Moving forward with Wheaten Terrier living in the countryside

[jeaux90]

Hi All, some of you very kindly have provided advice on our journey to breed selection. The only thing I am worried about is we live in the country, have a big garden which backs onto open countryside and we get visits from pheasants, woodpeckers etc. I am a bird lover. What are your tips when training to stop the dog barking or preying on birds? Or have I messed up on my breed pick?

Go to a dog training class and get it properly trained. This should be mandatory for any dog!!

If my dog ever felt embarrassment she'd never leave the house.

'Reprehensible' just about sums her up.

We have 2 SCWT’s and I’m a current committee member of the SCWT club of GB. One of ours has a high prey drive and the other less so. It looks as if you may have spoken to a breeder already, but there is lots of information on our website plus we also have an Area Rep network where you can contact an experienced Wheaten owner in your area for advice. It’s often a requirement from many of our breeders to have done that.

wheaten.org.uk/owning-a-wheaten/area-representitives/

This looks a brilliant organisation

@SLMmany thanks, we have already connected with a lovely ex breeder, it was her that mentioned the pheasant situation to me that got me thinking.

I’ve got a terrier AND cat. Neither are bothered about birds. My terrier will flush pheasants on a walk but then come running back. She’s never attempted to grab. Same with most things. She caught mice as a pup but just played with them. Cat is bone idle and elderly now so no threat.

This is a fantastic website to read. I’m in Australia and it’s interesting reading this info about wheatens in the UK

Posted twice

They have been really helpful to me and it’s a fab site. I am now trying to hunt down a litter that doesn’t have a full waiting list which is proving tricky. I have a sniff of one hope for spring thankfully!

That’s great to hear. We do like to think we are helpful. I help edit the website so pleased you like it 😆 . Presume you have contacted us via the puppy enquiry email? As well as the breeder list that’s helpful as we can point you in the direction of planned litters we know of. Do DM if you want any other info

@SLMi have contacted all the breeders off the list, all have been so nice and helpful with tales of heritage,
Crufts in March or not finding a stud dog yet etc. I do have a sniff of an option now for Spring so fingers crossed there is enough in that litter that we make the cut! I am so excited I can’t tell you.

That's great to hear. Yes - the pool of suitable stud dogs and gene diversity is often an issue. I know that my youngest Wheaten's breeder will plan a litter next year, (she is on the list). From the timing, it sounds as if she may be the one you have sneaked onto the list of. If you can make it to Crufts do come along and see us at Discover dogs and in the show ring on Terrier day. I don't show but will be floating around and probably on our breed stand. Wheaten's are a fab breed and definitely worth the wait :)) Sally

@SLM will definitely pop by!

I've had terriers all my life, although no Wheatens, and none of them have ever killed a single living thing. A couple of them loved to chase birds, but that's as far as it went. I'd tell them to leave it, and that was that. With good training, it shouldn't be a problem.

@BeddieTthis is what I am
hoping. Lots of socialising and sitting outside with the puppy with the birds around will nail it.

Popping back to let you all know we pick the puppy up next Saturday! She’s absolutely adorable.

Brilliant I’m so pleased for you.
Enjoy your puppy and don’t worry if you get a burst of “ what have I done”.
Any chance of a photo next week.
Nothing like the smell of a puppy and a proper puppy snuggle.

@Beautyfadesdumbisforeverwill definitely post a photo and thank you for the advice, I know it’s going to be hard for a while!

Congratulations.

How bloody exciting! Looking forward to the puppy photo. Are you looking forward to the sheer chaos?

@SleafordSodsfunny thing is we sat for about 3 hours yesterday talking through routine and training. But I know it’s all going to hell in a handbasket 🤣

My old NDN had a Wheaten. It was very pretty, but I doubt it had more than a couple of brain cells. I don't think it knew it was a terrier and much preferred being a couch potato. You never know what you are going to get with a dog.

My staffie liked to flush. Totally lost interest once the birds were up. His thing was deer however. It meant he couldn't be trusted off lead as his recall was poor despite extensive training. Stubborn but I do miss him.

Here she is!

Pic not uploaded yet! Look forward to seeing her.

my jrt swallowed a bird - only once
she pays no attention now