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I’ve spoken about how great Biewer Terriers are lots of times. And most of the time, they are great companions. But, don’t get me wrong, Biewer Terriers aren’t perfect!
Here are some of the bad traits of Biewer Terriers that you should know about.
Separation anxiety
Like a lot of dogs, Biewer Terriers are prone to experiencing separation anxiety. This commonly happens when you buy a Biewer Terrier puppy and introduce it to your home.
One new Biewer Terrier puppy owner recently reached out for advice on their Biewer Terrier’s separation anxiety on an online discussion platform. The dog was described as a 16-week-old bundle of joy who has captured hearts, but also presented some challenges. As first-time owners of a toy breed, the family is navigating the complexities of puppyhood, particularly when it comes to separation anxiety.
The puppy, currently adjusting to its new environment, is displaying typical puppy behaviors. The owners have opted for a dog playpen instead of a crate but are finding it difficult to balance the puppy’s need for independence with its demand for constant companionship. The little dog is already showing signs of separation anxiety, crying when left alone. The family is seeking advice from other small dog owners on how to manage this common issue and create a happy and well-adjusted pet.
Some of the advice given for dealing with separation anxiety in dogs such as Biewer Terriers include:
- Normal puppy behavior: Crying, whining, or panic when left alone is common in new puppies.
- Gradual independence: Slowly increase time alone to build confidence.
- Seek professional help: If anxiety persists, consult a positive reinforcement trainer.
- Available resources: Numerous online articles and expert advice can provide guidance.
There are lots of tools you can buy that can help your Biewer Terrier deal with separation anxiety too. For example, you may choose to use a dog calming diffuser that releases dog-calming pheromones. Dog calming collars also work in a similar way, but can help Biewer Terriers that also experience anxiety on walks.
They bark a lot
Now, a Biewer Terrier barking excessively could be a sign of separation anxiety, as mentioned above. It can also be because they think they’re bigger than they are and are trying to protect their owners. To be honest, I often think my Biewer Terrier barks because he likes the sound of his own voice.
One dog owner shared their experience and solution to their dog’s persistent barking on an online discussion. The dog owner said their dog’s excessive barking was due to noise sensitivity. After seeking professional help, they learned that their dog was actually being rewarded for barking by receiving attention or treats afterward. The behaviorist suggested a method of pairing noises with treats to desensitize the dog. While initially time-consuming and requiring lots of treats, the approach has shown positive results.
Remember, treats can be a combination of shop-bought ones, homemade treats, and dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, among others.
They think they’re bigger than they are
One Biewer Terrier owner told Reddit readers that “My Biewer is like a golden retriever in a tiny body”. I describe my Biewer Terrier as having ‘little dog syndrome’. Either way, when you own a Biewer Terrier you can be certain that you’re getting a dog full of character!
Expect to fall over them
Biewer Terriers are typically dinky dogs. They’re also very loyal and follow their owners around. As a result, you’re likely to find them constantly at your feet and tripping over them is a given. Believe me, it’s happened to me on more than one occasion!
There’s not much you can do to stop yourself from falling over your dog, other than being vigilant.
Toilet training them is tough
If you thought toilet training a toddler was tough, you should try toilet training a Biewer Terrier. My boy is 9 years old and still doesn’t always pee in the right place. He knows where to go, but I think he just can’t be bothered half the time.
Other Biewer Terrier owners have shared their toilet training difficulties in a discussion group too. One owner says they have had difficulty potty training their two Biewer puppies, taking over a year for both, compared to just six months for their previous dogs. They believe the puppies’ nervous nature made them prefer the bathroom rug to going outside.
To address the issue, they removed all rugs for two years and gradually reintroduced them while closely supervising the puppies. They suggest using new rugs to avoid scent associations and creating positive experiences on the rugs through playtime and treats.
The owner is still hesitant to put a carpet in the living room due to the risk of accidents but plans to try their reintroduction method there as well.
I suggest keeping a stash of puppy pads and protecting as much of your flooring as possible with them. You can get both disposable puppy pads and reusable puppy pads, so you can choose the ones that work best for your home. You can even use them on sofas and beds.
Conclusion
Biewer Terriers are great dogs and have some amazing personality traits. But they also have some annoying and unwanted traits too. Make sure you educate yourself on these and know how to deal with them so you and your pooch can enjoy the best life possible.
