Discipline with animals is just as unique a process as disciplining children. It is highly unlikely that the exact same methods of discipline will work with all Skye Terriers. Of course, this is not the only similarity between disciplining the Skye Terrier and disciplining children.
Dogs are pack animals and when you invite one into your home, particularly a strong willed breed like the Skye Terrier he is going to struggle or challenge you for top spot on the totem pole. Children also struggle with parents as they grow and want to exert some form of independence. Your dog doesn't want to be separate from you he just wants to be in charge.
The Importance of Order
Dogs need order. Establishing your role as the leader of the pack from the very beginning and never relinquishing that role is the best thing you can do for your relationship with your pet and your Skye Terrier's happiness. Dogs like the order of the pack and prefer to know where they stand in that order. That doesn't mean they won't challenge you if given the opportunity but the more consistent you are with your discipline the happier you both will be.
The problem is that there are many subtle things a dog will do that are in his mind exerting independence that may come across as quirky or cute to you as the owner. That difference can be detrimental. The dog thinks he's one step up on the ladder and you think he's just being cute. In order to properly discipline your Skye Terrier you must understand the way he thinks.
House Breaking
I do not know a single dog owner that enjoys the prospect of potty training a dog. If done correctly, however, this can be much less stressful than you might imagine. The first thing you need to do is make sure your dog has a comfortable yet confined space to hang out and sleep in. He will not want to soil his 'room' and sleep in and around the smell. The second half of the equation is that you will need to offer frequent opportunities for him to relieve himself in an appropriate area.
Talk to your dog during the process. When you are taking him outside let him know that you are taking him outside. Before you take him out ask if he needs to go out. He will begin to associate those words with his need for relief and in time he will be able to respond. As with any other training you need to be consistent with your efforts to keep him confined and offering plenty of opportunities for him to go out. You also want to reward him for letting you know that he needs to go out. Your Skye Terrier will develop his own way of getting your attention if he needs to go and you aren't moving in the right direction.
These small things go a long way to creating the disciplined pet you are hoping to have. A stern word, the loss of a favorite toy, or being sent to their crate (if you are crate training) are often effective tools when establishing your role and creating discipline with your Skye Terrier.
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