Tips for Training an Unruly Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers Are Worth Your Time

If you've decided to get an Airedale Terrier, you'll need to dedicate a lot of time to patient, consistent training—and you'll need to start early. While these dogs can be challenging to train, they're also smart, loyal, affectionate, and impish clowns; this wonderful breed is worth the effort.

Breeders know that prospective owners are charmed by the Airedale's seemingly amusing temperament and handsome appearance, only to find that their dog expects to be in charge. That is why so many Airedales end up as rescue dogs. In despair, many less-than-firm owners simply give up.

Training Tips for Airedale Terriers

But, to get to that point, there are things that must be done while they are young.

Be Firm Consistently

No slip-up in behavior should ever go unaddressed. Some over-tolerant dog owners make the mistake of “excusing” unacceptable behavior “just this once.” With an Airedale, that leniency is paid for with years of insubordinate challenges.

When house training, if an “accident” happens, show him calmly outside after directing his attention to his “error.” If he chews a favorite shoe, scold him, but don’t punish him. And train yourself while you are at it to close the closet doors. Because they are headstrong, training through praise usually works better than punishment.

Go to Obedience School

This tip is actually to train you and not the dog. Even if he can’t cope with the public environment, you will learn enough to train him to follow commands. It does not matter if you never want him to sit, stay, heel, or lay down on command; teach him anyway.

That lets him know who's boss, and it is also a good way not to get nipped in his enthusiasm to get to that treat in your hand.

Remember That Dogs Will Be Dogs

Accept that there are some things you probably can’t train out of him. He will always be extremely curious, but if he has been trained not to destroy property, this is not a bad trait.

Take Leash Training Seriously

Force him to learn proper leash behavior, unless you want to learn sidewalk skiing. They are very strong dogs and can easily take a full-sized adult human off balance if allowed to have their way on a leash.

Get a prong collar early and use it every time you are out. He will quickly learn that heel means heel. The collar will teach him restraint in a humane manner, unlike choke chains. And in time, you won't need it. He will learn.

Airedale Attitudes and History

For all of their wonderful traits, they have others that can drive you to therapy. They are extremely intelligent, very strong, fearless, and stubborn. After all, they were bred to hunt badgers, just about some of the meanest, most aggressive, and most dangerous animals on the planet. To an Airedale, that is the ideal game.

They are so tough and courageous, in fact, that in World War I, they were used as dispatch carriers to send messages to other neighboring troops because they could sustain an injury and still reach their target.

It is hard to believe that the cute little bundle of wiry black fur could ever be your worst nightmare. Unless you establish control early and firmly, that is exactly what that adorable puppy will become.

Recommended

White Wolves' Pure Happiness Over Snow Falling at Pennsylvania Sanctuary Are Too Pure

Jan 14, 2025 11:30 AM EST

Airedale Puppies and Training

The boundless energy and curiosity of Airedales are inevitably guaranteed to give you some interesting memories.

When you talk to reputable breeders, expect to be asked if you have ever had an Airedale before. They do not want to place them in the home of the faint-hearted. Owning an Airedale is a bit like trying to tame a kangaroo. And training one without expecting to encounter their headstrong nature can be quite a shock.

Airedale Terrier Determination

What fun to come home from a long day at work to find part of your home ravaged. My second Airedale, even after being fully trained, accidentally managed to lock himself in an interior bathroom with no windows. In a panic, he clawed down the bottom half of a solid wood door. It takes a very strong and very determined animal to accomplish that feat, but that is classic Airedale. The telltale “warm spot” on the couch meant that afterward, he calmly and imperiously returned to lounging on the couch once he had gotten free.

I installed a door that could not lock involuntarily.

Obedience ... or Lack Thereof

My third Airedale, in a burst of energy, tripped on the cord of a halogen lamp, causing it to set the couch on fire before I returned to the room. Not thinking, I told the 911 dispatcher that my dog set the couch on fire. The five firemen who arrived to be sure the fire was out were quite amused and could not resist asking me, “Lady does your dog smoke?” As I explained: “Not yet; he is still underage.”

I moved the lamp.

But, since he seemed more exuberant than most, I promptly enrolled him in obedience classes, where he flunked out. Well, not exactly. It was so embarrassing to take him to class I opted for homeschooling. Being around a room full of dogs was more fun than he could stand. Rather than participate in class lessons, he would immediately begin leaping wildly with delight, leaving me to weather the cold glances of those with less obviously disobedient pets.

Even so, I would never have another breed.

Some Wonderful Things About Airedale Terriers

For one thing, they don’t shed. Airedales do not have fur; they have hair. And so they really do not shed at all, particularly since they are kept groomed with short hair. They are good watchdogs because they are quite attentive and protective of their family and their turf.

