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Comments on the Patterdale:
Please read this first.
Patterdales
are so popular that I have received more comments and requests for help for this
breed than all the other breeds put together. For this reason I've
added a category on the
Agility Bits Forum especially for Patterdale Chat. We now have so
many useful comments on this breed that they have spilled over onto three
pages and this is plenty of information for prospective Patterdale owners to
be getting on with. Regretfully I won't be able to publish any more comments
in this section of the dog breeds directory. Thank you all so much for
sharing your experiences of the Patterdale terrier. It's very much
appreciated.
If you want to ask a
question
or ask for help you are welcome to join the forum and post in the Patterdale Chat
category or the dog training category.
Anna-Marie:
Hi I bought Tia in November 2005 aged 18 months from an owner
who mistreated her.
When we went to see her she was the scruffiest most smelliest dog you could
ever
have the misfortune to come across but still (for some strange reason) I
knew I had
to have her.
The following February I was unlucky enough to become disabled from an injury
to my
spine and had to give up work. Since being at home full time Tia has become
my
little helper - she carries things for me, picks things up, fetches things
and can
now do a number of tricks (taught to her out of boredom) - sit-up /stand up
/ turn
around / laydown / play dead - well the list goes on....
She has been my saviour - I would have cracked up by now if it wasn't for
her.
I am now looking for a nice stud dog for her, preferably in the North West
area if
not we are prepared to travel for the right dog. Any ideas of where I would
find a
nice stud dog / breeder?
Jessica Lamb:
I have a 7 year old Patterdale, and what a fantastic dog. Very
strong minded, but
very very loving and loyal (obsessed with me), a sod with other Male dogs,
fine
with Bitches. A very clever little dog and I am very tempted to get another
one
when Harvey goes to Doggy Heaven, but am very worried the next one could be
the
same with Male Dogs, please advise are bitches better with other dogs ????
Pat comments: I have found that it depends on how well
a puppy is socialised with other dogs and it makes no difference whether you
have a dog or a bitch. If a dog is entire it smells different to a dog
that is neutered and some other dogs may react to this. Jamie tries to
get dominant with entire dogs but will play happily with any other dog.
If a dog is neutered in its second year or later it can have a bit of an
edge to it and behave a bit more like an entire dog. I have had
a bitch that didn't particularly like other dogs but thoroughly enjoyed it
when dogs that she knew well came to stay and when another bitch came to
live with us.
Ronnie Soak:
Just rescued a 15 month old Paterdale called Jenny, and want
to start her with
agility to work of some of her energy, Where do I start?
Pat: I get asked this question a lot so I've added a
page to Agility Bits called How to
get started in agility.
Katie:
I have a springer spaniel she is ten years old and still
active. One of my friends
Patterdale Terriers is having puppies in April next year and I was thinking
of
having a girl. Do you think they would like each other?
Pat comments: It depends on how well the older dog
would tolerate a small puppy. The baby is going to be very lively and
energetic and being a Patterdale it's going to have that extra bit of fizz.
Most adult dogs keep small puppies in check when they get a bit above
themselves and start to get annoying so don't be surprised if the springer
snaps at the puppy sometimes. I would ask some of your dog loving
friends what they think about it as they know your dog and they will
probably know how well she gets on with other dogs. They might be able to
take a more objective view than you can.
Lizzie:
We've had Bobby for ten weeks now- he was 4 months old when he arrived and
never
been inside a house. He's more or less house-trained now but it's usually
our fault
for accidents. Fantastic with any other dog he meets on the beach but very
very
wary of humans- prefers women. Plays with a wide variety of toys and makes up
games
with them- like throwing his bone down the steps etc. So far has not eaten
garden
vegetables but likes lemon verbena!
