Did you know that Australian Terriers, affectionately referred to as “Aussies,” are among the smallest terrier breeds? These little dynamos pack a big personality into a compact, sturdy frame, giving dog lovers the best of both worlds! They can be stubborn and strong-willed, leading some to wonder if they are difficult dogs. We will explore this question thoroughly in this piece.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to understand that the Australian Terrier is saturated with history and character. Australians bred them in the mid-19th century to be hardworking, all-rounder farm dogs—acting as ratters, herders, and even hearty watchdogs. So, these dogs are handy to have around the farm performing various tasks, and they carry this utility-focused mindset even today.
Now, onto the question of the hour, “Is an Australian Terrier a difficult dog?”
The easy answer is, it depends. All dogs have their individual personalities, quirks, and behaviors. Aussies, however, have a few inherent traits that, if misunderstood, may label them as difficult. Allow us to elucidate.
First up, Australian Terriers are typically quite intelligent and curious dogs. They love to explore, get their noses into everything, and figure out how things work. This inquisitiveness can be misinterpreted as stubbornness or disobedience when, in reality, your Aussie is probably just trying to understand its surroundings. It’s a smart cookie of the canine world!
Secondly, like most terriers, they have an innate prey drive and love hunting. This characteristic might make it challenging to raise them in households with small pets. They are known to be tenacious and determined, making them quite persistent when they have set their minds to something. Again, without proper understanding and training, this can be misconstrued as being difficult.
Lastly, Australian Terriers are known to be vocal. They have a loud, sharp bark that they’re not afraid to use. This is a hallmark trait of a good watchdog, but without proper training, your Aussie may use its voice more than you’d like. This has led to many people labelling them as “yappy,” furthering the misconception of them being difficult dogs.
Given these characteristics, it’s clear why some might find Aussie’s challenging. However, equipped with an understanding of the breed and some simple training basics, these so-called difficulties can be eased significantly.
First off, Aussies love a good challenge. Use their intelligence to your advantage! Invest in puzzle toys and feeders that stimulate their brain and keep them busy. Combine this with regular exercise, and you’ll go a long way towards curbing any destructive behaviors.
Regarding their strong prey drive, it’s a deeply ingrained instinct, which may be difficult to train out entirely. If you have small animals and still want an Aussie, it’s a good idea to socialize them from a young age. Let them spend a lot of time together under controlled settings so they can form a bond and understand how to behave around each other.
In terms of their vocal nature, they’re initially bred to alert farmers of intruders, so it’s a natural instinct. However, with patience and consistent training, it’s possible to teach them to use their voice in a more controlled manner. Establish a clear ‘quiet’ command and reward them promptly for obeying. Do note, it’s crucial you have a firm yet gentle approach when training an Australian Terrier, as they are known to be sensitive.
So, is an Australian Terrier a difficult dog? Well, they can be a handful if you don’t understand and respect their breed traits. However, with proper training, patience, and a whole lot of love, these charming dogs can make a fulfilling and entertaining addition to your family. After all, the ‘Aussie’ spirit is all about friendship, intelligence, and a dash of undeterred determination, all packed into a fuzzy, adorable bundle of joy.
