Terriers - house training

I recently looked after my sister’s border terrier pup for three weeks while she was in France. Lovely wee thing but I knew sis had been struggling with housetraining before she brought her to me (at 11 weeks). I didn’t think I’d have any issues as all my pups (GSDs and border collies) have been extremely quick on the housetraining front. I had to admit defeat with Maggie though as despite my best efforts she just didn’t seem to grasp it! I was quite happy to hand her back when the three weeks was up!

Is it usual for small dogs, and terriers in particular, to take a while to become clean in the house. From some comments I had it would seem it’s not uncommon.

Not unusual at all. One of the commonest problem I got when I was training was small dog house training.

My own Border Terrier took a few months before she was totally reliable. Tell your sister to hang on in there because they seem to just have a lightbulb moment along the way and never look back

Thanks Chris - that is really interesting. I have never had a small dog but this will be my sister's third terrier and she seems to have struggled with them all in terms of house training. I thought it was her lack of consistency but maybe I was judging too harshly!

I will pass your comments on. Thanks!

You are judging too harshly Moobli!! I agree with what Chris says. My daughter's 2 Chihuahuas are still not totally reliable and Gucci is 8 or 10 and Diesel about half that. Diesel is the worst and he pisses everywhere the little sh1t!!

Ive not found a difference myself. Only with Libby chi who was adopted at 18 months. She was never properly house trained in the first place .
I think puppy pads cause problem and best to avoid them if you can.

I expect Diesel is marking !

He is indeed little bastard!!

@Gnasher

Chihuahuas are such characters it is hard to be too cross but Diesel really is a horrible little turd ... typical lap dog, snappy, yappy, incontinent and frankly belongs on the end of your boot!! Not his fault ... daughter's fault for not socialising him, training him, taking the time and trouble that we did with Gucci. Always blame the owner, not the dog!