Is your 'naughty' terrier just bored?

A terrier's breeding has been as a working dog. So for hundreds of years your terrier's grandparents have been busy, mostly on farms, all over the world. This would mean days out in the fields with the farmer, or running around the sheds killing vermin.

So nowadays life can seem a little boring for our terriers.

And they may start to make their own entertainment.

This can be mis-interpreted as 'naughtiness'!

Boredom and lack of variety are often at the root of many cases of terriers misbehaving. 

The boredom experienced by some terriers may lead to different types of behavioral problems.  For example, some dogs will be seen barking continuously and some may be engaged always in some digging activities. (This would appear as 'naughty' if your terrier was busy digging up your flower bed, or carpet).

There are many ways to get your terrier out of its boredom activities. Many toys are available which simulate the natural instincts of a terrier. Even a sqeaky ball will be a favourite with many terriers as the squeaking reminds them of squeaking vermin.  Also toys that the terrier can grab and shake, simulating the way they would have killed rats - by grabbing them by the back of the neck and shaking them to death. (This would appear 'naughty' if your terrier decided to shake your feather cushion to death!)

Remember to play with the toys with your dog. Even the best toy will be boring if there's no-one to play with. Your dog will appreciate a quick 10 minute play a couple of times a day.

Despite many terriers being small dogs, they still need regular exercise. A quick trip to the postbox will probably be enough to tire out your Yorkie! So small, frequent walks are recommended.

Your terrier also needs to smell new smells, see new things and socialise with other dogs. This too will stop him getting bored.

So help your terrier have a full and active life. A life without boredom! And he'll be too busy to be 'naughty'!