Grooming
Irish Terriers have a beautiful red coat—but that doesn’t mean you want to see it all over your couch. Fortunately, these dogs shed very little, so grooming is fast and easy. Here are some grooming tips for your Irish Terrier:
Brushing: For best results, brush them with a slicker brush or a medium-toothed comb two to three times a week. Show dogs are usually hand-stripped using a stripping knife three to four times a year to remove the dead hair, but companion pets can simply be clipped every four to six months (if you prefer a sleeker, less scruffy look, that is).
Bathing: The Irish Terrier breed doesn’t need frequent bathing—in fact, too many baths can dry out their skin—so once every three months is more than is enough (unless, of course, they’re fond of splashing around in the mud). You’ll want to brush right before the bath, to get rid of any mats that may have formed in the fur.
Dental care: Brushing your Irish Terrier’s teeth once a day with dog toothpaste will help prevent periodontal disease, but it’s important to have a professional cleaning by your vet at least once a year, too.
Ear cleaning: Check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
Nail trimming: If you take your dog on long walks on the sidewalk or street, their nails will wear down naturally, but you still need to trim them every two to three weeks to make walking more comfortable. You’ll hear the distinctive “tip tap” from their paws when their nails need a little tending to.
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Training
Irish Terriers are the toddlers of the dog world: strong-willed and energetic, adorable with a mind all of their own. The good news is that they’re more determined than they are impatient, so they can definitely be trained.
This is a breed who requires mental stimulation in addition to regular exercise and chances for them to demonstrate their speed. The best training involves nose work, which lets them use their natural instincts to sniff out hidden objects, which they love! They’re also keen on dog sports including agility courses and field trials. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on these dynamos because they do need discipline to maintain a harmonious co-existence with their pet parents.
In general, dogs crave structure, and this is especially true for the Irish Terrier. In other words, don’t wait until your bored pup digs enough holes in your yard for a mini-putt course before starting their obedience training, if possible with a certified trainer or behaviorist. Early socialization (introducing them to different people and experiences) is also essential for your Irish Terrier puppy, along with positive reinforcement over time. Positive reinforcement includes treats, toys and lots of praise to reward a pup for a job well done.
While not as easy to train as a Golden Retriever, Irish Terriers can be a good choice for your first pet. As you train your pup, remember to focus on what your Irish Terrier does correctly, revel in the moment and take breaks before you both get frustrated. Positive reinforcement training is a great way to encourage good behavior without using coercion, which can stress a dog out.
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Diet
A balanced Irish Terrier diet that includes high-quality commercial dog food is usually recommended. Before buying, remember to consider your dog’s age and choose a formula befitting their particular stage in life, whether that’s puppy, adult or senior.
Because they’re so active, many Irish Terriers thrive on a high-protein diet made primarily with animal-based protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, duck or beef. Talk to your vet about the best type of food for your dog.
Like with most breeds, weight gain is common as Irish Terriers age, but routine exercise and a healthy diet will help to keep them lean. Limit the number of treats you offer to your dog, rewarding them for good behavior with playtime instead. Remember to follow your veterinarian’s feeding guidelines so your Irish Terrier isn’t over, or under, fed. Always offer them plenty of water, too, so they stay hydrated after all that intensive exercise.
For optimum results, consult with your vet about your options, as they’ll are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
Without a doubt, Irish Terriers are energetic dogs who need a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Because they have working dog roots and are accustomed to hunting small prey, they crave that magical combination of physical activity and mental stimulation. To keep them content, alternate between a lively game of hide and seek or a round of fetch with the kids. For an ultimate treat, hide the ball under a blanket or a box—these doggies really love to dig!
The Irish Terrier’s heightened intelligence means that if given the choice between a walk around the block or agility training (timed obstacle courses), they’ll take the sportier option every time. Plan on exercising your Irish Terrier for at least 20-30 minutes two or three times a day. While it might seem like your whole life is consumed with tiring out your pup at first, don’t worry; once you get into an exercise routine, your Irish Terrier will be relaxed, well-behaved and loyal for life. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the healthy benefits of their high-energy lifestyle, too! Win-win.
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Environment
A house equipped with a dog-friendly Whac-A-Mole game would be Irish Terrier heaven (honestly, they’d try to catch those moles all night). Here on earth, however, this breed will be almost as excited about games of hide-the-toy-bunny or, really, any active pursuit.
Because Irish Terriers have a strong chase instinct, these pets need space to run around outside, so a fenced yard or access to outdoor areas is ideal. While their medium size makes them a decent option for small homes and apartments, keep in mind that their habitual bark may annoy the neighbors. So if you live in the country, all the better. Irish Terriers adore wide open spaces and farm life.
One thing to know about this breed—and terriers, in general—is that their personalities can be as fiery as their red hair. Because they love to hunt and chase, they’ll probably not get along well with cats and larger dogs. To be safe, it’s best to raise them as single pets. On the flip side, they love to play with kids and are loyal to their pet parents, so as long as they get enough exercise, Irish Terriers make awesome family pets.
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