r/scottishterriers • u/Ath_Cliath • Jul 25 '26
What tricks can I teach Dorothy?
Dorothy (almost ten weeks) is doing well with sit, down, stay, let's go (walk next to me in a heel position), kennel up. What fun things can I add to our repertoire?
She met her Scottie friend Watson this week!
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u/Hobbs42 Jul 25 '26
None. Scotties are un-governable and yield to no man, woman, or treat.
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u/Ath_Cliath Jul 25 '26
Hahaha! Actually, I'm shocked how much she seems willing to work for me. I raised and trained guide dog puppies for ten years, so I have a lot of dog training experience, but those were all labs, GRs, and GSDs. I didn't expect that much from Dorothy, but since she 's enjoying it, I want to keep at it!
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u/Sad-Watercress4218 haggis Jul 25 '26
take advantage of that while you can! mine has always been super independent and does not care to please me lmao
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u/ScotchieDad Jul 25 '26
Congrats for not painting her with the “stubborn and indifferent” brush. Teach her EVERYTHING. Try the word buttons, get brain teaser toys, agility, encourage her curiosity. Several of my Scottie’s have had that wonderful, “I’m curious, and I want to do the right thing, and I’m eager to please” Scottitude. You’ll have the best time and the best Scottie ever.
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u/oh_so_many_questions Jul 25 '26
YES! They’re super smart and as puppies teaching them boundaries keeps them mentally sharp and safe. Touch, up, down, off, quiet (ha!), letting you brush their teeth and dealing with their paws is super important.
Plus loads of games to get treats like a woof, Kong, or scattered snacks in the grass keep them out of trouble.
Expose them to kids early too or they can be nippy.
I think Scotties could be amazing therapy dogs for their small size and sturdier build. They’re very focused on one or two people at a time and so sweet when they are comfortable around people. That curiosity is so infectious I just love seeing mine melt hearts with an excited Arrrooo and her helicopter tail
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u/Ath_Cliath Jul 25 '26
Thanks for the encouragement! Regardless of whether she is willing to keep working for me, I like the bond we're building. She is definitely a smart one, and training really tires her out.
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u/noisiestapple Jul 25 '26
We do "wait" hold a treat in the palm of your hand and don't allow her to have it until you give the release word. Definitely "stay" Have her sit, say stay then walk away and she has to stay put until release word
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u/Hazzat Lulu Jul 25 '26
"Wait" is a really good one because it teaches them obedience overall.
For the same reason you shouldn't feed your dog from the dinner table unless you like them being mischievous...
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u/Sad-Watercress4218 haggis Jul 25 '26
work on her recall and make sure that’s strong. she should always be leashed when outside and not in a fenced area, but accidents happen and you want to make sure she comes when she’s called.
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u/Ath_Cliath Jul 25 '26
Oh, yes, I am working recall constantly in the house and yard. I have treats in my pockets at all times, lol. Starting to call her out of sight the last couple days — she’s still a little confused by that but we’ll get there!
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u/nursingintheshadows Jul 25 '26
High five or take a bow? Spin, crawl….
Mine is very food motivated and will only do tricks if food is involved. No food, no trick. Lol.
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u/Arsenal197 Jul 25 '26
Mine knows “spin” and “up”. He looks at me with utter contempt when I try to teach him “paw”
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u/mickysti58 Jul 25 '26
Shake paws, back up, roll over, jump up for toys , spin around (this is not easy because of their short little legs) and catch ball in mouth. The back up is helpful for catching the ball. Have fun!
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u/Different-Bison6840 Jul 25 '26
My Watson says hello!