Austin Dog Training: Terrier Mix Loves Her Family And Wants To Protect Them!

Client’s Name:Allison

Dog’s Name: “Phoebe”

City: Austin, TX

Breed: Terrier Mix

Likes: Phoebe loves to lounge, play with her frisbie and rope, and eat.

Pet-Peeves: Phoebe does not like to go on extended walks or runs.  If taken on a run one afternoon, she will usually hide for the next several days as soon as she sees the running shoes come out of the closet.

Favorite Toy: Phoebe loves her rope.  She likes to play fetch and tug of war with it.

Favorite Treat: Phoebe enjoys virtually anything edible.  Recently, she likes her chicken and turkey jerkey treats.

Favorite Walk: Phoebe responds best to short walks around the neighborhood.  She seems excited to be able to walk about, but she doesn’t like to be away from home for very long.

Best Trick: Phoebe really doesn’t know any tricks, although she has learned to push open the baby gates when they are unlocked.

Arrival Story: “Phoebe was one of four puppies who were born to a very young mother (less than one year old).  Since the mother didn’t know what to do with them for the first few days, they were taken to Marla.  Marla cared for them around the clock for two days, and then returned two of the pups to their mother.  Phoebe and one of her brothers remained in Marla’s care until the male was diagnosed with a genital heart defect at 3 weeks of age and had to be euthanized. Phoebe has been a part of the family since she was only an hour or two old.”

Why Training / Sit Means Sit: Phoebe has exhibited some aggressive behavior towards our infant twins.  While she has growled and snapped at them, she seems to do this only when the babies encroach into her space or sneak up on her.  She also bit a friend’s toddler a few months ago.  We thought that training would help her and us better understand each other’s limits.

Motto: “Friendly but protective. Phoebe generally introduces herself to strangers with a sniff and genuine curiosity, but she often will place herself between her family and anyone or anything she feels might be a threat.”