Bedlington Terriers are known for their distinctive appearance, charming personality, and remarkable intelligence. These small, curly-coated dogs are a unique breed, and with proper training, they can become well-behaved and obedient companions. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps and techniques to effectively train your Bedlington Terrier. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced handler, you’ll find valuable insights and strategies to make training your Bedlington Terrier an enjoyable and successful journey.
Understanding Your Bedlington Terrier
Before embarking on the training process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the breed’s characteristics and temperament. Bedlington Terriers have unique traits that influence the way you should approach their training:
The Bedlington Terrier’s Origins: The Bedlington Terrier is named after a mining town in England, Bedlington, where they were originally bred for hunting vermin. This history instilled in them a tenacious, yet friendly nature.
Physical Characteristics: These dogs are small, standing about 15-17 inches tall and weighing between 17-23 pounds. Their most distinctive feature is their curly, lamb-like coat, which requires regular grooming.
Temperament: Bedlington Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate disposition. They are intelligent, which makes them quick learners but can also lead to stubbornness.
Energy Level: These dogs are active and enjoy play and exercise. Regular physical activity is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Socialization: Bedlington Terriers tend to get along well with other dogs, but early socialization is crucial to avoid any aggressive tendencies.
Grooming: Their unique coat requires regular brushing and trimming to keep it in good condition.
Training Fundamentals
Training a Bedlington Terrier requires patience, consistency, and a good understanding of positive reinforcement techniques. Here are the fundamental steps to get started:
1. Establish Leadership: Bedlington Terriers respond well to a confident, consistent leader. Be firm but never harsh with your commands.
2. Positive Reinforcement: These dogs thrive on positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. This encourages them to repeat the desired actions.
3. Consistency: Consistency is key to successful training. Use the same commands and routines every time to avoid confusion.
4. Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging, as Bedlington Terriers can have short attention spans. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually ideal.
5. Patience: Be patient, especially if your dog seems stubborn. They are intelligent and may test boundaries, but with time and consistent training, they will learn.
6. Socialization: Expose your Bedlington Terrier to various people, animals, and environments to ensure they develop into well-rounded, confident dogs.
Basic Training Commands
Sit: Teaching your Bedlington Terrier to sit is one of the most basic and useful commands. Hold a treat above their head and move it back over their head, guiding them into a sitting position. Reward them when they sit.
Stay: The “stay” command is essential for safety. Start with a sit or lie-down command, then use an open palm and say “stay” as you take a step back. Reward them for remaining in place.
Come: The “come” command is crucial for recall. Use a cheerful tone and encourage them to come to you while rewarding them with treats or praise.
Down: Teaching “down” means getting your Bedlington Terrier to lie down on command. Hold a treat close to their nose and lower it to the ground. When they follow it and lie down, reward them.
Leave It: This command is vital for preventing your dog from picking up dangerous items. Show them a treat and say “leave it” when they try to grab it. Reward them when they back away.
Heel: Teach your dog to walk on a loose leash without pulling. Use treats to reward them when they stay close to your side and follow your pace.
No: Establishing the “no” command helps your dog understand what is unacceptable behavior. Use a firm, but not aggressive, tone and body language when saying “no.”
Crate Training
Crate training can be a helpful tool in training your Bedlington Terrier. Crates provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog and can assist in housetraining and preventing destructive behavior. Here’s how to crate train your Bedlington Terrier:
Choose the Right Crate: Select a crate that is the appropriate size for your dog. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Introduce the Crate: Make the crate an inviting space by placing bedding and toys inside. Leave the door open so your dog can explore it at their own pace.
Positive Associations: Encourage your dog to enter the crate by tossing treats or toys inside. Praise them when they go in.
Mealtime in the Crate: Feeding your dog in the crate can create a positive association. Put their food bowl in the crate and gradually close the door while they eat.
Gradual Closure: Start closing the door for short periods while your dog is in the crate. Stay nearby, so they don’t feel abandoned.
Lengthen Time: Gradually increase the amount of time your Bedlington Terrier spends in the crate, ensuring they are comfortable and relaxed.
Nighttime Crating: Once your dog is comfortable in the crate during the day, you can use it for nighttime rest. Place the crate in your bedroom initially so that your dog doesn’t feel isolated.
Remember, never use the crate as a form of punishment. It should be a positive and safe space for your Bedlington Terrier.
House Training
House training is an essential aspect of owning a Bedlington Terrier, as it helps prevent accidents and maintains a clean home. Here’s how to house train your dog effectively:
Establish a Routine: Bedlington Terriers thrive on routines. Take your dog outside at the same times every day, such as after meals, after waking up, and before bedtime.
Choose a Potty Spot: Select a specific area in your yard where your dog can go to the bathroom. This will help them understand where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves.
Use Positive Reinforcement: When your dog goes potty outside, reward them with treats and praise. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue doing their business in the designated area.
Supervision: Keep a close eye on your Bedlington Terrier when they are indoors, especially when they are not yet fully housetrained. If you see them sniffing or circling, it may be a sign they need to go outside.
Be Patient: Accidents will happen during the house training process. When they do, clean the area thoroughly to remove the scent and prevent your dog from using it as a potty spot again.
Avoid Punishment: Never scold or punish your dog for accidents. It can create fear and anxiety, making the house training process more challenging.
Advanced Training
Once your Bedlington Terrier has mastered the basic commands and house training, you can move on to more advanced training techniques. Here are some advanced commands and skills you can teach your dog:
Stay at a Distance: Train your dog to stay in place even when you are not right next to them. This skill is valuable for safety and control.
Off-Leash Training: Teaching your Bedlington Terrier to obey commands when off-leash requires a high level of trust and skill. Start in a secure, enclosed area.
Advanced Obedience Commands: Beyond the basics, you can teach your dog more advanced commands such as “roll over,” “play dead,” or “fetch.”
Agility Training: Bedlington Terriers excel in agility due to their agility and speed. Consider enrolling your dog in agility classes to challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Scent Work: These dogs have a keen sense of smell, and you can engage them in scent work activities, such as tracking or search and rescue training.
Therapy or Service Dog Training: Bedlington Terriers can make excellent therapy or service dogs, providing emotional support or performing specific tasks. Specialized training is required for these roles.
Trick Training: Entertain and impress your friends and family by teaching your Bedlington Terrier fun tricks like balancing a treat on their nose or dancing.
Remember that advanced training requires a higher level of commitment, consistency, and patience. It’s essential to ensure that training sessions remain enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Common Training Challenges
While Bedlington Terriers are intelligent and quick learners, they can present some training challenges due to their unique personality. Here are common issues you may encounter and how to address them:
Stubbornness: Bedlington Terriers can be stubborn at times. If your dog is resistant to commands, remain patient and use positive reinforcement. Make the training sessions more engaging and rewarding.
Barking: These dogs have a tendency to bark when they are excited or bored. To address excessive barking, teach the “quiet” command and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Training Resources
To enhance your Bedlington Terrier’s training experience, consider using various resources and tools:
Dog Training Classes: Enroll your dog in obedience classes or agility training. These classes offer professional guidance and socialization opportunities.
Books and Online Resources: There are many books, websites, and videos dedicated to dog training. Look for those specifically tailored to Bedlington Terriers.
Professional Trainers: If you’re struggling with training or need assistance with specific issues, consider hiring a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Training Aids: Training aids such as clickers and target sticks can be useful in teaching specific commands and tricks.
Interactive Toys: Toys that challenge your dog’s mind and dispense treats can help keep them mentally engaged.
Conclusion
Training a Bedlington Terrier can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Their intelligence, charming personality, and agility make them excellent candidates for various training activities.
