Living with Skyes

Treats...

Your options here are many. One thing I know is that Skyes like fish. Try www.sitstay.com and check out their aquatic selections like: Iceland Fish Skins, Alaskan Yummie Chummies Salmon and Dogchoives.

Toys...

Skyes seem to prefer those big stuffed toys with many squeakers as opposed to the small latex variety. For some reason they like the brown ones best. Don't be surprised when you see a Skye shaking a toy dramatically. They are, what we like to call, killing them! I told you that they weren't the right breed for everyone.

Remember to never let your Skye get defensive or too aggressive when playing with toys. This only encourages bad behavior and leads them to believe that they are better than you. You should be allowed to take a toy away from your Skye without it growling at you. Growling of any type should be halted from the beginning of puppyhood. It's a simple rule...there is NO talking allowed!

Grooming...

Don't let their looks deceive you! Although Skye's have a luxurious top coat, with regular grooming, it can be cared for quite easily. Unlike many terrier coats, you do not have to strip a Skyes coat and shedding is minimal.

Using a long, firm pin brush and a wide tooth comb, remove dead undercoat and brush the underneath layers first...then move on to the top coat. The top coat's texture is similar to human hair or horse mane. During our grooming sessions we also trim toe nails and remove the hair between the toes.

I bathe the dogs every one to two weeks depending on their show schedule or the elements of the weather. Your best bet is to dilute your shampoo and pour it through the coat, creating lessor opportunity for matting and breakage. I prefer to let him air dry before brushing.

Regular grooming is essential with Skye ownership. Without it mats will occur and make future grooming sessions hard on you and your Skye. Consider grooming part of your training process. Start when they are young and work with them on a regular schedule.

Training...

Skyes need firm yet fair treatment in all aspects of training. The most important thing you can do for a Skye is to socialize them early and never stop. It is critical to their adaptation to the world.

The human needs to establish themselves as "King or Queen" to a Skye or trouble could develop. Alpha status in your home does not need to be accomplished by physical means. Treating a Skye harshly or with hand is NEVER a good idea. They need to respect their leader and if you hurt them they will never forgive you nor will they respect you.