Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: How should an owner build alone time and a stable routine?
For Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, build alone time from the dog's settled starting point instead of choosing a fixed number of hours. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Build separation in tiny increments with a camera or written log, and arrange company or a sitter before the dog crosses its threshold. Increase absence only after the dog has returned to its normal resting behaviour at the previous step.
What the routine needs to account for
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's exercise is recorded as The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish, even in old age. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Build alone time in small steps
- Build separation in tiny increments with a camera or written log, and arrange company or a sitter before the dog crosses its threshold.
- Use this exercise note (The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish, even in old age) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Increase absence only after the dog has returned to its normal resting behaviour at the previous step.
Do not push through
Do not continue exposure if distress escalates, the dog cannot take food, or recovery takes longer after each repetition.
References
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Wheaten's soft, silky coat requires a fair amount of maintenance. The daily grooming session starts with a thorough going-over with a pin brush or a slicker brush to remove dirt and loose hair. Next comes a thorough combing with a medium- and fine-toothed metal comb. Any mats that are found should be pulled apart with the brush, comb, and fingers'never…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish, even in old age. They need plenty of exercise every day. With a strong prey drive, Wheatens will have an urge to chase after just about anything that moves, from squirrels to cars, so the backyard or other play area must be securely fenced, and walks must always be on…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs to help to ensure that the they grow into well-adjusted, well-mannered companions. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. It also provides another reason why obedience training should start…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, an exuberant Irish farm dog, is happy, friendly, deeply devoted, and just stubborn enough to remind you he's a terrier. The unique wheaten coat is low-shedding but needs diligent care to avoid matting.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 1 (PLN) - DNA Test', 'Complete Blood Count (CBC)', 'Urinalysis', 'UPC/Micro Albumin (MA) Test', 'Serum Chemical Screen']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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