If you are reading this, you are probably asking the question what do border terriers dislike as to help you know how to treat your border terrier dog. Border Terriers are mostly happy, cheerful dogs but there are lots of things they dislike. They tend to become grumpy, wild, and stubborn when they have to deal with their dislikes often.
Most borders do not know how to manage their moods and aside from teaching them how to do so, it would be beneficial to everyone if the things they dislike are kept away from them or not done to them.
As much as preferences vary among individual dogs, there’s a consensus among Border Terriers on the things they dislike. And, they have quite a strong stand. This article will walk you through all the things Border Terriers dislike, how to protect them from or avoid doing these things, and things that can be done to make them happy.
Also Read: Why Do Border Terriers Bark?
What Do Border Terriers Dislike? – Things Border Terriers Dislike
All of the things Border Terriers dislike are things that startle, scare, or make them feel uncomfortable. They also become uneasy when they feel like someone or something may be a threat to their existence or territory. Yes, border terriers are very territorial dogs. Some of the things Border Terriers dislike are listed below.
The Rain
Just like most dogs, Border Terriers hate rain. Perhaps, partly because they were bred to be outgoing dogs, constantly on the chase, and also, for most of their days growing up, they had little to do with water; unless when they had to take their bath of course. So it’s no surprise that this dog breed loves to stay dry and gets irritated by the rain.
As a Border Terrier owner, you have to find a way to manage the situation. The first thing you can do is to act like all is fine when you two are walking around and it happens to start raining. Your Border Terrier is likely to imitate your demeanor and trust that the rain is okay and that there is nothing to be scared of. Then, you can teach it to get used to the water with the use of intermittent exposure to water or rain.
Whenever it rains and it has to use the bathroom, do not resort to cruel approaches like locking it outside till it does the needful. This never yields positive results. Rather, escorts it to the bathroom with a large umbrella and constantly reassures it that all is well.
While teaching it to get used to the rain or water, encourage its efforts by rewarding your dog with nice treats that it values and cherishes. Above all, make sure you dry it up as soon as possible so it does not have to stay wet for too long. This will serve as reassurance that whenever it gets wet, you will meet its need and help it become dry again.
Having to walk in the dark
Just like some humans, some border terriers are scared of walking out in the dark. This may be due to anxiety and the fact they become a lot more alert at night with heightened senses. This could leave them feeling uncomfortable. Signs to look out for to know if your dog is scared include pacing, drooling, resisting, and not wanting to leave their comfort.
It’s also possible although uncommon for border terriers to be scared of dark rooms. This would be seen in attitudes they display like staying close to you when it’s bedtime, finding it hard to sleep and sometimes barking. If you discover your dog becomes anxious or scared of dark places, rooms, or walking in dark places, ensure you do not subject it to these experiences. And, tender your issue to a dog expert, they would advise you on how to help your border terrier deal with its fears.
Seeing smaller animals, dogs, and vermin
Border terriers on average dislike seeing vermin, other animals like cats and smaller animals like rats, and sometimes other dogs. This could be because it triggers their hunter’s instinct and they may feel compelled to chase these animals because this is what they were bred to do. In the case of not liking other dogs, it could be because the other dogs are displaying aggression or being disrespectful.
Exposure to other dogs from a young age may help border terriers tolerate other dogs better and live peacefully with them. Some border terriers enjoy and even look forward to the company of other dogs. When it comes to vermin and other animals like cats, as well as smaller ones, appropriate training may help.
However, most experts maintain that regardless of training, border terriers may be unable to resist the urge to chase other animals. In such a situation, the best that can be done is to control exposure to these animals in the best way possible.
Being mistreated
One of the things border terriers hate the most is being mistreated. By nature, they can be very easy going, loving, obedient, and affectionate. They love to shower their human lovers with affection and they love to be at the receiving end of affection as well. Hence, owners treat them right and shower them with enough affection.
Owners should also desist or avoid treating border terriers harshly or punishing them as they do not learn anything from being punished. Punishment has nothing to do with training. It is also important to be sensitive to the feelings of border terriers and understand their languages because harsh treatment could sometimes be unintentional. And in severe cases, bad treatment could activate its aggressive side.
Being bullied
Border terriers do not just love to be adored, they want to be respected. Bullying most times is done by other dogs but owners are sometimes guilty. Border terriers hate to be treated unfairly and owners should be careful not to tread this path, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Bigger dogs are the biggest culprits of border terrier bullying. They often have an intimidating presence and tend to over step their boundaries. This behavior gets on the nerves of border terriers and their most common response is to put up a fight, irrespective of their opponent’s size.
As a border terrier owner, you can try to control your border terrier’s interaction with bigger dogs that are likely to be bullies. This would help you be in control of the situation to avoid such interactions from escalating to fights.
Being left Alone
This dog breed can be quite cheesy. They dislike being left alone. Some border terriers develop anxiety when they are separated from their loved ones. Others manage separation very well. You may want to observe your dog to understand its unique temperament.
If you have a border terrier that dislikes being alone, you can try to avoid situations that would lead to this. And if this is a trait that inconveniences you, consulting an expert may help. They could help you understand the origin of this trait and how best to handle it.
Being punished
This can not be said enough. Border terriers want to be treated highly. They take pride in themselves and want to be treated right at all times. Punishing them could make them resent your presence. Some owners use punishment as a way of teaching a lesson but border terriers do not learn this way. Neither can this be used as a way to correct them. All teaching moments can only happen when done with lots of love.
Border terriers appreciate rewards a lot so do not just condone bad behavior but also reward a good one. Understanding your border can help you come up with unique ways of teaching them new things.
Also Read: Border Terriers Personality & Characteristics
How Do I Make My Border Terrier Happy?
Border terriers are easy going dogs hence it is not difficult to make them happy. Simple things like praising them, rewarding them with treats, offering them their favorite feed, and a schedule that makes room for a lot of activity will keep them both happy and healthy. Also, they would show up as their best selves when you do these things.
Please your border terrier as often as possible. Treat it with kindness. Carry it in your arms and plant lots of hugs and kisses. Some border terriers love to cuddle, be available for cuddling. When they hit a new learning milestone, offer them nice treats that they consider high value. Ensure their meal plan is filled with their favorite food and yes, indulge its energy in the right activities.
Let your border terrier help you around. Go on long walks. Take it to parks so it can run as much as it wants. Let it off-leash from time to time. Yes, border terriers love to roam freely but this must be supervised and within limits. There you go, the list may be short but you will make a border terrier a very happy one if you do these things. Like I said earlier, they are easy to please so you do not have to do too much.
How Do You Entertain a Border Terrier?
Entertainment for a border terrier is anything that can sustain its attention and keep it busy. Given the nature of border terriers, this should not be so hard to do or figure out. Activities that can leave your dog feeling entertained include mentally stimulating games, playing hide and seek, hunting and running after objects.
Most games that border terriers love are easy to set up and can be done in the yard or a small corner in your neighborhood. You can make plans towards this and dedicate an ample amount of time weekly for games. Your border would not only be entertained but will be happy too and its surplus energy will be expended in a convenient way.
Also Read: What Happens If You Don’t Strip Border Terrier?
Conclusion
Border terriers dislike a couple of things which can easily be avoided or managed. They can also be made happy with very simple activities. Also, they can be easily entertained. These are some of the reasons why border terriers are considered low maintenance. An understanding of the things they like, dislike and appropriate treatment will go a long way in ensuring they are of their best behaviors.
