Ardgaeithe Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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Ardgaeithe Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Soft coated wheaten terrier page, regarding our kennel and breeding, raising , raising puppies, training , feeding, health issues, showing. and exhibiting.

This page, while for our Ardgaeithe Kennel activities is also to share new and current ideas about dog/puppy breeding, health and training. Our Kennel Prefix is Ardgaeithe (height of the Wind) and we breed and Show and adore Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, one of the oldest breeds of Ireland and uncommon. We are ANKC registered breeders aiming to breed best possible quality Soft Coated Wheate

n Terriers with the correct Irish coat, and are careful to select for optimal health and temperament and structure . We have one or two litters on average in a year and carefully select puppy homes on the basis of quality time and care available for the pup and keenness to properly train from the start.We also sometimes work with people who might like to try Showingand exhibitng their new pup when trained. We show/exhibit our dogs and participate in Obedience and Agility and other dog sports and support Breed Rescue through our Club. We affirm the need for health testing, even with healthy lines and only breed puppies with Low COI (ie not in**ed) (aiming below recommended 8 at 8 generations) chosing to use Phenotype Pedigree breeding method rather than linebreeding/inbreeding in order to support best breed health. Our usual health testing includes Renal Ultrasounds to exclude significant RD in parents and pups, Urinalysis to exclude Protein losing Kidney disease(PLN), PLN gene test to exclude the risk of inherited PLN which even one copy means a 20x risk.We also check hips and elbows and only breed A and B (Excellent and Good/Normal). Annual Vet check for eyes and other abnormalities and basic bloods and thyroid if indicated.We do not breed dogs that are close relatives of affected significant inherited diseases like RD, PLN, PLE, Addisons, etc.. In fact to our knowledge we do not have any affected dogs in our dog's ancestors back 10 generations. Wheatens are one of the oldest Native Irish breeds, in the past used as an all rounder dog in the home and then also on the farm. Their coat, which is their hall mark. is single and soft and wavy, the shine discourages dirt to stick. They do not shed other than how a person does and their hair follicle is fine a lot like human hair. This may be perfect for people (like myself) who are very allergic to other kinds of dogs). Their coat can be trimmed short, still in wheaten style, or kept longer like a show dog. It requires weekly combing and brushing, ideally daily, especially when still very young.They rarely if ever have the "dog smell" even when wet.They will not leave hair on your black lounges or car like other dogs will. They are a medium sized dog, about Kelpie size, standing up to 19inches/48cm max at their shoulder and weighing 14-20 kg, the males tend to be heavier and bigger than the females once fully mature.They mature slowly, full height about 7-8 months but full development including coat not until about age 3yrs or more
They start off dark coloured as puppies, some even black, but usually by 8weeks coming home time you can see the blonde coming through at the base of the hair..The proper Irish coats tend to be coarser and sparser as pups while the American/UK coat tends to be heavier and boofier like a cute teddy bear. They are naturally good with people and adore being close and with them, not the kind of dogs to keep outside in a kennel but rather at your feet of beside your lounge.If properly socialised and trained they are very good with children once the dog is an adult, but as with all dogs, they should always be closely supervised with small children. As a puppy they can be very enthusiastic and this can be daunting for children and elderly or frail as well as tending to jump up("wheaten welcome" )however they train out of this very well. My own 81 year old mother has one of our 2year old dogs as a therapy companion and watch dog. With such enthusiasm and not a huge food drive for treats their training can be daunting but with gentle persistance and calm environment , not overstimulated and distracted, excellent early puppy training results can be had. Gentle persistance and consistancy will eventually pay :) but puppy preschool is a good start. Training is very important right from the start as they will be the best dog possible if well trained.Training is essential as with any dog and should be daily, and can be difficult in the early puppy days when they are enthusiastic but they are very trainable if consistent positive reward training used. Never use dominance/Alpha training on any dog especially a wheaten. They are an all round dog- active, intelligent and compete in obedience and agility events as well as Barn Hunt. They have a natural tendency to hunt small prey but if trained from early puppyhood this may be contained to have other feathered and furry friends in the garden with them, but don;t presume this will work. They are an excellent watch dog yet not a yappy dog. If they bark there is a reason. They are intensely loyal and want and enjoy their owner's company all the time.They are usually good with other dogs if properly socialised.We happily take ours to dog parks. Health:-generally very healthy with few problems as long as WELL BRED with usual precautions for health testing and avoiding parents with illnesses in their close relatives. Allergy to fleas can be a problem, but preventable with proper flea control, ears can get inflammed/infected if wet, dirty and left hairy-so grooming "ear toilet" important. Serious illnesses are rare and include PLN, PLE, RD.There is a gene test now for PLN so ask the breeder if you pup is clear.RD is there from birth and some breeder Renal ultrasound the pups to be sure there is none present.PLE doesn't come on until about age 4 , is rare, and seems to have some correlation to poor food so good quality food and avoiding gluten may have a protective benefit in those dogs at risk from having parents with PLE/PLN affected relatives. Few breeders would breed such dogs anyway. As a whole, the breed is a very healthy one.It had to be to survive the hardships of Ireland in the past! Exercise:
They are a fit dog that thrives with exercise, and once mature enjoys running and long walks and unleash play at parks.Half hour walk each day is necessary, and more would benefit.(within sensible limits).However their usual position is spread out at your feet asleep until you say the word "w a l k." Grooming:

