The Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes an excellent family dog due to its lively, affectionate, and playful temperament. It was bred as a hunting dog of badger and otter, so their hunting instinct can be seen around small animals and birds. Therefore, if you have small pets at home, close supervision is necessary so they do not harm them.

Training your Dandie Dinmont Terrier is necessary so they become a well-behaved adult. It is an independent and strong-willed dog, so a master who can establish dominance on them is needed to train them.

When to Start Training Your Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

The perfect time to start training your Dandie Dinmont Terrier is as soon as you bring them home. So, start training your dog when they are 6 weeks old. At this age, they are smart enough to soak up the commands and information passed to them. So basic training like obedience, potty should be started when they are 6-12 weeks old.

Socialization is also important which should be started when your puppy is around 12-18 weeks old. Whereas advance training should begin when the puppy reaches adulthood. When your dog gets 6 months old, he should have mastered the basics so he is ready for advanced training.

Where to Start Training Your Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small-sized dog, so training can be done at home itself. They do not need big space for training. So, you can teach them basic obedience inside the house or the backyard of the house. However, keep away the stuff like toys other things that might easily distract your dog.

For socialization, you need to take your dog out to meet new people and dogs. Keep them on a leash so they do not go running off when they see something interesting. If you are giving your dog advance training like agility, fetching, you can take them to a park or to some open space with less distraction.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Agility Training
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Agility Training.
Image Source: National Purebred Dog Day

How to Define Task For Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Defining task for your Dandie Dinmont Terrier is to make it understand what you want him to do. To make them understand human language, you need to select a particular word for a particular task. For example, use the word sit while asking him to sit. Using too many words for the same task confuses your dog and learning even a easy command might become hard for them.

You can also show your dog how the task is done by demonstrating them. For example, if you want to teach your dog to roll over, you can do it yourself first and make him see how its done. This will help your dog to understand your task easily. Do not repeat the same command numerous time. Repeat the words few times and reward your dog as soon as it completes the certain task.

Training Process

Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an intelligent dog breed that is easy to train from the hand of a firm and consistent leader. Use proper methods of training for more effective results.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers sitting on the field
Dandie Dinmont Terriers sitting on the field.
Image Source: Petplace

Leadership: A gentle, as well as strong leadership, is needed to train your dog. Establish leadership when your dog is still young so they see you as their leader and follow you. Be consistent with the training and never be harsh or forceful on them. It might make them scared or aggressive adults.

Socialization: Socialization is an important part of training your Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They need to be socialized with various people and dogs, so they get comfortable around them. A dog that is not socialized properly can become reserved, aggressive, or shy around strangers and other pets.

Positive Reinforcement: The positive method works best while training your Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They will respond well to the instruction if they are rewarded with treats and praise. So, reward them with vocal praises, a gentle pat on the back, or by giving them treats as they complete a certain task.

Visit Doglime for more dog breeds information and their training methods.

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