Are wheaten terriers hard to train?
Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs to help to ensure that the they grow into well-adjusted, well-mannered companions. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. 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.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.Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable. The only thing it’s hard to train them to do is not jump up on people. They love people so much and it’s an instinct.Often referred to simply as the “Wheaten,” Wheaten Terriers were originally bred as versatile farm dogs, serving as all-around working dogs on Irish farms. Regarding temperament, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is highly devoted and affectionate and loves just about everybody they meet.
Are wheaten terriers high maintenance?
They are low-shedding but do require extensive coat care to avoid matting. 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. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12–14 years—about average for a medium breed. But as with all dogs, Wheatens have a predisposition for developing a handful of health conditions pet parents should be aware of.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.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12–14 years—about average for a medium breed. But as with all dogs, Wheatens have a predisposition for developing a handful of health conditions pet parents should be aware of.When selecting what to feed your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish.Approximately every 6 weeks is recommended however the Wheaten Terrier is not a smelly dog. The dirt drops out as the muddy coat dries usually into its bed. The coat will require regular trimming to keep it manageable and the dog comfortable. Ear flaps especially need to be kept well-trimmed.
Can Wheaten terriers be left alone?
Wheatens do not do well left alone for long periods. Wheatens typically live from 10 to 15 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.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.Wheaten Terriers are known as amazing family dogs and one of the best breeds to have for children. They have a very gentle temperament and they love other dogs and children.Wheaten terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.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.