Minimum once coat is mature is a weekly full comb and brush, but ideally daily.3monthly trim at groomer once adult.As a puppy daily brush and comb and occassional trim,Wash and condition as needed. Rarely smell even when wet. Family:

Excellent family inside dog if well trained

Training:

Intelligent inquisitive dog, so it Essential and responds well with positive consistent methods. A good all round family dog which doesnt have the shedding/wet smell problem that other dogs have. I hope you enjoy seeing our pups and find the articles of .interest and perhaps sometimes helpful.

It was very hard when we held her paw and said goodbye .
03/07/2025

It was very hard when we held her paw and said goodbye .

Struggling to find the right words after a friend loses a pet? Learn what to say to someone who lost a pet, what to avoid, and how to offer comfort during their grief.

To be real, the best treats also must be what  your dog lives…
03/07/2025

To be real, the best treats also must be what
your dog lives…

These are our veterinary experts’ picks for the best dog treats, from best training treat to best calming chew.

Anxiety in dogs. What to do when fireworks are planned Some ideas and tips
03/07/2025

Anxiety in dogs. What to do when fireworks are planned
Some ideas and tips

Dr. Molly Price explains the signs of dog anxiety and offers strategies for helping stressed dogs.

Why do dogs hump?Will desexing “fix it”?
03/07/2025

Why do dogs hump?
Will desexing “fix it”?

Dr. Wailani Sung explains why dogs hump other dogs, people, their toys, the cat, or just the air, and how to get your dog to stop hu***ng.

Phew not a rabbit !
26/02/2025

Phew not a rabbit !

Interesting article“How Do I Know if My Dog is Having an Allergic Reaction?“Recognizing allergic reactions in dogs depen...
30/11/2024

Interesting article

“How Do I Know if My Dog is Having an Allergic Reaction?

“Recognizing allergic reactions in dogs depends on what the dog is reacting to. Plants, bugs, household cleaners, and other chemicals are common causes of dog allergic reactions, but food and medications can also cause a reaction.

Dog allergic reaction symptoms include:

Red, irritated skin
Hives
Chronic itchiness
Sudden increase in itchiness
Itchy ears
Chronic ear infections
Runny eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing
Swelling
Difficulty breathing (severe)
Vomiting (severe)
Diarrhea (severe)
Pale gums (severe)
Abnormal heart rate or cardiac arrest (severe)
Collapse (severe)
Tremors (severe)
Severe allergic reactions can result in death.

