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Training a Smooth Fox Terrier: what works and what to expect

How the Smooth Fox Terrier learns, common training challenges and what motivates it.

Smooths are clever and quick to learn, but also independent and easily distracted by anything that moves. Keep lessons to around 5 minutes and make yourself more interesting than the surroundings with tug games and high-value treats. Repetition bores them, so change the task often.

Recall is the biggest challenge. Practice in enclosed spaces and on a long line before trusting it outdoors, and expect a squirrel to override most things. Teaching a solid drop and leave it early helps too, since this breed loves to grab forbidden objects and invite a chase.

Smooth Fox Terrier training in numbers

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Copes with alone time

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

Good with children

Training guides for similar-sized breeds