Earth Dog Anyone?

Patterdales look like a blast, I would love one someday, but right now I have ferrets, far too risky. I hear they are determined as hell.

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Patterdales look like a blast, I would love one someday, but right now I have ferrets, far too risky. I hear they are determined as hell.

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We have ours with two indoor cats - but it takes work. These dogs are hard wired. We got Dixie at 8 weeks and 4 lbs. The cats had some size on her and put her in her place. It also helps having a 45 lb staffie bull who loves the cats to enforce acceptable behavior.

They are smart dogs, but have not had the hunting instinct bred out of them. Unlike other earth dogs, Patterdales weren't bred to bolt prey, but to actually go in and kill them. Accordingly, their prey drive is very, very high.

That prey drive extends to anything with fur, including (sometimes) other dogs.

They are smart dogs, and quickly catch on to things. The key is to provide calm, assertive leadership and to have a sense of humor.

Check this out (scroll to bottom of page and check out hunting ferrets working with JRTs):

http://lurchersterriersferrets.blogspot.com/

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

We have ours with two indoor cats - but it takes work. These dogs are hard wired. We got Dixie at 8 weeks and 4 lbs. The cats had some size on her and put her in her place. It also helps having a 45 lb staffie bull who loves the cats to enforce acceptable behavior.

They are smart dogs, but have not had the hunting instinct bred out of them. Unlike other earth dogs, Patterdales weren't bred to bolt prey, but to actually go in and kill them. Accordingly, their prey drive is very, very high.

That prey drive extends to anything with fur, including (sometimes) other dogs.

They are smart dogs, and quickly catch on to things. The key is to provide calm, assertive leadership and to have a sense of humor.

Check this out (scroll to bottom of page and check out hunting ferrets working with JRTs):

http://lurchersterriersferrets.blogspot.com/

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Good post.

Another thing I've learned keeping working dogs is that "A tired working dog is a happy well behaved working dog." :D Regular multiple-hour play sessions, walking, flirt pole, spring pole, and retrieving (yes they can be taught), all go a long way in helping keep their drive in check.

Regards,

B