Dogs who are allergic to something that they inhale from the environment or to a food item usually have generalized itchiness and skin irritation. Chronic ear infections are a classic sign of a dog with allergies. Even if your dog is being treated for allergies, she may have breakthrough reactions if she misses a dose of medication or if she gets a particularly big exposure. In most cases, these allergic reactions are not life threatening, but they can be annoying for both you and your dog.

When a Dog Allergic Reaction is an Emergency

A dog allergic reaction is an emergency if she has:

Difficulty breathing
Pale mucous membranes (gums)
Vomiting and diarrhea
Weakness or collapse
An abnormal heart rate
Severe swelling, especially if it does not respond to antihistamines
Unconsciousness
If your dog has any of these symptoms, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Your dog will likely need intravenous medications to stabilize her condition and prevent or treat anaphylactic shock, as well as supportive care to restore hydration and keep her comfortable.

What Can I Give My Dog for an Allergic Reaction?

If this is your dog’s first allergic reaction, or if it is more severe than previous episodes, we strongly recommend seeking veterinary care. Most allergic reactions that start out mild stay mild, but they can progress rapidly and put your dog in danger.

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are safe for most dogs to temporarily alleviate allergic reaction symptoms. Call your veterinarian to get the right dosage for your dog. Always check the ingredients before giving any over-the-counter medication to your dog—avoid combination meds that contain multiple active drugs and avoid anything that has the artificial sweetener xylitol in the inactive ingredients, as these can be extremely toxic to dogs.

Diphenhydramine is typically given every eight hours until symptoms resolve or you have been able to get your dog to the vet’s office. This medication is generally very safe for dogs, but it is still always best practice to speak to a veterinarian before giving it to be sure it is appropriate for your dog.

For bug bites and stings, you can ice the area of the bite to decrease circulation in the area and relieve some of the discomfort and itchiness.

For contact allergies to something like a new laundry detergent or a floor cleaner, a bath with a gentle shampoo or with Dawn dish soap may be helpful to get the offending substance off your dog’s skin.

If your dog has previously been diagnosed with allergies and is experiencing a flare-up of her chronic symptoms, treat according to your veterinarian’s instructions. If you are out of meds and can’t get to the vet right away, a bath with an oatmeal shampoo can help to soothe irritated skin.

Even if your dog responds to treatment at home, touch base with your veterinarian to let them know what happened. She may be able to help guide you in identifying the cause of the allergic reaction or come up with a plan to prevent future reactions.

Common Canine Allergens

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a common allergy in dogs. These unlucky canines experience sudden, severe itchiness when even a single flea bites them. Dogs suffering from FAD often have red, bumpy, irritated skin, especially on the hind end. They may also have hair loss from all of the scratching and inflammation. Thankfully, FAD is easy to manage—treat all pets in your household for fleas year-round so that your allergic dog doesn’t get exposed to stray fleas. And be sure to treat the dog with FAD with a product that repels or kills fleas on contact and does not require a bite.

Household cleaners and chemicals usually cause reactions on the part of your dog that comes into contact with them. For these cases, your dog might have signs of a reaction on her paws, muzzle, side, or belly. For example, if she has an allergic reaction after lying on a bed washed in a new detergent, the redness and irritation will appear on parts of her body that touched the bed. Dog allergic reaction bumps may be itchy or may just show up as raised skin. Symptoms of the allergic reaction will go away once the dog is no longer exposed to the trigger.

Wasp stings, spider bites, and other bug bites typically cause localized reaction symptoms, but these can range from mild to severe. For example, one of my dogs gets big welts any time she is bitten by a bug. This is not an emergency, but it is uncomfortable for her.

Spider bites and severe reactions to wasp stings can cause dramatic allergic reactions in dogs, with severe swelling, difficulty breathing, itchiness, and even shock. The swelling from bug bite reactions is usually located right around the bite, but severe reactions can cause swelling throughout the body.”

In addition to more routine allergies, dogs can have sever anaphylactic reactions too. You can identify a dog allergic reaction by its symptoms.