If you can survive their early years and train them to accept you as the one calling the shots early on, they are wonderful companions. Once trained, their playfulness can be charming, and they have a sweet and loving disposition that makes them very appealing.

Questions & Answers

Question: How do I teach my Airedale to stay off of furniture? And how do I teach her to use her dog kennel?

Answer: First let's talk about what I am, and am not. While I know a lot about Airedales, and to some degree, dogs, I am not perfect. No matter what I did, I never succeeded in keeping my 'dales off of the couch when I was not home. A repeated firm "no" works for when you are home, and being smart they get that the furniture is off limits when the parents are home. Being smart they quickly learn they can hear the key in the door before they get caught. Of course, I did not have the technology at that time that exists now. If you could find a way to rig a security camera with a really loud horn each time she is on the couch, she would quickly learn. Otherwise, I settled for a throw on the couch when I was not there. But once the "pain" of being on the couch exceeds the pleasure of those warm cushions, you have a solution.

Kennels are the exact opposite. You want to make it pleasurable to be in one. Obviously, it is easier to start with puppies. I would try storing favorite toys in the kennel and leave the door open. Gradually she will decide the kennel has enticing features. Then I would put some favorite treats in it, to reinforce this concept. Finally, I would put something really fun in it like a real bone properly prepared. Once she enters, close the door, leave the room and see what happens. Leave the room for increasingly longer times. In time, she will prefer the kennel. It's like their "den." Hope this helps, we have lots of seasoned 'dale owners in this thread. They may have suggestions I missed. Good luck.

Question: My dog is always digging. Can it be stopped or must we accept a minefield? Now that winter is over I see a problem!

Answer: The word "terrier comes from the French word "terre" which means "earth". All terriers, not just 'dales are bred to be "diggers." My three Airedales did not dig much and I suspect upping play and exercise time helped. Do not underestimate the energy level of these dogs. A walk around the block is just not enough. Two-mile walks might be what it takes to exhaust your fuzzy excavation officer. Again, if this digging happens when you are home, try a loud horn to make the digging crew dislike it. Any creative inspiration to make him/her dislike digging is great, so long as the neighbors can tolerate it.

Comments

Rod & Linda on March 30, 2020:

I read EVERY little thing in this post to help shed light on just what I have got myself into. I have had German Shepherds for most of my life( I am 60 ), I am 100% disabled and my last dog Hansel died very unexpectedly at 7years, 8 months, 14 days and 5 hours, he was the joy of our life. Hansel was the very epitome of what a well trained dog is. After losing him my wife and I were coming out of our local market and low and behold there was a picture of the funniest looking dog I had ever seen, it was an Airedale. We talked back and forth and read about 300 pages about Airedales. We finally made the decision that we were going to give it a try, HAH, I NEVER COULD HAVE EXPECTED WHAT I GOT MYSELF INTO, first of all they are not a dog they are a cross between a PIRANHA and a CROCODILE with the sharpest teeth I have ever seen on a dog. They use these teeth from when they wake up until they go to bed. They are more active then ANY DOG I have ever seen. Airedales have a mind of their own, if you are looking for a dog to be at your side and hang at your every word this is not the dog for you, they have a very strong curiosity level and an independence level that you will not remove. This does not mean they are not trainable just the opposite, THEY ARE THE SMARTEST DOG I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH , my dog got the title" KING BIGELOW OF CHESTERFIELD" with the nickname "BIGZ". From the beginning Bigz was different, he is so smart that you have to read what others have said because you WON'T figure it out on your own. He waqkes up at 8:00am daily goes straight outside has his morning pee and comes back in has his breakfast plays for about an hour and then naps for another hour, this is where he makes his change. When he wakes up from his nap he is like a overwound toy for the next twelve hours! He absolutely DEMANDS your attention, he will play non-stop, at around 4:00 he goes for a 2-3 mile walk/hike ( we live in the mountains )and when we get back he drops like a log onto his bed and konks out for two hours,when he gets up it's time for school, that starts with yesterdays class and todays new lesson. He wears a harness 100% ( except while sleeping at night) of the time. this gives us a sense of quick control. When school is over it's free time outside in the yard until he is ready to come in ( 2-3 hours ). He has a snack and his food is pulled for the night (around 5:00pm or 6:00pm ), we never pull his water. he comes in and plays with us for a couple hours we call this our bonding time, he lay's on his bed and plays with his toy's while we watch tv, He is on his leash 100% of the time in the house that way we don't have mistakes that we have to blame on him, he let's us know when he needs to go out to pee every time ( he has NEVER pooped in the house,( NOT ONE TIME SINCE 5 WEEKS OLD ). VERY SMART! At between 10:30 and 11:00 pm he is out cold,he can't even walk up the steps to our bed and does not wake up until 8:00 am the following day. He has been on this routine for four months now and we love him very much even though he tests you every minute of the day. I almost forgot we have two cats that was interesting to him for about the first two weeks and then they just became roommates and he doesn't give them the time of day other then to want to play with them. They tease the crap out of him ! His training at this point consists of SIT,STAY, FOCUS,COME and SIT UP, next is HEAL, LAY DOWN, CRAWL and PLAY DEAD. I will repost this site in three months with his progress. At the rate of his progress I would say he is going to be one of the most promising Dog's I have ever owned. His love for us is amazing the way he has bonded is truly wonderful and he lives to please.

