Do Wheaten terriers bite?
My wife and I have two Wheatens, and our first (Charlie) was a bit of a biter as a pup. Puppies just need to learn that biting hurts. When Charlie would bite us, we’d say OUCH! When your dog delivers a hard bite, yelp loudly. Then, when he startles and turns to look at you or looks around, remove your hand. Either ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds or, if he starts mouthing on you again, get up and move away for 10 to 20 seconds. If necessary, leave the room.
What is the life expectancy for a wheaten terrier?
You can expect a Wheaten Terrier to live around 12 to 14 years. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. It also provides another reason why obedience training should start early, before bad habits become ingrained. A Wheaten needs consistent, firm discipline but is sensitive to harsh treatment.Wheaten terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.Animal aggression. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are less scrappy toward other dogs than many other terrier breeds. But they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Toward cats and other small running creatures, many Wheatens have chasing instincts.A Wheaten Terrier makes a good watchdog, barking to announce the presence of a stranger. His common sense usually prevents him from being a constant ‘yapper’. He is defensive without being aggressive, but is usually too ‘people-minded’ to be a true guard dog.
What age do wheaten terriers calm down?
Most wheatens do not slow down until they are well past seven years old. Wheaten terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.The Wheaten temperament can make them a challenge to train. They’re typically smart dogs with their own agendas in life, which seldom includes what you want them to do. If they get away with too much for too long, you’ll find yourself with an unruly and difficult adult Wheaten –not a good companion for any family.Wheaten Terriers see every person and animal as a new best friend they just haven’t met yet. Because of this, no one should fear being bitten by a Wheaten (unless it has been terribly frightened and feels panicked or cornered). These dogs can become anxious, and any dog can bite out of anxiety and fear.
How to take care of a Wheaten terrier?
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Care. Soft-coated wheaten terriers need plenty of exercise each day, and they tend to remain energetic well into their old age. Their coat does require quite a bit of upkeep. And they need early and consistent training and socialization. Animal aggression. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are less scrappy toward other dogs than many other terrier breeds. But they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Toward cats and other small running creatures, many Wheatens have chasing instincts.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. It also provides another reason why obedience training should start early, before bad habits become ingrained. A Wheaten needs consistent, firm discipline but is sensitive to harsh treatment.Health Issues Common to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Breed-specific health problems include protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), as well as Addison’s Disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands.Dogs use barking to communicate with their human companions and other animals. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, in particular, have a tendency to be vocal due to their friendly and outgoing nature. However, excessive barking can be a nuisance and may need to be managed through training and environmental enrichment.
Are Wheaten terriers intelligent?
Before bringing home a Wheaten Terrier puppy, make sure you have the time to keep up with at-home grooming and the budget for regular trips to a professional groomer. The Wheaten is an intelligent breed and often has a mind of their own. It’s vital prospective owners appreciate the full Terrier instinct and temperament. A daily consideration is the Grooming. As the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier does not moult, which is a modern-day appeal, but the coat is high maintenance.A Wheaten Terrier makes a good watchdog, barking to announce the presence of a stranger. His common sense usually prevents him from being a constant ‘yapper’. He is defensive without being aggressive, but is usually too ‘people-minded’ to be a true guard dog.Soft-coated wheaten terriers can bark a lot when they are left alone for too long or when they want to alert you to something. Training to reduce excessive barking can be useful for this breed.Whether you have a show Wheaten or a trimmed Wheaten they should be bathed and conditioned at least monthly to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with Hypo- Allergenic Shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog.Before bringing home a Wheaten Terrier puppy, make sure you have the time to keep up with at-home grooming and the budget for regular trips to a professional groomer. The Wheaten is an intelligent breed and often has a mind of their own.