The Joy and Frustration of Owning a Terrier
My little “terrier mix” Micah is one of the greatest joys of my life. If I just pick up my clicker he starts spinning, and tap dancing all over the place to see what we might be working on today. He is a “behavior offering” machine! For a trainer – he is almost the perfect specimen at that moment – he will work his little heart out for his daily kibble – forget chicken or steak. He is the most “ready to train” dog I can imagine. He tugs like a champ, and ALWAYS lets go when I say, “give”.
Micah came by agility naturally. I didn’t have to work at hyping him up. He came pre-wired for it. He absolutely goes crazy to run and jump. Even when he was little, he showed an affinity for it.
When he can focus - he’s great!!! When he can focus.
On hot (Texas) nights at agility class when most of the other dogs are worn out and ready for bed, he is raring to go, and I believe he would do another 2 hours easily.
However, on the flip side: when confronted with a new dog or person (or sometimes even someone he sees every week) he frequently will bark and lunge first and ask questions later. That is our plight. It’s just who he is. You see, he’s a terrier. (Not that I’m lumping them all together or anything!!) 
So it’s what we have to work on – every day. Trying to make him smile at strangers. Trying to make him a golden retriever in a terrier body. It’s a long road, and we may never get there – but I am hopeful that we will - someday!
He’s got a lot of “heart” that little guy of mine, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He does have his special challenges, but then, don’t we all? Hopefully, success will be all the sweeter when we get where we need to go.
Keep your fingers and toes crossed everyone. You see, he’s a terrier!
picture by 2MC Design
August 28th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Micah is an adorable, energetic boy with a personality to match. You’re doing a great job with him.
Love the pics! They really capture his spirit.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Thanks Louisianabelle!!!
I think he’s a pretty special boy!