Norfolk Terrier Temperament, Personality, Training, Behavior, Dos and Don'ts, Advice and Information e.gMichel Welton, dog trainer, behavior consultant, author of 15books for dogs
True representatives of what a terrier should be, Norfolk Terriers are full of fire and tenacious assertiveness. However, they are nicer and more sociable than some other terriers.
The Norfolk Terrier can adapt to any home with moderate exercise (brisk walks and active play sessions) and plenty of company. These social dogs enjoy being with their owners and require full participation in all activities.
They can be friendly towards strangers, but are usually a bit shy. Because of this, Norfolk Terriers need more socialization than other terriers lest their natural caution be overdone. These guard dogs are excellent guard dogs but they are not aggressive.
Norfolk Terriers generally get along well (although they can be a bit jealous, possessive and bossy) with other dogs and cats in the family. As true terriers, they tend to be snappy towards strange pets.
Norfolk Terriers always need a leash or fence as they are curious and independent dogs with strong hunting instincts.
For a casual look, the Norfolk Terrier is virtually identical to theNorwich-Terrier, with the most obvious difference being the position of the ears. The Norfolk have floppy ears while the Norwich have prick ears. In terms of temperament, some terrier enthusiasts say that the Norfolk Terrier has a more aggressive temperament and is "busier" than the Norwich, but it's really a matter of individual personality.
If you want a dog that...
- He is small but sturdy and hardy - not a tender lap dog.
- It has a natural look
- Only need moderate exercise
- Makes a sharp watchdog
- don't spill too much
- Coexists more readily with other pets than some other terriers
A Norfolk Terrier could be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with it...
- The dynamic terrier temperament (see full description below)
- Provide enough exercise and activities to keep them occupied
- Shyness if not socialized enough
- Potential aggression towards other animals - hunting instincts
- stubbornness
- digging holes
- beats
- Hard coat regular cut
- A significant number of potential health problems
- Waiting lists (hard to find) and high price
A Norfolk Terrier may not be right for you.
Remember that inheritance fromTemperamentis less predictable than inheritance fromphysicistProperties such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by upbringing and training.
- You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an adult dog from aTierheimorrescue group. With an adult dog, it's easy to see what you're getting, and many adult Norfolk Terriers have already proven that they don't have any negative traits.
- If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing to have onereal breederit is atreal puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell if a puppy has inherited temperament or health issues until he's an adult.
- Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by usingTraining your Norfolk Terrierto respect it and to follow the 11-step care program in my book,11 things you need to do to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Other characteristics and characteristics of Norfolk Terriers
If I were considering a Norfolk Terrier I would be more concerned about...
- The dynamic terrier temperament.Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over again - quick to bark, quick to chase, excited, bossy, moody, scrappy, smart, independent, stubborn, stubborn, impulsive, intense.
I do not recommend terriers for home with young children. Many terriers do not tolerate nonsense from small life forms, which they consider to be an understatement. Many terriers are quick to respond to teasing and even the normal clumsiness that accompanies young children (accidentally pinching their ears or stepping on their paws). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend them from all visitors, including children.
(Video) Norfolk Terrier Puppy Ernie Stands His Ground - Possible animal aggression.Norfolk Terriers are often more tolerant of other dogs and cats than many other terriers. Especially dogs and cats that belong to their own family. However, many Norfolk Terriers are dominant or aggressive towards strange dogs and have a strong instinct to chase and capture small, fleeing creatures.
- Provide enough socialization.Norfolk Terriers tend to be a little shy around strangers, so they need a lot of exposure to people and unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise, they might become shy or suspicious.
- own mind.Norfolk Terriers must be taught from an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suitable for killing worms can frustrate you when trying to teach them anything. Norfolk Terriers can be stubborn and domineering (they want to be the boss) and you need to prove you can get them to do things. You have to show them with absolute consistency that you mean what you say.
- beats.Terriers are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You'll have to be just as quick to stop them. This means you need to create the right relationship between your Norfolk Terrier and you, where you are the leader and he is the follower. This is called respect training. Read more aboutNorfolk-Terrier-Training.
- Cleanliness.Norfolk Terriers need to be clipped and trimmed every few months. Breed purists may say that the terrier's coat should never be clipped because it softens the coat and makes it more prone to matting. Instead, they defend themselvesPickling by hand(each dead hair is plucked out so that a new one will grow in its place). But in my opinion, peeling is very time-consuming and uncomfortable for the dog. Many groomers will no longer do this. I think scissors are fine for dogs.
- health problems.Norfolk Terriers can suffer from itchy skin, joint disorders, eye disorders, epilepsy and heart disease. Read more aboutnorfolk terrier health.
About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a dog trainer, dog breed consultant and founder of three dog training centers. An experienced researcher and the author of 15 dog books, she loves helping people choose, train and care for their dogs.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos.Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the right training techniques in action.
The problem is that most of the dog training videos on the internet are useless because they use the wrong training method. I recommend theseDog training videosbased on respect and leadership.
Puppy Respect Training: 30 seconds for a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy.For puppies from 2 to 18 months. Your pup will learn the 21 skills every family pet needs to know.
if your dog isone18 months, you will wantAdult Dog Respect Training: 30 seconds for a calm, polite, well-behaved dog.Again, your dog will learn the 21 skills that every family dog needs to know.
Teach your dog 100 English wordsis a unique vocabulary and respect training program that teaches your adult dog to listen and do what you say.
11 things you need to do to keep your dog healthy and happyhelps your dog live a longer and healthier life.
Dog Quest: Find the dog of your dreamswill help you find a healthy and good-natured family companion.
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