Terrier terrors

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Is it true that terriers take longer to calm down than other breeds? When we got Tobey we were told that it would take until he was at least 3 to stop behaving like a daft puppy all the time

He walks well on a lead, comes in from the garden when he is called, sits when he's told but I daren't let him off lead because he gets one thought in his head and that is it! He's off like a shot!!!! Bit of a nightmare at the jumping up too.

Archie is about a year younger and a lot more placid but he is terrier too. I guess Tobey is just a spoilt brat who needs a bit more discipline

[luvofallhorses]

I think it just depends on the dog.

[KittyGurl]

Well, it does depend on the dog, not the breed. Every dog is different. There might be a one year old Terrier that is as calm as a 13 year old Terrier. There might be a dog who is 15 and is as hyper as a puppy. It really depends on the dog. You should be able to see your dogs acts (like you said 'your dog will run away when you let him off the leash') You learned that from him. Soon you will learn how long it takes for your dog to settle down

[IrishSetterGurl]

Well it depends if they are good learner and listeners cause if he is good at commands then try it at a park and if he listen to you than give him a chance

[Giselle]

Probably. I know many large breed dogs take 2-3 years to mature both mentally and physically (i.e. calm down). A few that come to mind are the Borzoi, Greyhound, Labrador, etc.

As for the off-lead issue, I'm very wary as to which dogs I allow off lead. Giselle is not off-lead unless she's in a fenced in area. With generations of breeding for speed and hunting ability, it wouldn't be too bright to let her off lead. Same goes for terriers. They're bred to chase and kill prey. That prey drive is very high and, well, they're not dogs with a super high drive to please you. Tobey's just being a little terrier!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Tobey's just being a little terrier!

Thanks for all the responses! I am going to step up the work I do with Tobey as he was an "only dog" for a year and was just a wee bit spoilt when we should have been training the little bugger