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Those who love and own Skye Terriers, agree on at least one thing.
A Skye Terrier is not for everyone. They share very few characteristics with labs, cocker spaniels, or poodles, and will test your love and your patience.
However, they have a depth of character which is matched only by the depth of love and devotion that their owners have for them.
Because of this, it is easy to spoil a Skye Terrier. BUT, if you do you will find that your life will never be the same.
Many a writer has said that "Like attracts like" and in the case of Skye terrer owners and their skyes, it is very true.
A Skye Terrier will respect an owner that treats them fairly and firmly, in fact, it may be a basic requirement of ownership. This does not mean brut force since a Skye does not need or easily accept physical discipline. A strong voice and an attitude that does not leave room for maybe, will allow for better results. Skye Terriers have a strong disposition and respect strength of character in others.
A Skye is self asured and can often seem a little standoffish.
When meeting strangers, they are happier to wait and make the first advance. When they meet a person who reacts the same way, they will soon be in their laps. However, a well meaning person who insists that all dogs love them and pushes the introduction, may find that a Skye will not accept them.
Socializing, and socializing early, is extremely important. The more situations and groups of people that a Skye becomes framiliar with, the better they will be in every situation.
Skyes have been known to intuit out a special need in their owners or friends of their owners and have even been used successfully as therapy dogs. Part of this is explained when you realize that a
Skye Terrier is a thinking breed.
They will learn quickly how to do something, and just as quickly how to avoid what they do not enjoy. A Skye will learn in one day which door of your home leads to the couch, and which leads to the bathtub. One must take this into account when training a Skye. There are excellent obedience, tracking, and agility Skye Terriers, but the training does not always go smoothly. It seems that a Skye needs to have a good reason or incentive to participate. Finding this incentive will make the difference between working as a team, and working in two different directions.
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