Skye Terrier: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Skye Terrier becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Skye Terrier's exercise is recorded as The Skye Terrier has minimal exercise needs and will usually be content with whatever level of activity is comfortable for his owner. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (The Skye Terrier has minimal exercise needs and will usually be content with whatever level of activity is comfortable for his owner) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 10 inches (male), 9.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 35-45 pounds (male), slightly lighter (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Skye's long, luxurious double coat appears more challenging to maintain than it actually is. It does require weekly brushing and combing with a soft or pin brush and a long-toothed comb to keep it free of tangles, but the breed requires no trimming in the form of clippering or scissoring, and the coat should be kept in a natural condition. Nails should…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Skye Terrier has minimal exercise needs and will usually be content with whatever level of activity is comfortable for his owner. Even a short daily outing will benefit him both physically and mentally. Skyes enjoy play sessions and participating in canine sports with their people, and the breed can be found competing in dog shows and agility,…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Skye is a very intelligent but strong-willed breed, calmer than many of the terrier breeds. They are amenable to training, provided it is consistent and done in a positive manner. They are sensitive to correction and will withdraw from harsh or negative training methods. Like all terriers, they can be stubborn, but they enjoy interaction with their…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The heavenly breed with the heart of a lion,' the long, low, and level Skye Terrier is among the AKC's most distinctive-looking breeds. This elegant but sturdy aristocrat was bred as an exterminator on Scotland's remote Isle of Skye.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['No recommended health tests']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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