TEMPERAMENT:

These words sum up a Lakeland Terriers temperament - Happy, playful, independent, single-minded, social, intelligent, clownish, alert, friendly, self confident. 

They have fairly high energy for the first few years.  Some will be happy to sit on your lap but they are not a lapdog so most prefer to sit beside you.

   Is a Lakeland Terrier the right dog for you??

Here are some common questions we encounter:

Q:  I have a big backyard, it isn't completely fenced but the dog will stay around the back door won't it??

A:  No it won't!  All dogs, regardless of breed, need a safe and secure home to live in.  You must have a fully fenced backyard and the dog must not be able to escape.  This is a basic requirement for ALL breeds of dog and also is a requirement of your local council.  If you do not want to lose your precious little Lakie or have it stolen, don't let it wander. 

Q:  We have cat/s, will that be a problem??

A:  Yes, it probably will be a big problem, as Lakeland Terriers do not usually get on with cats!   I expect that there may be the exception to this rule but on the whole, Lakies see cats as something that will run and they can chase and possibly catch.  I do not recommend you having a Lakie if you already have a cat.

Q:  We have a 2year old and a 4year old and they are really looking forward to having a dog - will they be OK?

A:  Young children should always be supervised by an adult  when they are around a puppy or dog of any breed.  Puppies/dogs are great for kids, but young children really don't understand how to behave around dogs unless they are taught.   Children can easily injure a very young puppy so they must be taught the correct way to handle and to behave around a dog.  They must learn to respect the puppy/dog the same way as the puppy/dog must also learn acceptable behaviour around them.  Do not leave a young child alone with any dog, regardless its breed or how well you think you know the dog or the child.

Q:  Will the puppy be OK alone in the backyard when I go out?

A:  Maybe, but it is best to only let the pup free range of the backyard when you are supervising it.  At other times, using a playpen is the best way to keep your puppy out of mischief.  Set up the playpen in your family room, sheltered verandah or similar.   A playpen gives you a safe place to keep the pup when you are not with it and also assists to toilet train your pup.   By putting down newspapers inside it the playpen puppy learns that it is not OK to soil inside your house.

Q:  The dog will be kept outside and not allowed inside.

A:  Think of your Lakie as a member of your family!  If you don't want to share your life and your home with a Lakie I don't see the point in buying it in the first place.  Lakies want to be with you when you are home and thrive on your company and sharing their life with you.  They are intelligent, fun loving little souls that love to go on a walk or play with you in the back yard and then come inside and settle down beside you.  Of course they will be happy to be outside during the day as long as they have shelter, water and some toys to play with but when you are home they will want to be with you.  They will quickly become an important part of your family.

Q:  Do Lakeland Terriers need grooming?

A:  All dogs need grooming and regular washing and as house dogs you will probably want to wash them fortnightly.  Because Lakeland Terriers are a 'coated' breed they need brushing/combing approx. twice weekly and clipping approx. every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking smart and feeling great.  Toenails need to be clipped and ears inspected and cleaned fortnightly.  They have a non-shedding coat so are very suitable as housedogs.

Q:  Is it important to take my pup or dog to Puppy Preschool or Dog Training classes?

A:  Absolutely!!!  It is very important to socialise your dog, regardless of its breed and also learn how to train it to understand basic commands like 'sit', 'down', 'come' and to be able to calmly walk by your side.   Remember though, Puppy Preschool is like kindergarden for dogs, it doesn't teach them everything and you should continue on with basic dog training until your dog has an acceptable level of understanding of what is required of him/her.  Take your Lakie with you when you visit different environments and people, it will love the new experiences and it all helps to bring out the best in your Lakie.

For Queensland residents, contact the Canine Control Council of Qld for information on the closest classes to you.  They are also able to provide interstate residents with contact phone numbers in their states.

Q:  Is owning a Lakeland Terrier the best experience in the world?

A:  ABSOLUTELY!!

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