Protecting Your Dog
The first line of the standard says "essentially a working terrier!"
Do we all interpret the word working the same way?
Some may say it has to go to ground and follow the hounds.
Others interpret it in a different way.
What some people seem to forget it is any type of work that a dog is capable of, but what terriers are renowned for is Chasing!
Chasing is a game for a terrier it may be a rodent, rabbit, hare or even a cat, if they have the frame of mind to chase they will go. It is fun to them and just like children they cannot think about the dangers of their actions.
A Border terrier will go to ground even if it has never done it before. If there is anything to attract it, down it will go!
A Border Terrier does not have to be trained to do any of these things it is their instinct.
What can we do to try and protect our loveable little fireside or even lapdog, when it turns into a Rogue?
Firstly make sure of identification whether it be micro chipping or ear marking. Either will do as long as you have something permanent on your dog, a collar could be removed or even snagged onto something.
When letting your terrier run free for goodness sake don't take your eyes off it for a second because that second could mean the difference between seeing where it goes and not seeing where it goes. Don't let anything distract you, if there is a possibility of distraction then put the dog onto a lead so you are in control at all times.
Try, I know it is sometimes very difficult, to go out for the main free running exercise in the daylight. That way you have the rest of the time to look in daylight if the worst thing happens and you loose sight of your dog. If it does happen muster up as much help as you can immediately to get everyone looking for the dog as soon as is possible.
The longer it is left the further away the dog could go!
Look for enclosed areas for free running exercise, again I know that this may prove difficult, but at least try.
If you have more than one dog remember they will encourage each other to get into mischief.
If you think there is anything at all that may alarm or frighten your dog keep it on a lead, as if it panics and runs you will never know where it could end up.
One or two tips:
We always carry a pocketful of small treats/biscuits. From an early age we regularly call the dogs back to these so that they become used to coming back when your hand goes into the pocket. So when we see a Deer, another dog etc - anything odd that might distract them we click them back for a biscuit. Make a noise that they learn to recognise with a clicker or even your tongue that they associate with a reward.
It is also very useful on forest roads or tracks where you do get odd vehicles and need them back in one place in a hurry. We also progressively challenge them with different environments, starting in the woods, where there is no stock, and progressing onto open Fell where there are sheep and anything else you can think of.
Again IF you do lose your dog when the excitement is over it will try to pick up its own or your scent - it relies on scent above sight or hearing. We have had dogs out on the moor who become detached and although they are in view will have noses down and follow the scent the wrong way - you need to be a fast runner!! - But it is worth remembering to follow the line both ways. Again I have recovered lost puppies in the wood by putting one of the older bitches on to the scent and they have led us to meet the returning miscreants!
These tips may be helpful to anyone.
If the worst case scenario happens contact all of the authorities and web sites as soon as possible to get word out that your dog has gone missing, police, dog wardens, kennels, area authorities, vets in your area and all of your friends and neighbours.
You must try and be masterful and train from being a puppy to recall, it is virtually impossible for an untrained person to teach an old dog new tricks!
Lastly if you cannot trust your dog to recall then buy an extending lead and don't let your dog go!
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website by Alexis Filby
