I have a 2 year old terrier that was from a friend of a friend. Anytime that we call the dog he practically ignores! He just stands there like he doesn't understand. He might walk a couple steps but he'll stop. Then turn and walk away. He also has a pooing & peeing issue! In the beginning he marked EVERYwhere in every corner. We got him neutered and now we r just trying to train him to poo n pee outside. AND he still does not understand the concept! No matter how long you leave him outside he will just stand by the door and not even move. You have to literally walk him around the block and he'll pee on every tree and pole. But not in his own front yard. Help! Is this just their personality?
Update:I can't always be walking him. And I never leave my dogs to live outside. All our dogs are part of our family.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
You sort of answered part of your own question. You don't leave him outside, you put a leash on him and walk him. When he does do the deeds, give him lots of praise so he will know he did what you want. How are you going to do that if you are not with him?
As for his ignoring you, take him for basic obedience classes.
also Kudos to you for neutering! Good job!
Nope, it's not their personality.
The reason he's like that is, he hasn't been trained. The previous owners didn't work with him on any of that stuff -- coming when called, house breaking, nothing. You are just about starting from scratch. Treat him like you would any other 8-week-old puppy.
Terriers have a strong prey drive -- if he is actively engaged in sniffing out a particular scent, or has a small prey animal in his sights, it can be difficult to get his attention, even for a well-trained terrier. I have a west highland terrier who gives our neighbor squirrels hell when they tease him from the trees -- heaven help them if they ever fall. But I can call him in with a softly spoken word. If he's not actively engaged, he responds to a whisper.
no it's not your dogs personality
try calling your dog very excitedly and happily and then run the other way without looking back, when you hear your dog right behind you turn around and give your dog a treat, something really tasty like meat and say good boy really happily and excitedly and pet him a bunch.and you can use a toy to reward him too and also to get him to chase you.
this game should get him exited about coming to you. and remember don't get frustrated or angry with him it just makes him not want to come to you , cause think about it: would you want to come to a frustrated or angry person? no you wouldn't so try to stay calm and happy.
I strongly recommend you take a beginning obedience training course at your local pet store. The sooner the better. It'll actually train you to gain control over your terrier's behavior and give you much-needed information. Good luck!
Terriers ARE stubborn. It's just the way they are.
However, many dogs won't go to the bathroom just because you want them to - you have to walk them around to stimulate them to go. It's just a fact; it has nothing to do with being a terrier.