Kate:
We adopted Ebony last October and were told that she was an 18 month old
cross
Chihuahua / Miniature Pinscher. She had been badly treated in her previous
home and
was very frightened of most situations ie being stroked, the hoover, being
bathed,
eating etc etc. Now 8 months latter we have a confident, out going friendly
lively
wonderful dog with huge amounts of energy and fun. We have 2 children aged 8
and 5,
they have such a wonderful relationship with her. She does a loop the loop
when
they come in from school and the same when their Dad gets in from work. She
loves
us all being together and really doesn't like anyone getting upset. She is a
great
footballer and a fantastic retriever, she runs with greyhounds in the park
and has
so much energy and never needs a drink after running for 1 - 2 hours! We
take her
to the beach where we will easily spend 4-5 hours walking and rock pooling
she
joins in and loves to dig holes in the sand then goes to find a piece of
kelp, comes back to her hole and plants the piece of kelp, she will do this until
she has
planted what looks like a small garden! We have had a lab in the past who
was a
wonderful companion, but Ebony has stolen our hearts. We still have house
training
problems but she is getting better, she is so chilled out at home you
wouldn't
think she was the same dog when she is in the park or the country side. I
only
found out this week from a dog walker that she was a Patterdale and having
read all
that I have found so far on the internet I am so pleased to be able to learn
more
about her and understand her.
Camster:
I needed a companion for my Ella (Beagle cross),Who loves to
hunt and explore
so when my friends dad came to work with his new dog a Patterdale Terrier I
knew I must have one for my Ella.
Bobbie arrived 3 weeks ago at 8 weeks old,and words can not
describe how much I
have fallen in love with him. He's brought a new lease of life into Ella
too. He's
hard work though,Clever,loving,strong willed,playful,the dream dog.
Rachael:
Skipper is 2 and a half. The half had made all the difference.
He has calmed down
a lot. He is brillant with the children. Has stopped eating the
furniture. He is
very intelligent and will follow commands. He doesn't like Labradors
at all, but
loves spainiels.
Catmelodian:
I've had Sparky since he was 8 weeks old - he was
advertised in a local paper with
six of his siblings and to be honest I'd never heard of the breed. Two years
later
and I cannot imagine life without him. Full of energy, intelligent,
affectionate,
loyal, patient and just soooo much fun. He sticks to me like glue and if out
of my
sight for an hour or more he goes wild upon seeing me again. A very strong
prey
drive - regularly supplies me with pheasants and is wild about Rabbits;
mention the
'R' word and he cocks his head to one side and dares you to say it again
then bolts
for the front door. Most of all, he is just so funny and so wise. There are
simply
not enough superlatives to describe my Patterdale.
Gill Stockport
Patch(Kennel name..Noise Machine)
Through this little monster I have found the fantastic sport of agility.
Patch came
into my life 8 years ago from his little cell on death row. He had been
through four
homes in his first 16 months . `Although I had been used to terriers I had
not had
one like this! I was encouraged to try and use his brain by working him.
Agility was
suggested and that is how it all began. Although I have become the butt of
many
jokes in the north west as I retrieved my dog from judges tents , pet shops
and many
other things at the north west shows . He last year finally got me into
Novice (
grade 3) but along the way he has taught me so much about dog training and
given me
so much fun. All I can say they are not dogs for novices.
Baby Bear (Patterdale
cross border terrier):
We got "Ness" when she was 12 weeks old. She was
timid when she arrived, but soon
came out of her shell. We already had a one year old Jack Russell at
the time, and
Ness loved chasing her around the garden. She does tend to try take on
the role of
leader, but our Jack Russell is pretty laid back, so she just goes with the
flow.
We had a few accidents when house training her, such as several pairs of
shoes that
I can no longer wear ! Toilet training was an ordeal, but by the time she
was 6
months she had mastered it. She is a lovely dog and am glad we decided
on a
patterdale, although she can get a bit mischievous at times. It only takes a
stern
word and she's very apologetic.
Ronnie Soak:
"I have a 10 year old Pattie called Jake - and I would not
say that he was easy to
train - he was (and still is) belligerent, and very opinionated. Having said
that,
he has been a fantastic dog with the two children, and a wonderful walking
companion.
Agility training was tried, but Jake decided that
I was not good enough, so we
stopped going."
Pat comments: Agility doesn't suit everyone and there are times when
Jamie has said (in dog language) that I'm a load of old rubbish. If you feel inclined
you can do other activities but sometimes just having a great dog to walk
with is everything you need.
Andreamer:
Well, I got Millie (Patterdale, 1 year old) from a pound after
my spaniel died last
year and my feet haven't touched the ground since! She is small, black and
spiky
haired, with the cutest face you ever saw and an unbelievably cheeky
personality.