Best dog ever on February 06, 2020:

Wonderful article! I am loving my 3rd Airedale. First 2 were females and current is a male. OMG my male is the greatest dog I have ever known. I loved my first two, but my Kirby is the best. He was a challenge as a puppy as he was very destructive. Once he turned 3, he mellowed out. Prior to age 3, he was know to go under my husband’s car and tear out the trailer wiring, twice. Once we were at our cabin that had cedar shingles on the outside. We kept hearing an odd sound, so we went out to investigate and Kirby was happily pulling the shingles off the cabin. He had put them in a pile for us to see.

We work from our home and Kirby is allowed to be in the office with us while we work. One day my husband was on the phone with a client and Kirby wanted his attention, so Kirby stood up and bit straight through the phone cord. I am watching this as I look at my husband holding the phone receiver up to his ear now with the phone cord bit in 2 and dangling about 16” from my husband’s head. We cried as we were laughing so hard. Yes, you better have a sense of humor if an Airedale owns you.

Scottie JD (author) on July 25, 2019:

THIS IS NOT MY ARTICLE.

WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, CONSENT OR ADVANCE WARNING, THE SITE CHANGED THE TITLE, THE CONTENT AND DECIDED TO LABEL ME (ERRONEOUSLY) AS A MALE AND CREATED A BIO I DID NOT WRITE. I AM TRYING TO REMOVE THIS ARTICLE, BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, PLEASE HIT THE "CONTACT AUTHOR" BUTTON AND WILL TRY TO ASSIST.

Scottie JD (author) on July 01, 2019:

Hi Airemom

Thanks for the great comments. No doubt they will help others. You are not crazy but braver than anyone I know. LOL. Your first dog was an Airedale! The good news is Lucy is past 3 years old. Like all dogs, the older they get the more they calm down. The other thing is, and I KNOW I sound like a broken record here, exercise, exercise, exercise. Wear her out. If you are taking her for one mile walks, take her for two. Part of that walk is for her fun: sniffing, inspecting, etc. But part needs to be unbroken, fast paced walking. Wear her out.

Also, if house cleaning is involved after her "fun." Its more than mischief. Start thinking like an alpha male, your life will be easier. LOL. Again, thanks for the great note, and enjoy your 'dale.

Airemom on July 01, 2019:

Thank you! This reinforced that I am not crazy and gives me something for non-believers to read-- i.e. it's just a dog I've trained many-- I will carry this with me. My Lucy, now 3, pushed me to the brink. I would cry and cry because I thought I was ruining my dog because she just would not behave! We/she went to training for 4 weeks only to come home 'SLIGHTLY" better. The trainer even said I chose a tough breed. The breeder did "warn us", but as a mom and now 60 yrs old I knew I could handle this. HA Even with being told everything and reading up on them, those warnings weren't enough to convince me I wasn't up for it. I see it like trying to tell your kids something and they say "but this is different". My brother in law has had dogs for 50 years and he said: "give her to me I'll show her who the boss is and she'll listen". He is a loud trainer so I said no, Now after these 3 years he has come around to Airedales are a different breed. Lucy has done more damage to our house in 3 years than 4 children did in 20!

There is something mysterious about Dales, they suck you in and I can't get enough of reading about them and their antics.

To say I love Lucy is a gross understatement. She goes with me nearly everywhere and never fails to draw attention.

She is far from perfect in her manners but she is loving and fun and not really destructive just mischevious. She is my very first dog. Had I known what it was like to be an Airedale mom I would have done it 40 years ago.

Thank you for listening to me carry on about the Aire life, it's really no different than any other. When I learned that part I felt tremendous relief.

All I think about lately is getting another...

To Aire is divine!

Scottiejd on December 13, 2018: