Letters from readers:

I HAVE just found K9 Perspective on-line. Thank you for publishing the magazine. Interesting to read.

We are considering buying a Border Terrier to have as a family pet but cannot find much information on it regarding training. Some people say that they are intelligent and easy to train others say they are obstinate and have a mind of their own and difficult to train. Would you be able to help. We love animals and would like to know as much as possible about this breed before taking the final step of taking them into our home and making them a part of our family.

Our well-trained and loving Border Collie of 9.5 years has just died while we were on holiday and we are devastated. We know that we cannot replace Cleo but our home is so empty without a dog around and although we need one we do not want to rush into buying the wrong breed.

Looking forward to hearing from you. - Pam

Hi Pam,
Sorry to hear about your Border Collie - they are a wonderful breed. I think you would be very happy with a Border Terrier as they are energetic little dogs, first bred to flush animals out of thick undergrowth for the hunters and today still regarded as essentially "working terriers". They are sensible and calm and do very well at agility but you may have to persist a little longer than with many other breeds. The Border Terrier is intelligent and does have a stubborn streak, but once they become focused on a task they can achieve very high standards. Whether they are easy to train or hard to train really depends on your own attitude towards training. If you enjoy training time your dog will, too. Just make sure you do not give up - keep the training on a fun level and reward for very good work and you will always succeed. They are at home in any environment and are very loyal and mild mannered. They are generally healthy, having the ability to follow the horses around all day on a hunt without tiring, and they love to please. No matter where you live you will always be able to either attend Border Terrier club meetings or contact the nearest club for any information and advice you need. - Ed