How to Train a Patterdale Terrier to Hunt
If you are wondering how to train a Patterdale Terrier to hunt, the first thing you need to do is understand the breed’s history. Patterdales were originally bred to hunt small mammals such as foxes. They are excellent diggers and can easily leap from a rock crevice to reach a fox. As such, training a Patterdale to hunt is a great idea for you and your new dog.
Training a Patterdale to hunt is an enjoyable process and can be rewarding for both you and your dog. Although Patterdales are naturally independent, they do respond well to praise and training. Patterdales need daily exercise to stay healthy and fit. For this, they need three short daily walks of at least 30 minutes each. If you can’t provide this much exercise, consider substituting an active running routine for daily walks. Historically, Patterdales ran all day during fox hunts, and they are not suited for home life without sufficient exercise. If you can’t keep up with their energy needs, they may become destructive or bored.
Patterdales have three coat types: smooth, broken, and rough. Smooth coats are the most common, while broken coats are typically the longest. Rough coats are a bit wavy and have furnishings along the sides and neck. Standard coat colors for Patterdales include black, red, and chocolate. Some Patterdales have white markings on the chest.
While the breed originated in England, the Patterdale is now popular in the United States. This compact and playful dog breed is known for its fierce hunting instinct and affectionate personality. Patterdale Terriers are great pets, but you should not choose one at a pet store if you’re not an experienced dog owner. While they are sweet and lovable, they can be stubborn and difficult to train.
Besides being loyal, Patterdales love routine.
Once they understand when you’ll come home, they’ll be waiting at the front door for you. It’s important not to let your Patterdale off leash in residential neighborhoods, as they may chase cats and other pets. Using a whistle or high-pitched voice will train your Patterdale to come back to you.
The Patterdale Terrier’s head is strong and balanced with its size. It has a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped head with good substance, and its teeth are in a scissor bite. Patterdales do not have their tail docked, and they are a working breed. However, they should be in good physical and mental shape and be in excellent condition.
In addition to a healthy diet and a healthy exercise routine, a Patterdale needs regular blood testing to avoid a common liver problem called a portosystemic shunt. While it is treatable with medications and diet, severe cases may require surgery. As with any breed, Patterdales have their fair share of health problems. Knee problems are common in this breed. Specifically, patellar luxation – the kneecap moving out of place- affects about 20% of Patterdales.
If you are training your Patterdale to hunt, it’s essential to establish rules for your dog’s behavior.
House rules may include not jumping up or chewing furniture. These rules should be consistent and enforced. The next step is to teach your dog some basic commands. Patterdale terriers should know to sit, down, stay, and leave. Some dogs can even respond to a hand signal, so make sure your hand signals are consistent.
If your Patterdale is exhibiting leash aggression, a good first step is to teach your pet to associate this with its favorite reward, such as a chewy bone. Patterdales will become more relaxed when they associate the stimulus with a reward. Keeping your Patterdale together in one place may not work once the dog reaches adulthood. In this case, it is important to separate your dog at an early age.
Patterdale Terriers are very loyal, friendly dogs, but they need a job to stay healthy. If you don’t want your pet to be a couch potato, consider training your Patterdale to hunt. They make good companions, and you can compete in canine competitions with them. They are also good hunters! You will be rewarded with an active and loyal dog that loves a challenge.
As a result of their high prey drive, Patterdales need a fenced-in garden and lots of exercises. However, their high energy level may cause them to guard a yard when they aren’t being trained. It may also be frightening for young children. For this reason, it is important to start training your Patterdale Terrier from a young age.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