She has been a huge challenge to train/tame, and this will have to continue
throughout her life as she needs constantly reminding of her manners! She
behaves
well in the house (save a few teddies she has unstuffed!), loves her toys
and is
constantly wanting to play with everyone. Outside she is more challenging,
although
I am lucky that I am able to run her off the lead (her recall is amazing!)
as long
as there aren't too many dogs or distractions, but her tolerance of other
dogs
isn't great and I have to be on my guard constantly. I would recommend
anyone who
loves to be out and about, loves to have fun and play go get a Patterdale,
but if
you're a couch potato who likes a lapdog who exists in the background, stay
away -
these little dogs need, and deserve, active, engaged owners who understand
them and
are prepared to put the effort in to get the best from them. A
Lorraine:
We have just bought my Mum and Dad a patterdale after they
lost their shy retiring
mongrel bitch Elsa. Beni as he is known, is the loveliest, cheekiest, most
energetic
dog I have ever come across. We take him down the woods 4 times a week with
my 11yr
old staffy, whose life has been re-awakened by this little black curly haired
cutey. You're right though they are finding it difficult house training him so
any
suggestions welcome. Also I would like to know if they hold meetings taking
them
working as both his parents were champion ratters, and I'd like to give him
the
opportunity to do what he is built for.
Hi Lorraine. Have a look at Darron's website on
Patterdales as there is a forum devoted to them. Someone may be able
to help with ratting. Otherwise, agility provides an excellent
activity for working dogs that need to channel their energy. You
may be also able to devise some hunting games to keep your dog occupied, but
be aware that dogs that develop a strong hunting instinct can be a bit
difficult to control when all you want is a walk. Retrievers are
easier! I just give Jamie things to fetch and carry and find during
the day and it seems to satisfy his natural retrieving instincts.
Alan:
After years of owning English Bull's which I still love as a
breed, our last bitch
Patsty died last year. After months of saying never again after all the heart
ache
and the tie of just being a dog owner, I just got the want again of a canine
friend. I knew the breed as a friend had one and liked the feisty terrier.
However,
we saw him, loved him, bought him. I thought englishes were intelligent but he
shows
me what a bright do is all about. Apart from only being 14 wks now he (Bill
by the way) is the most intelligent dog I've ever seen but also the most belligerent
and
defiant dog to train. Can you imagine a puppy growling and arguing back
saying
NO!!! to you after an hour walk when you say, "Lead time to go home?" Then once
back in
the house he's so sociable it's surreal. If Carlsberg made puppies and life
long
friends it would be a patterdale. While typing this he is at my feet ready
for bed. In five or six hours he will be growling and wanting breakfast.
They are mental and feisty but love every bit of life. Saying this after
only having him six weeks shows how much of a character these dogs can be,
buy one, they will try you with there defiance and arrogance, but can show
great affection ? Well and also try your patience. So quick to learn and
love. But maybe not to know their place, as they
think
they're better than that. Best dog I've owned. Good luck if you buy one.
Ellie:
I have just got my first patterdale and any help with
house training would be very helpful.
Hi Ellie. You are very welcome to join the forum and ask about
house training. In my experience this has varied with different
breeds and with different dogs. Corgis seemed to be quite difficult
but my mother's cocker seemed to understand almost from the start that the
garden was the place to go. If you have a puppy then you need to be
very quick to get him into the garden straight after a meal. Give lots
of praise for doing it outside and clean up quickly indoors. Use a
strong pet deodorant to mask the smell of any urine or pooh.
Charlie:
My patterdale is very funny. Once she jumped in the pond and
climbed a gate. As I am
a girl my brother says dogs are for boys and cats are for girls but as
soon as I
saw Dizzy my patterdale terrier I fell in love with her. Anyway, I hate cats.
Carolyn:
I have two stunning pats Both are doing Flyball
and have done competitive
obedience with them and got into the rosettes. Fantastic housedogs,
have endless
energy but need patience to train. My older Patterdale is a red
grizzle and has
achieved his Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold standard. My Black smooth
has a
tendancy to be a bit of a space cadet but can work really well when he
concentrates.
