Manchester Terrier... breeder has said NEVER let it off the lead

[trashcanjunkie]

I'm looking after a very adorable MT. He's only a couple of years old and is owned an older lady who has had to go into hospital and her family don't expect her to be home any time soon, and they are facing the fact they may have to rehome the little dude.

I have said we would consider taking him on as he's very much fitting in with us as a family and our 10 year old rescue staffy. I spoke to the owner today, she is also suffering from dementia and was very anxious about the dog, so she wanted reassuring that I was 'looking after him properly' (I am a professional dog 'nanny' and her grown up son has hired me to care for the dog)

When we were chatting she re-iterated that he is not to be allowed off lead ever, and that this was told to her by the breeder, as the dog would go down a rabbit hole never to be seen again. Obviously I will respect her wishes, but if we took him on ourselves, I would like to train him off lead. Has anyone heard of this before? I would be sad to think we couldn't ever take him to the beach with our many other pooches and let him have a good ol' run.

[Floralnomad]

I should imagine that he's perfectly trainable but the owner has not bothered because it suits her to keep him on his lead . Lots of the elderly walkers I know keep their small dogs on leads ,I assumed it was because they worry about having to get them back if their recall fails and cleaning them up if they get plastered.

[daisy5569]

When I got my Basenji the breeder said exactly the same to me and over the 15 years I've had with the breed I understand why most say this, as the breed can have 'selective hearing' when it suits them! And whilst an intelligent breed they are not the most trainable of dogs.
So my boy has always walked on a lead, and only gets let off for a good run if I am 100% certain that the area is completely enclosed and there is no escape route. Having known a terrier cross who managed to get stuck underground in a hole which resulted in fire brigade having to rescue (twice/same hole) I wouldnt take the risk .
Good luck with your Manchester Terrier, they were my other breed of choice before I had the Basenji

[MissBeehiving]

I have a Border Terrier, he's a cracking ratter but not really interested in holes. He is rarely walked on the lead except in traffic but he pretty much walks to heel or chases my other dog on walks.

[MothershipG]

I love Manchester Terriers and did look into getting one and this is a big part of what put me off.

But dogs are individuals and if he becomes yours it will be up to you to give it a try. Obviously you know to start with a long line and secure area. I do know one MT who is reliable off lead - he is obsessed with his ball so his owner has a powerful tool!

Be realistic in your expectations and you won't be disappointed.

[trashcanjunkie]

Thanks guys! Well he managed to slip out of the back gate yesterday. I nearly had kittens! I've got a broken toe and ruptured ligaments on one foot at the moment, so I'm wearing an immobiliser leg brace. Not at my fastest right now. I followed him slowly round the block (we live in the city centre ffs!) calling and cajolling. He nearly came straight back but then turned tail and shot off at speed! There were workman everywhere who pointed in varying directions - man I was beside myself - he was castrated on Tuesday. Aaaargh! So anyway, after calling and calling, I decided to head back to the flat, and I head a familiar yapping.... There he was bold as brass on the lawn outside!!! As soon as he saw me he did the 'crawly bum return' and we went inside where I had a minor nervous breakdown and gave thanks to the god of returning runaway dogs

Needless to say, we would definitely have some long line work to do!!

[tabulahrasa]

My rottie regularly tries to disappear down holes, unfortunately for him he can only fit his nose in, so he jams it right in and snorts furiously...they're the same colour, maybe it's a black and tan thing?

I'd just trian him same as any other dog and decide from there whether he's trustworthy or not.

[trashcanjunkie]

It transpires he is also, not actually house trained!! Has crapped in the bloody house every sodding day, despite being out for three solid walks plus extra time in the garden! Damn it! I know that timing can be an issue when routines change, but we get no warning or 'asking' - just squat wherever and take a dump! He's on lock down now. Totally back to basics. No unsupervised movement whatsoever. Bah. Good job he's so cute.

[mumofthemonsters808]

My brother has a MT and he is a real character who is a very giddy boy. Despite him winning lots of certificates at his dog training classes (Gold Citizenship, I think it is called) he is never let off the lead due to his terrible recall and is also an escape artist. He is very comical, I was not really keen on the breed until I spent time with him, he is very amusing and very different from my Lab (who he hates).I'm sure he'll keep you on your toes and you'll enjoy his antics(once he is house trained that is).

[Hubblez]

the same is said about akitas and husky breeds due to prey instinct and stubbornness "don't let them off they will never come back!" with enough training then of course any dog can be let off lead, you could also get a longline so he can run around and sniff things then you stand on the line to stop him so you can get him back again whilst he is being trained or if you don't feel confident with his recall

[trashcanjunkie]

I'm definitely going to give it a try using a long line and perhaps an e-collar (a buzzing one which I've had great success on other dogs recall with). Owner is probably going to rehome him with us eventually. We are making inroads with house training - using a crate (as he's contained even if he does have an accident) if I have to leave him at home, which is rare as I work with dogs, and also crating while we sleep and a bit in the afternoon/early evening to avoid him sloping off for a sneaky turd before he has his evening stroll! He's having lots of lead walks at the minute, and I'm using a ground spike and long line to allow him some mooching about, snuffling time too. Right now he's curled up on the bed with dp's 10 year old staffy - totally out for the count. Bracing myself to go and do a last stroll in a minute. Brrrr

[KevinMichaelForde]

I have a Manchester Terrier and he is fine off the lead and on recall.

[frostedviolets]

Where can you get these buzzing e collars from?
Are you in the UK?

I’ve been seriously thinking about getting one for my collie, her hearing seems to be going somewhat but she’s still trying to run miles away like a young dog..

[frostedviolets]

Ah.
Just realised this is 2014.
Just ignore me.