My Name is Gayle and I Have a Terrier

I enjoy the training and behavior modification calls I receive when the client tells me in an embarrassed tone about the unwanted, excitable behavior of their dog. It takes a few questions and then I find the truth – they were unwilling or maybe afraid to acknowledge the full breed of their dog.

I usually have to help them confess what they were almost unwilling to admit. They say they have a “Yorkie,” a “Boston,” an “Amstaff,” a “Westie,” etc. I encourage them to finish it – to say aloud, “I have a terrier.” The spirit and temperament of a terrier isn’t something you want to remove. It’s more that you need to understand them.

The first step to your new dog-temperament understanding is to admit openly and embrace that you have a terrier. If you have a dog that may be full or part terrier, be glad. Any other dog could be boring!