Dan, Bedfordshire:
Originally (and still) a great lover of greyhounds, but two days
after our baby
son Zak was born 19.08.2006 our greyhound 'Mylo' showed great jealousy
resulting in
him trying to attack him on a few occasions leaving us with no choice but to
place him at a greyhound rescue centre in
Lincolnshire. After months of hurt
I finally
felt that I was ready for a new best friend and at Christmas we found
ourselves a beautiful little Patterdale. I will admit that it took a good few months
before I
achieved any obedience or house training but finally 'Magic' is just about
there
and he is always by my side and always ecstatic to see me when I get back
from
work. He is also the latest addition to my fishing trips as naturally
he loves
being in the wild. He respects me that much that he even protected me when
me and
my other half had a bad argument recently. Basically given the patience and
the
right home a Patterdale terrier is a very loyal dog and well worth the
extreme
effort and attention to become a great dog. I don't know what I'd do without
him.
Claudie (Patterdale
Jack Russell cross):
Two years ago we adopted Jack, who is going to be 9. He
is a quick learner to new
rules. He is very agile and loves getting his prey i.e. next door guinea pig.
He
is full of energy in the morning when he gets up. At 9pm he puts
himself to bed. We do not know why? but he is a fighter with other dogs. We cannot leave him
off the lead in public area. He has buried himself and needed the
fire brigade
to dig him out. He can dig a hole in no time at all, as big as his
own body. He
is a sun worshiper. He is a comi-chef in the kitchen as soon as the food is
being
prepared, he loves carrots and apples. He is very patient and he can
sit for
hours by the oven door waiting for the roast to come out. He loves children.
He
is very clean and independent. He makes himself loved by everyone.
He still
looks like a puppy. So we do not know how much of the Patterdale
characteristics
are and the Jack Russell. But we are pleased we got him.
Matt:
I'd
suggest a border collie they're amazing at agility.
(Matt finds his patterdale cross a bit
difficult to train.)
Kelly:
Well Patterdale terriers are clever. They are very strong
dogs. They always are ready to go out and walk
and catch their prey.
Andy (Rocco's
dad):
Rocco is a little Patterdale whom
is loved by everyone in our area. He has incessant
exhilarating energy when outside, but can unwind almost instantly in the
home. He loves to please and thrives on the attention whilst he does
it. Although just turned 1, he seems to have out
grown the crazy puppy phase and is obedient to his
master. Watching him scurry around the forest and fields, he follows his
precise nose, pursuing distinctive smells
ranging from an old crisp packet, to a squirrel
sitting on the highest branch of an old acorn tree. It’s fascinating
watching the real Patterdale come out in this confident, intelligent
little dog. Keeping the dog active is a must and
you have to respect the fact they are blessed with
this endless energy. I have absolutely no
doubt that if anyone was considering taking on one
of these incredible terriers for the right
reasons, they will not be disappointed.
Red:
Dylan is a Patterdale that I took on as a rescue dog. He has
boundless energy and
runs a couple of times a week with me. This is normally between 6 - 10 miles
each
time. As soon as I put on my running kit he freaks out with excitement (more
so
than if we were going for a walk). When I'm exhausted at the end of a run he
doesn't
even go to his water bowl and looks at me as if to say, "Is that the best you
can do ? ". He has been running a few years now but I'm thinking about starting
agility
classes to challenge his brain more - although I know it will be a battle of
wills
between us both. Ideal running partner if kept on the lead - off he may just
disappear after a squirrel or a cat !
Martin S:
We bought "Daisy" as a family pet, we had been looking for a
dog at the local rescue center however they would not give us a rescue dog as our daughter
was 7 months old and they did not have any puppies. A quick look on Adtrader
resulted in an 80 mile round trip to a farm in deepest Ayrshire and a wee black dug
being purchased. We had researched the breed as much as possible on the
internet and understood that she would be a busy wee dog however this was one of the
reasons we got her, now 8 months later she is a great wee dog who is well socialised
and learns very quickly and gets on well with our 1 year old daughter. She
has an abundance of energy and walk her as much as possible and I am now looking to
start her on agility to focus her more.
Paula (Patterdale x Border
terrier):
"Jack is a rescue dog from the Dog's
Trust. I decided that agility would focus the terrier energy."
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