Hey guys,

I wanted to check, whether some of you might be able to offer some guidance and tips on how to train and work with a terrier and in what way it differs from working with, lets say, a golden retriever.

My wife and I recently took in a 9 year old terrier mix because the previous owner died very suddenly. He was born in a shelter in spain because his mom was rescued from the street while pregnant, so not sure what breeds are actually in there.

The previous owner was an older man, wo didn't walk the dog much and if so only used a flex lead. You can clearly make out that the dog didn't know any boundaries and wasn't really worked or trained his whole life, but was rather a classic case of "old person gets small dog, because what harm can they do".

Thankfully the dog and I click very well and I can see that he accepts structure and thrives in it. We figured out some basic training, like going to his bed and sitting. My wife and I always had dogs and I know and read a lot about dog training and human-dog-relationship. But I feel like with our boy I kinda hit a wall if I do training as I do with or other dogs. He sometimes seems overwhelmed or "freezes" for a lack of a better word and I feel like thats because im not working with him in a way that is good and understandable for him.

Read a bit into terriers and how training them might need a little different approach.

If I'm saying training, I'm not talking about competition level heeling or anything. We just need some work on the leash-manners and I'd also like to tackle his "reactivity" on the leash towards other dogs (vigorously barking and sometimes lungeing). So basically ... just getting him to a place where I can be safe that he is safe, when we're outdoors.

I really love the little guy, he is so loyal, trusting, goofy and fun.

Would greatly appreciate if anybody had some pointers to ressources online or in book form or general tips!

p.s. - attached a pic of our little prince on his favorite lawn chair.

She just does this and kills small things. Rough life
😂😂😂

Hey! Just a couple shots of the doggo today~

I've not really been out to catch anything new (although I do have a couple I need to edit) but I had these saved :D

I hope you enjoy them c:

I'm thinking, do i want a treat or mi toy, dilemmas!🙄

This little guy was rescued last November from the San Pedro Animal Shelter. The first picture is my Ozzy boy now and the second picture is from our first evening together at a pizza place.

His old owners surrendered him for being too destructive but he just needed to be inside and have a chewy treat. I named him Ozzy because he trashed stuff in the past like a rockstar and Ozzy Osbourne had recently passed. With a destructive label on his kennel card and his fear of people— he was the small dog there the longest. He was shaking and so scared but I wanted to rescue a dog who didn’t have much of a chance.

Ozzy now knows many tricks, listens well, and is a loyal buddy. We are enjoying our first summer together by going to the dog beach and spending lots of time outside.

If you’re reading this and thinking about getting a new best friend (my 16 year old best buddy Sid died in March of 2025) please consider adopting the dog who nobody else wants. Ozzy is a superstar now!!!