The Versatile Silky Terrier

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The Versatile Silky Terrier

by Heather Somers

Since the letters before and after a Silky's name will mean nothing to many, a quick visit to the "Titles in Brief" page may be in order. It should also be noted that the U. and Am. preceding some of the titles on the dogs mean that they were accomplished under the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. The others are under the Canadian Kennel Club.

In the truck, left to right:

'Darla', 'Gayna', 'Pasha' and 'Rudi'.

To our knowledge, 'Gayna' and 'Darla' are only 2 of 5 Silky's in Canada to have earned an OTCH., and "Gayna' is the only Silky to have earned a TDX and was the 1st to earn her ADC and FD.. Her daughter 'Darla' is the only one to have earned a VADC and all 4 pictured are the only Silky's in Canada with Tracking titles.

All this alone should show you how versatile the Silky can be. Add to this the fact that the 'girls' have been approved by 'Pets & Friends' to be visitation dogs (they are put through a series of tests to show their reaction to things like wheelchairs, etc., and then are able to go into extended care facilities and senior homes, adult day cares and the like, where they often bring a smile and word to those that mightn't have much to smile at). They have all been active in Working terrier Trials where they have to go underground through a liner to work a caged rat at the other end. They have all tried sheep herding and, with some additional training, could be good at it - especially 'Pasha' (I've seen a Silky herd in the states and he is good!!!) One of my pups went to a home where they are active hikers and backpackers and she keeps right up with them. They are a hardy dog that can do anything a big dog can do.

Silky's don't take well to being trained with force, so the 'new' motivational method works really well with them. Although Silks are quite capable of accomplishing anything you want them to do, it requires time and determination. Some really want to please, while others will only work for you if you convince them that they really want to do it. This is where treats, toys, and lots of praise come in. They can have a very short attention span and get bored easily. I usually find that they do 'it' (whatever 'it' may be - sit, down, jump etc.) properly once or twice, then I go on to something else. If there is an exercise they don't like, I will follow it with something they do like. I use a small buckle collar, in fact, all my basic training is done without a collar!! Even 'Rudi' who came back to me at 6 years old, was taught to heel with no collar or leash.

So you can teach an old dog new tricks - and it's never too late to start. By the same token, it's never too early. The girls had a tracking harness on by 3 months (tracking has to be done on harness and a long line as it's out in the fields and that's what the rules state!). Basic training was also started that early - without the collar in the safety of their own home and yard. However, no force was ever used and YES! they certainly did have lots of opportunities to act like puppies!

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