[gracielove]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Oh, absolutely. Where the dog is isn't the big problem - it's how the dog perceives you and whether or not they respect your authority. If you don't project authority, only the most naturally calm, submissive dog will behave for you and all the rest will think they are running the show and begin to act possessive, resource guard anything they consider theirs, "allow" you in certain places or not, nip, bite, bark at everything, pee/poop anywhere they choose in the home and generally misbehave. I long ago learned that dogs that generally misbehave around their owners tend to act destructively as adults when left alone, too. Sure does pay off to have an obedient pet since living with them is so easy. No pee/poop everywhere - they only "go" outside and you never come home to chewed furniture and shredded books, shredded toilet paper, torn up reading glasses or clothing or messy dog pens or crates to clean up. The dog can live out free in the home and remain calm and rest while you are gone and has no desire or thought to chew or bark crazily. It's the only way to have a pet and fully enjoy him!

Maybe this type of problem presents more in terriers because of their inborn instinct to have a take charge personality. I know Gracie came to me as a puppy with an attitude! It took an extra effort to show her she was not running the show although I sometimes think that she is just letting me think I run the show.