Training a Skye Terrier: what works and what to expect

Skyes are intelligent but stubborn and sensitive, a combination that rewards a calm, patient trainer. They respond best to positive training with clear rules and food rewards, and they switch off quickly if nagged or handled harshly. Short, varied sessions work far better than long drills, and recall and loose-lead walking need consistent practice.

Socializing early with a wide range of people, dogs and places is especially important for a breed that is naturally suspicious of strangers. Skyes can be scrappy with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, so supervise introductions. Their prey drive is strong, so cats, rabbits and other small pets need careful management.