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Scottish Terriers can
be a challenge to train. New owners should be aware
of this from the beginning. Independence is one of
the key traits of this very popular breed, so
Scottie training must involve the right
motivation. As some professional trainers emphasize,
each dog will have its own motivation, whether it is
food, toys or just the idea of pleasing its owner.
Most dogs are motivated by the idea of getting
something they want. Call it selfishness or
self-gratification, but it involves the owner or
trainer teaching the dog that it must act a certain
way to get the correct result. Most terriers will
have to be trained with absolute consistency. This
means that the owner will have to devote a good deal
of uninterrupted time to the Scottie. In addition to
time, the owner or trainer needs to have a lot of
patience.
But the Scottie does
have some characteristics that distinguish it from
even its closest relatives among dog breeds.
Scottish Terriers can be very reserved, even
protective of the time spent alone. Some have even
called this a very private sort of dog, especially
as the dog gets older. It may be best to at least
consider professional training. Basic obedience and
behavior guidelines are very important to any new
pet and sometimes the only way to get this result is
to have a professional do the initial work. But it
is also important that the owner be involved to some
extent, so that the behavior patterns can be
continued at home.
Scottish Terrier puppies can be very lovable and
playful. The dog’s appearance may lead some to think
that the next 15 years with the Scottie will be full
of only fun and frolic. For the most part, this will
be the case. But to have a relationship with the
Scottish Terrier that is worry free, it is important
that the young dog gets a strong start.
A top breeder will help establish this foundation by
spending time with the young dogs, socializing them
so that they are comfortable around other dogs and
people. This solid start can set the stage for more
successful training later. It is important that
basic obedience training be consistent and include
positive reinforcement. A Scottie will not respond
well to physical contact as a corrective measure.
Hitting a Scottish Terrier will not accomplish what
the owner intends, in most cases.
Scotties generally will not be comfortable with a
lot of confusion and disorganization, so it is
important that training take place in a calm and
professional atmosphere. Again, it will take
patience on the part of the owner and the trainer to
work with the dog when other dogs are around. But in
time, the natural intelligence and social nature of
the Scottie can come through and the new pet can
become comfortable with family members and other
pets.
Beyond the basic obedience and behavior training
that is necessary for the Scottie, new owners should
keep in mind that this dog was bred to work and be
active outdoors. With this lifestyle came a
tenacious personality and some strong hunting
instincts. Scottish Terriers have been successful in
field trials, though many of these competitions are
no longer held. Most Scotties are now companions in
the home or live as show dogs.
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