Brussels Griffon: Training and behaviour
Training a Brussels Griffon works best when the goal is made easy to understand, rewarding to repeat, and safe to get wrong. Keep Brussels Griffon close to a calm handler and use reward-based cues during the first repetitions. Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed. Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
What this breed clue changes in training
Brussels Griffon's training is recorded as Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help to ensure that the Griffon grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Here, that matters because it changes how much reinforcement, repetition, and choice the dog may need to stay engaged.
A better way to practise
- Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed.
- Let the training note (Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help to ensure that the Griffon grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion) set the reinforcement, session length, and distance from distractions.
- Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
Escalate when
Escalate when behaviour changes suddenly or safety cannot be maintained.
References
Height: 7-10 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 8-10 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: There are two types of Brussels Griffon, with two types of coats: smooth and rough. With the smooth-coated Griffon, weekly brushing'daily during shedding season, which is usually a week or two in the spring, and then again in the fall'and the occasional bath will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. Rough-coated Griffons do…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Griffons need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise a day to stay healthy and happy. They love to romp and play, and are happiest when doing activities together with their people. A game of chasing the ball is fun for both dog and owner. Their intelligence and trainability mean that many Brussels Griffons excel in canine events such as obedience,…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs and help to ensure that the Griffon grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Griffs have a high degree of intelligence and bond strongly with their owners, which makes them easy to train. As with many toy breeds, though, housebreaking may take some extra time and effort.…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: Tipping the scales at no more than 12 pounds, this humanlike toy of complex character has enough personality for 10 ordinary dogs. A sensitive companion for discerning grownups, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BrusselsGriffon.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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