Training the family dog is sort of my pet project while I'm in Arizona. Her name is Shelby and she is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. She's a very interesting sort of dog. Has a depressive demeanor most of the time. The only time I've really seen her "smile" is when she's running outside. She seems to be very serious about actual work or down time. She is high strung, like all terriers, and needs a lot of attention. But, you wouldn't know that unless you know terriers because Shelby is actually very good in the home. She doesn't get overly excited unless someone is coming home from being gone a long time. Every now and again I can see her need for needing more activity when she chews on the occasional non-dog-toy. I've noticed she also likes to get the families attention by doing undesired bodily functions inside the house. She's very jealous of other dogs that come over to play. As submissive of a dog as she is, she tries to assert her authority around other dogs. (Who mostly just ignore her.)
Shelby is very smart, however. I'm doing mat training with her right now which, in the end, is going to teach her to sit and wait quietly at the door when a visitor knocks. I have a specific place on the floor that I make her sit. She receives treats for good behavior at this point. Terriers are distracted very easily so the slightest noise or movement will completely throw her off and I have to re-position her. The great thing is, even after a few days with no training, she'll always remember what she had learned previously. I almost never have to take her back to kindergarten (as they call going back to basics). I think this largely has to do with her breed, being the sort of dog that is always aiming to please their master.
The funny thing about training Shelby is, the cat, Spooky likes to come and join in the fun as well. Spooky will run after treats, come back to the mat, and lay down just like Shelby is supposed to do. I'm curious to try some treat training with Spooky since he seems interested.
