Time Waster
Veteran
So far a great family dog. I think we got your dog's intelligence quota then because she's got intelligence going spare. Training? OK sit she did for a puppy sitting friend on second use of the word sit. Don't know how but she was obeying the sit command all day for her so it wasn't a fluke. At early training classes sit, lie, paw and even stay (but only for about 3 or 4m gap) on the first session. Lie and paw first attempt.
Food works with her training. In fact of the lead when she sees something of interest and goes off a rustle of the treats packet brings her back. Before my partner learnt that trick she used to only respond to my calling her. Upon calling she used to run full pelt and jump into my arms. That's from 12 weeks with no training on recall.
Scary part of her behaviour is the stare. You're relaxing in an evening (ok I'm lying on the couch) dog sleeping by my legs on the same couch. She's fast asleep and I'm watching TV. Next moment you feel a bit like you're being watched turn and she's sat there bolt upright staring at you. She just watches you without moving for minutes. It's a bit scary because you think she's studying you, well she must be right?
Smell? Every couple of weeks to a month it builds up. Then we both bath b her. One to hold, the other to wash. No single person can do it she's very slippery and cunning when it comes to escaping a bath.
BTW she's 5.5 months old now. Border terriers absolutely make good pets.
So far all doggy daycare options we've used have come back with tales of something special she's done. Three people / businesses so far. Whether it's the way she seemed to comfort a spaniel who was dropped off into the kennel next to hers for the first time in a very distressed condition (the dog was very unsettled). Our dog kind of calmed her down. The owner (over 40 years working with dogs) thought it special, or was her second time there too. A new place and 20+ years of experience and dog trainer owner said she was a special dog the way she instantly got on with other dogs of all sizes. Plus settled from arrival. She takes things as they come, my partner says she's like me in so many ways (including grey hair / beard - shaved off now).
She runs next to our bikes nicely on family rides on off road, mixed use paths. Has always walked better off the lead than on it.
So in case you hadn't guessed it, I'm taken by border terriers. Mine especially. I've got a good one but I do believe the breed is something special in terms of it's suitability for an active family.
