mrs1885
Posted : 7/6/2007 11:01:43 AM
I have 2 and just posted begging for help.
both of ours are rescues that came from a very abusive home. I've trained lots of dogs, though it's been almost exclusively large and giant breeds and only recently really got serious about it (in the last 5 years or so).
Anyway, we took them in and I thought if I can train a rottweiler, what's a wimpy little rat terrier? Sheesh. How dumb was I??
Socialization is insanely important with them. Can't stress that enough. And apparently some of them have strong work lines in them still. I guess I've got one of those. I'm going to try a bit of carting with him in the hopes that'll calm him down some.
They can be the sweetest most loving little things, but you really - like every other single breed out there - need to find an excellent breeder and make sure your lifestyle suits them. Then train, socialize, train, socialize, train, socialize...........