Exploring language
04/09/2024

Exploring language

Researchers from the University of California (UC) San Diego and other institutions looked into how canine pets respond to food-, play-, and outside-related words on soundboards

Sooo true …🙄🤗
04/09/2024

Sooo true …🙄🤗

Us after this weekend 🥵

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We recently lost our Aoife after 15.5 years together and it was so devastating a loss that only others similarly affecte...
04/09/2024

We recently lost our Aoife after 15.5 years together and it was so devastating a loss that only others similarly affected would understand .

Pets provide solace, support and sometimes unconditional love. Yet, when they die, much of our grief remains unspoken

The “training wars”, aversive vs  positive are going on  . Here is a comment “So… I’ve really been listening to the cons...
04/09/2024

The “training wars”, aversive vs positive are going on . Here is a comment

“So… I’ve really been listening to the constructive criticism directed towards us and want to offer some thoughts.

I’ve noticed some common questions and concerns about our approach to advocating for change in the dog training industry, and I want to address them openly.

Our goal continues to be highlighting the need for our industry to evolve and improve in ways that benefit not only dogs but also the people who love them. The dog training field has stagnated in some areas, and it’s time we all come together to push for progress.

One concern I often hear is that we’re oversimplifying things by pushing for positive reinforcement and science-backed methods without using pain or fear. I completely understand where this question comes from, and I’m glad people are asking it. To clarify, we’re not saying there’s only one way to train a dog or that positive reinforcement looks the same in every scenario. There are countless ways to train a dog effectively without resorting to pain or fear, and it’s about finding the right approach for each dog within a framework that prioritizes humane methods.

Let’s take the case of the high-drive dog. Some think that for these dogs, tools like choke, prong or shock collars are necessary to maintain control. But any positive reinforcement trainer will tell you that these are often the most amazing dogs to work with precisely because they are so easy to motivate. They have the drive, the focus, and the enthusiasm, which makes them perfect candidates for training with positive reinforcement. By tapping into what they love, whether it’s a favorite toy, treat, or activity, we can shape their behaviors in ways that are not only effective but also mega enjoyable for them.

But what about aggressive dogs? This is another area where I see a lot of confusion. When faced with aggression, some still turn to aversive methods, thinking they are needed to control the situation. And often, they may be if a dog is over threshold since the safety of the dog and everyone around is a priority. But remember that’s an emergency management situation (we are not training or attempting to modify behavior in these instances)

Research overwhelmingly shows that aversive techniques, like shock collars or harsh physical corrections, are strongly correlated with increased aggression and anxiety over time. These methods may suppress the outward signs temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying causes. That’s why we advocate for approaches that get to the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms.

I’ve also heard concerns that our stance has polarized the community. Perhaps. I want to say that polarization isn’t inherently negative, it can be a driving force for positive change when grounded in a clear and ethical motivation. Think about well-known examples like the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of slavery. These were deeply polarizing issues that led to necessary and meaningful progress.

Now, I’m not equating the evolution of dog training with these significant historical movements, but I mention them to illustrate that polarization can have a purpose when it’s about advancing ethical standards and practices.

It’s not about creating division for its own sake; it’s about helping both professionals and the public understand what’s considered acceptable and effective based on the latest in animal behavior science. This benefits everyone by ensuring that dogs aren’t facing additional behavioral problems because they’ve been trained in a way that suppresses rather than resolves issues.

Lastly, we need to talk about accessibility and support within our community. Some have pointed out that moving away from aversive methods can be challenging because finding a qualified behaviorist or using modern approaches might seem costly or difficult. I get that, and it’s a valid concern. That’s why we’re pushing for better support for those who are committed to modern, humane practices. This means creating more opportunities for education, mentorship, and resources, so trainers have a clear pathway to becoming well-versed in approaches that align with current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by AVSAB in their position statement on humane dog training.

