If she has been properly socialized, she will generally love the public arena, enthusiastic and confident as she naturally is. She will not hesitate, however, to respond to an invasion of personal space or liberties taken by other dogs, people, and kids. She is quick to the draw on all accounts, and she should be regarded as such when you navigate the sidewalks and roads with her. It is completely possible for her to be merrily approaching someone one moment and then snapping at them the next if she is uncomfortable. She is not likely to hesitate, so it’s a good idea to hesitate for her as your make decisions about how she will interact with the greater world when you go out.

PERSONAL LIFE—There are two things to remember when it comes to your terrier’s relationship with you or anyone else. First, she is quick to react and can do so without any thought or intention whatsoever. Second, she can be way too smart for her own good. If you take her at face value and recognize that she is not trying to be “bad,” you can avoid the common pitfalls in human-terrier relationships and enjoy her many finer qualities.

When it comes to other pets in the home, her emotional quick-draw reactions can spell disaster. The cat she was friends with when it was lying on the bed may suddenly appear to be a target as it streaks through the yard. When your other dog, who is usually her best friend, finds a dead bird on the porch, she might launch into a fight in order to get it. You come home one day to find the hamster cage (and the hamster) in pieces all over your son’s bedroom floor because he accidentally left the door open. Expect her to act first, and think later. Use baby gates, doors, and a good dose of thought to keep her out of trouble.

As a wonderful paradox to this, she can seem to spend an inordinate amount of time planning her next move when it comes to manipulating the behavior of others in her social group. She is observant and notices everything. She knows exactly where the lines are, and where they are not. She doesn’t hesitate to stretch the gray areas and push the envelope. Her “try, try, try” life mantra and perception for weak spots in the fence can make her tiresome to live with if you take it personally.

KEY CONCEPT: The Premack Principle