The answer:

Yes, absolutely… with a properly socialized terrier you can!

Terriers, by breeding, are hunters. Most of the terrier breeds were used to eradicate vermin and pests, and help in hunting foxes, weasels, otters, badgers, etc. Our 5 terriers are great little hunters and still have great instincts. They love to chase squirrels, birds, bugs… anything that moves in our backyard.

Knowing this, you would think that keeping a small exotic animal as a pet would be out of the question around your terriers… Well, let me tell you from experience that it is possible.

I know, I know… You’re thinking that a hedgehog has spikes and can protect itself and deter a terrier from attacking. In part, this is correct. However, at no time have any of our 5 terriers wanted to attack our African pygmy hedgehog.

If you properly socialize your terrier to accept other animals that are not seen as threats, he can have a friendly relationship with other pets in your home. I was a little leery, especially about introducing our little Knosey, as she may be the “fierce” of our minis, but it all worked out and is still going well. There comes a point where you just have to rely on your parenting skills…

Knosey, Precious, and Kurious sit by the cage of our hedgehog, Kokonut Kreampuff, and can’t wait for Kokonut to grace them with his presence. Any little movement of the hedgie arouses their interest and they run to the cage to see everything Kokonut does. Our miniature schnauzers will even come to inform me that the hedgie has woken up from his sleep and will come to see. It is the most beautiful thing.

I know… Now you’re saying, well, the hedgehog is in a cage… I also let the hedgehog out of the cage with no problem. In fact, our terriers fight over who can get closer to the hedgehog.

They surround Kokonut as she walks around the house, without fear or hassle from her big friends, and “protect” her from going under furniture or into areas she’s not supposed to go. They have been known to “lead” her to appropriate and safe areas of the house or room.

Female terriers, especially, think it’s a baby in the pack and try to tend to it. Kurious has been seen trying to gently lick the hedgehog’s ears and has even tried to gingerly lift Kokonut with her front teeth to move it to a better area. Amazing! What maternal instincts! They know that she is small and vulnerable and they want to protect, groom and play with the hedgehog.

I know… Now you’re saying, well, this seems to be a very controlled environment. I laugh at that… Even when the hedgehog is allowed to roam the backyard for a bit, our dogs continue to nurture their relationship with their little friend.

Kaptain, our male miniature schnauzer, runs around the yard with a big chest as a lookout to make sure nothing invades the yard and insults the hedgehog. The girls take turns walking next to the hedgie… It’s all so adorable!

The reason this works: Socialization!

When our terriers were puppies, we made sure to introduce them to a variety of people, animals, and pets. When you do, you should treat that person, animal, or pet the way you want your terrier to treat them. In the case of a child or pet, your terrier needs to know that the child or pet is important and should not be hurt.

Sit down with your terrier and this new friend, and tell your terrier that the friend is good. If it’s a pet, pet both animals (or the child’s leg or arm) to ease any feelings of discomfort. say good”the name of your pet/child“,Okay”the name of your terrierin a calm, reassuring voice to show them that you are both important in your books. This will show the animals how you want them to treat each other.

If any unsatisfactory or aggressive behavior comes up, you should nip it in the bud immediately by reprimanding your terrier or other pet accordingly. Remember: You’re in charge!

In the same way, you can train your terrier to dislike another animal by being aggressive towards that animal… For example, if you don’t like squirrels in your backyard, you can teach your terrier to show aggression towards them and scare them away . Again, they will take cues from your behavior, so make sure you send the right signals.

Dogs, especially terriers, are super intelligent and find it easy to learn to behave well and to behave badly.

by Kimberly Edwards