How to Train a Lakeland Terrier

Introduction: Understanding the Lakeland Terrier Personality

Lakeland Terriers, with their bold and vibrant personalities, hail from the rugged terrain of the Lake District in England. Characterized by their wiry coat and keen expression, these terriers, though small in size, are big in spirit. Renowned for their tenacity, Lakeland Terriers are lively, confident, and can be quite independent. Bred originally to protect sheep from foxes, their determination is evident in their character. While they possess a sharp intelligence, their independent nature can sometimes make training a delightful challenge. Fond of their families and often with a comedic streak, understanding the unique disposition of a Lakeland Terrier is pivotal for effective training.

The Importance of Early Socialization

For Lakeland Terriers, early socialization is vital. Due to their strong hunting instincts and sometimes reserved nature with strangers, introducing them to various environments, people, and animals during their puppy stages is essential. This ensures they grow up to be sociable and adaptable adult dogs.

Begin by familiarizing your Lakeland Terrier with diverse, friendly humans and animals. Immersing them in a range of stimuli, like different auditory and visual experiences, can help temper any overly-cautious or overexcited behaviors. Enrolling them in puppy training classes can be especially fruitful. Such classes provide the dual benefits of foundational training and controlled, diverse social interactions.

Regular ventures, perhaps to local parks, drives around town, or visits to dog-friendly establishments, will further hone their adaptability. Remember to always associate new experiences with positivity through treats and praises, ensuring your terrier perceives the world with curiosity rather than caution.

Basic Command Training

When it comes to basic command training, positive reinforcement is your strongest ally with Lakeland Terriers. These spirited dogs are more inclined to cooperate when rewards are in the picture.

• Sit: Use a treat to guide your terrier’s nose upwards. As they tilt their head back, their bottom should naturally settle down. Once they sit, say “Sit,” reward, and praise.
• Stay: With your terrier in a sitting position, display your open palm towards them, saying “Stay.” Take a step or two back. If they remain seated, provide a treat and loving words. Over time, you can increase the distance.
• Come: On a leash, crouch to your terrier’s level and gently say “Come,” pulling the leash gently. Upon their arrival, offer a treat and verbal praise.
• Heel: During walks, if your Lakeland Terrier moves ahead or trails behind, stop in your tracks. Only continue the walk when they’re by your side. This will teach them the joy of exploration comes with staying close.

To ensure keenness for future sessions, always wrap up training on a high note, reinforcing commands they’ve mastered.

Potty Training Tips for Lakeland Terriers

Lakeland Terriers, possessing a bright yet independent nature, need patience during the potty training phase. Their smaller stature doesn’t translate to a smaller need for consistency in training.

• Establish a Routine: Feeding your Lakeland Terrier at consistent times aids in predicting potty schedules. Typically, outings post meals, post-wake-up, and pre-bedtime are crucial.
• Designated Spot: Whether you’re using an indoor pad or a specific outdoor spot, consistency is key. With time, your terrier will associate the spot with their bathroom breaks.
• Handling Accidents: Instead of reprimands, if you spot an in-progress accident, a gentle “Oops!” followed by guiding them to the designated spot suffices. Negative reactions can make the process more arduous.
• Reinforce Success: Every time they use the assigned spot, lavish them with praise or offer a treat.

Addressing Common Behavioral Issues

Lakeland Terriers, while charming and spirited, can exhibit some typical terrier behaviors that may be challenging for owners.

• Digging: A common trait amongst terriers, their love for digging can be traced back to their hunting roots. Providing them with a designated digging spot or using deterrents in gardens can help manage this behavior. Alternatively, engage them in activities that mentally stimulate and tire them out, reducing their instinct to dig.
• Chasing Instinct: Given their history as hunters, Lakeland Terriers might have a heightened prey drive. Early leash training and a secure yard are essential. Recall training is also pivotal to ensure they come back when called, even when a squirrel tempts them!
• Barking: Whether it’s alerting their humans to an intruder or expressing excitement, Lakeland Terriers are vocal. Training them to understand commands like “Quiet” or “Enough” can be invaluable. Moreover, ensuring they’re not left bored can reduce excessive barking.

Harness and Leash Training

Given the Lakeland Terrier’s instinct to chase and their energetic nature, effective leash training is a necessity.

• Introducing the Harness: Allow your Lakeland Terrier to first inspect and sniff the harness. Rewarding their curiosity with treats can create a positive association.
• Familiarization: Begin by having them wear the harness indoors for short durations. Praise and reward them for staying calm and accepting the harness.
• Leash Introduction: Once comfortable with the harness, attach the leash. Let them lead the way indoors initially, getting used to the added weight and feel.
• Controlled Walks: Start with short, controlled walks. If they try to chase or pull, halt immediately. The continuation of the walk becomes the reward for calm behavior.

Through patience, understanding, and reinforcement, your Lakeland Terrier will soon view their harness and leash as passports to adventures outdoors.