The Australian Terrier is a bright, inquisitive, intelligent, self-confident dog who learns very quickly but often prefers to have his own rules. Although they love to please their owners, they do not respond well to severe or harsh training methods or corrections. Your Aussie requires obedience training so he understands acceptable behaviour and what you expect of him. Working with your terrier on obedience training establishes your role as leader of the pack. Dogs understand social hierarchy, and obedience training helps your terrier fit into the role as subordinate and he then takes your commands seriously. You both benefit because your Aussie is more confident, he understands you and does not become frustrated, you have a dog that is well behaved. If you have an Australian Terrier puppy, it is important to start socializing him so he fits in with people and other dogs. An introductory puppy training class, often offered by pet supply stores, local recreation departments and dog clubs, serves to socialize your terrier puppy. It introduces him to other dogs, people, places, sights, and smells. Your puppy learns how he should behave on a leash, car manners and basic commands. It also helps you as a new puppy owner with support and suggestions for problems you might have such as housebreaking or chewing. Crate training your puppy not only helps with housebreaking but is also a comfortable, safe way for him to travel in your vehicle or staying in other places such as a motel. Obedience training should be a fun, challenging, a positive experience. Using incentives such as verbal praise, rewards, and treats is an excellent way to motivate your terrier. With positive training, you reward your Aussie for good behaviour when he does something right and you will be amazed how quickly he learns. Keep the training sessions short because Australian Terriers, like many other dog breeds, quickly become bored with routine. Have short, frequent sessions once or twice day but only for a short periods of time. Playtime, such as a ball game or another of his favorite activities, after a training session is not only fun for both you and your dog but he will be anxious for the next training session. The two main types of dog training are obedience training and behavioural training. Obedience training is teaching your Aussie new things such as sit, stay, heel, or come on command. Behavioural training is correcting bad habits developed by your dog such as excessive barking, begging, etc. Regardless of the type of training, be consistent, use the reward and praise system, keep a sense of humour and you will soon have a well socialized, well trained Australian Terrier.
There are many Obedience Dog Clubs in South Australia and your Aussie would be welcome to join starting with the beginners’ classes. Check with the South Australian Canine Association to find a Club near you.
Dover Dog Club at Mitchell Park, Quick Street, Mitchell Park offers an excellent Puppy Kindy Course in their clubhouse every Tuesday evening 7-8 pm. for pups aged 8-16 weeks who have received their first vaccinations (take your pup's vaccination certificate with you) . It is conducted inside the club-rooms on their washable floor surface on Tuesday evenings throughout the year. All family members are encouraged to attend classes which offer pups and their owners supervised socialization with other dogs, as well as teaching basic commands such as to to Sit, Stand, Stay, Drop, Come, Fetch, to walk on a lead, and provide support and advice for those who may be experiencing difficulties with puppy behaviour, or such 'life-skills' as house-training. Dover's training methods are positive and gentle, encouraging a combination of motivational techniques that utilize voice and rewards (treats or toy) with the correct use of a collar and lead. Puppies graduate to the outdoor classes at 16 weeks of age and remain in Puppy company until they reach 6 months, when they join either Grade 1 or 2, depending on their progress. Puppy Kindy is free with standard club membership. Contact ph. 8277 0803, Web: www.doverdog.org.au
SHOWING: If you bought your pup to be a show dog, his breeder should have briefed you. If you have decided that your pup has what it takes, contact your breeder and get an expert opinion before deciding as there is a great deal to do before entering the ring.
