At this point, you are probably wondering if she actually has to get the squirrel for this to work. The answer, thankfully, is no. As a matter of fact, chasing the squirrel is more rewarding to her (brain chemistry going off like the Fourth of July) than getting the squirrel (brain chemistry starts to de-escalate upon capture). So you get to pocket the power of the squirrel as a distraction without endangering a single life.

Border Terrier

You may also be wondering if you will have encouraged squirrel chasing when all this time you have been trying to get her to ignore them. Remember that you can’t take a natural motivation out of your dog. The idea, then, is to recognize those motivations and be able to control your dog in the face of them. You get to maintain the necessary control under those high distractions and earn a thousand cool points from her for joining in on the fun rather than continually squashing it.

In order for the Premack Principle to really make a difference, you will need to use it frequently so that your dog can wrap her head around how it works. By definition, the Premack Principle is counterintuitive. It makes a very unlikely action (leaving the squirrel) the actual requirement for a satisfying result (getting the squirrel). It can take quite a few experiences for your terrier to put the pattern together and actually buy into such a preposterous idea, especially when her way has worked well for her in the past.

Terrier Relationship Survival Key:

1. Manage her GENETIC impulses. Be very cautious when she is around small animals, in light of her historical design.
2. Exercise her brain and body with complex activities, puzzles, and other challenges and be mindful of her hair-trigger reactions to excitement in the ENVIRONMENT.
3. Don’t get mad, get smart about her LEARNING. Work with her to show her how to get what she wants the right way; working against her interests is totally futile.
4. Have patience and a sense of humor—you’ll need them.

MEET YOUR . . .

Bull Dog

“THE ENTERTAINER”

American Staffordshire Terrier

Bull Terrier

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog • American Bulldog • American Staffordshire Terrier • Boxer • Bullmastiff • Bull Terrier • Dogo Argentino • English Bulldog • French Bulldog • Olde English Bulldogge • Pit Bull Terrier • mixes of any of the above

You’ll fall in love with your bull dog because he’s:

AFFECTIONATE—He is naturally engaging, tolerant, and endearing with people.

ENTERTAINING—Whether high octane or low, he is a naturally amusing character.

OUTGOING—His brave and gregarious approach to life can be a total blast.

You might find a bull dog hard to live with because he’s:

ALL OR NOTHING—A zero-to-sixty design can catch you off guard at times.

POWERFUL—His strength and force can overwhelm people and other animals.

TOUCHY-FEELY—If you value your personal space, he may get on your nerves (as well as your lap).

You might find yourself seeking professional help for: