainted with this glossy, long-haired breed, you might be contemplating, “Are they truly defying the terrier training stereotype?” The answer is a resounding yes!
Why Are Australian Silky Terriers Easy to Train?
If you’ve crossed paths with intelligent dogs in the past, you’ll appreciate how much of a blessing and a curse that trait can be. However, with the Australian Silky Terrier, their sharp wit is more of an asset than a challenge. These lovable creatures are known for their eagerness to learn, competitiveness and an intrinsic motivation to please their owners – factors that significantly ease the training process. But remember, their intelligence calls for mental stimulation; else, they might relish in your shoe collection’s destruction!
Their friendly, keen temperament plays a significant part in making them up for various training activities. They love social interaction, both with their human family and other dogs, making socialization training a walk in the park. Not to mention, they seem to have an inbuilt ‘nanny cam,’ just like their cousin, the Yorkshire Terrier. Their territorial nature and sharp hearing make them excellent watchdogs, and with a bit of specificity in training, they could protect your house from both human and rodent intruders.
Training Methodologies for the Australian Silky Terrier
As much as we laud the Australian Silky Terrier’s training ease, you still need to follow the right training methods to bring out the best in them. Here’s some advice:
1. Early Socialization: Introduce them to different experiences, environments, people and animals. Remember, they have a small dog syndrome, which might lead them to pick a fight with dogs many times their size!
2. Positive Reinforcement: The secret to winning over an Australian Silky Terrier’s mind is through their stomach. Keeping their treat-loving aspect in mind, rewards-based training works wonderfully.
3. Play-Based Training Methods: Incorporate techniques that engage them both mentally and physically. An agility training session or a game of fetch can do wonders.
4. Firm But Gentle: Being firm is a must, but don’t mistake it for harshness. Terriers, in general, don’t respond well to harsh training methods. They are more inclined to cooperate in an environment where they feel loved and respected.
5. Patience is Key: Training might not always go as swiftly as you like, even if it’s an easy-to-train Australian Silky Terrier. They might have the occasional streak of stubbornness, but they will come around with some patience and persistence.
The Bottom Line
So, are Australian Silky Terriers easy to train? Yes, compared to their fellow terriers, they indeed are. However, training these dogs is still a commitment of time, energy, and love. But fear not, the end result is a loyal, intelligent, and protective companion.
Though often mistaken for a lap dog or a simple beauty contest breed, the Australian Silky Terrier has so much more to offer. With a zest for life and a personality that matches their silky coat, this breed is sure to bring a ton of joy, fun, and activity into your life. By providing the right training, you’re simply helping them shine their brightest.
Whether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time owner, training an Australian Silky Terrier will be a fascinating, surprising, and fulfilling journey. If you’re up for the ride, trust me, you won’t regret it. Happy training!