Advocating for change in dog training isn’t just about methods; it’s about the well-being of dogs and the safety of the public. Positive reinforcement and humane training methodologies offer a comprehensive approach that meets a dog’s full spectrum of needs, without resorting to pain or fear. We’re here to keep pushing for more integrity in this field, ensuring that our profession evolves into a respected, science-based practice that truly serves everyone involved.

Dog training science resources collected in one place (thank you ) https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on humane dog training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Fallout from the Use of Aversives reference list (thank you Eileen Anderson )
https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement/

So… I’ve really been listening to the constructive criticism directed towards us and want to offer some thoughts.

I’ve noticed some common questions and concerns about our approach to advocating for change in the dog training industry, and I want to address them openly.

Our goal continues to be highlighting the need for our industry to evolve and improve in ways that benefit not only dogs but also the people who love them. The dog training field has stagnated in some areas, and it’s time we all come together to push for progress.

One concern I often hear is that we’re oversimplifying things by pushing for positive reinforcement and science-backed methods without using pain or fear. I completely understand where this question comes from, and I’m glad people are asking it. To clarify, we’re not saying there’s only one way to train a dog or that positive reinforcement looks the same in every scenario. There are countless ways to train a dog effectively without resorting to pain or fear, and it’s about finding the right approach for each dog within a framework that prioritizes humane methods.

Let’s take the case of the high-drive dog. Some think that for these dogs, tools like choke, prong or shock collars are necessary to maintain control. But any positive reinforcement trainer will tell you that these are often the most amazing dogs to work with precisely because they are so easy to motivate. They have the drive, the focus, and the enthusiasm, which makes them perfect candidates for training with positive reinforcement. By tapping into what they love, whether it’s a favorite toy, treat, or activity, we can shape their behaviors in ways that are not only effective but also mega enjoyable for them.

But what about aggressive dogs? This is another area where I see a lot of confusion. When faced with aggression, some still turn to aversive methods, thinking they are needed to control the situation. And often, they may be if a dog is over threshold since the safety of the dog and everyone around is a priority. But remember that’s an emergency management situation (we are not training or attempting to modify behavior in these instances)

Research overwhelmingly shows that aversive techniques, like shock collars or harsh physical corrections, are strongly correlated with increased aggression and anxiety over time. These methods may suppress the outward signs temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying causes. That’s why we advocate for approaches that get to the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms.

I’ve also heard concerns that our stance has polarized the community. Perhaps. I want to say that polarization isn’t inherently negative, it can be a driving force for positive change when grounded in a clear and ethical motivation. Think about well-known examples like the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of slavery. These were deeply polarizing issues that led to necessary and meaningful progress.

Now, I’m not equating the evolution of dog training with these significant historical movements, but I mention them to illustrate that polarization can have a purpose when it’s about advancing ethical standards and practices.

It’s not about creating division for its own sake; it’s about helping both professionals and the public understand what’s considered acceptable and effective based on the latest in animal behavior science. This benefits everyone by ensuring that dogs aren’t facing additional behavioral problems because they’ve been trained in a way that suppresses rather than resolves issues.

Lastly, we need to talk about accessibility and support within our community. Some have pointed out that moving away from aversive methods can be challenging because finding a qualified behaviorist or using modern approaches might seem costly or difficult. I get that, and it’s a valid concern. That’s why we’re pushing for better support for those who are committed to modern, humane practices. This means creating more opportunities for education, mentorship, and resources, so trainers have a clear pathway to becoming well-versed in approaches that align with current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by AVSAB in their position statement on humane dog training.

Advocating for change in dog training isn’t just about methods; it’s about the well-being of dogs and the safety of the public. Positive reinforcement and humane training methodologies offer a comprehensive approach that meets a dog’s full spectrum of needs, without resorting to pain or fear. We’re here to keep pushing for more integrity in this field, ensuring that our profession evolves into a respected, science-based practice that truly serves everyone involved.

Dog training science resources collected in one place (thank you ) https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on humane dog training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Fallout from the Use of Aversives reference list (thank you Eileen Anderson )
https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement/

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