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Fox Terrier Training FAQs -
At what Age Should You Begin Training? by Pam Bishop Like a child, they start learning from the minute they are born. All responsible breeders keep their puppies until at least 8 weeks old. So they have a lot to do with the beginning training. Getting the idea of being potty trained. Wanting to come when you call them. That's an important one! Just learning to respond to a human voice. Remember that Fox Terriers are independent thinkers and they don't instinctively respond to you like a Golden Retriever will. The time that the breeder puts into them makes a big difference. The puppies born in a kennel setting are simply not going to get that. Your Fox Terrier is going to learn whether or not you want it to. Its mind is always working and picking up things. So it helps if you start as soon as possible. Formal obedience training is not a Fox Terrier favorite! They find it boring and no reason for it. So you are best to work informally at home to begin with, making the "training" fun for you both. If you want to teach your Fox Terrier to do something, then you need to make it something that they want to do. Don't try to stop them from doing something that you don't want them to do. Like a small child, it only makes them want to do it more! The best discipline is taking away your attention. That's what they want the most. If your young Fox Terrier is playing too hard, then stop the game. You have to be in charge.... and that isn't always easy. Living with a Fox Terrier is a compromise. They love life and live that way. You got your Fox Terrier (hopefully) because you too love to live that way. They need to be able to have a certain amount of freedom in the house and with you. So pick your "battles" carefully. If you are not going to let them do something, then start from the beginning when you first get them. Fox Terriers love being on the furniture and in bed with you. Trying to keep them off will be a constant fight. If it's that important to you, perhaps this isn't the right breed for you. On the other hand, they do need to have some manners. Work them as you would a small child. You are teaching them, not "training" them. When you work with your children, you don't look at it like "training", so think the same way with your Fox Terrier. Positive reinforcement will always get you further than any punishment. If you are getting an adult Fox Terrier, then try to find out as much as possible about his life up until you get him. What he knows and what he does. This is much like a middle-aged marriage. You love each other and will change a bit for each other. But you are set in your ways on some things and they will just have to be accepted. It's a compromise. If you are thinking of doing any formal obedience with your Fox Terrier, be sure to look for a trainer that is familiar with the breed and likes to work with them. Most trainers are only used to sporting, herding and working breeds and don't have the knowledge to deal with the terrier temperament. They will do far more damage then good. Fox Terriers get bored quickly; so standing around in a large class will be like taking a toddler thru it. No fun for anyone! Always make it fun. You are doing this to be together and to accomplish something as a team. Keep that in mind and everything else will work out. | |||
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