How to Care for an Australian Terrier

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Brush the coat often to help with shedding and keep the coat glossy and free of pests. Unlike other terriers, Australian Terriers' coats do not grow long and don't need to be cut.
Step 2:
Bathe only when necessary, and use a hypo-allergenic brand of shampoo to prevent irritation. After bathing, brush the dog's coat while it dries.
Step 3:
Pluck the long hairs between the dog's eyes when they get long. The hairs irritate the eyes if they are allowed to get too long. Trim the fur around the tail and the feet. Keep the ears trimmed and clean to prevent infection.
Step 4:
Keep training sessions varied and fun. The Australian Terrier is very bright and is eager to please its owner, but it is strong willed like other terriers. Be strict but not harsh. These dogs love praise and will work for it. If you vary training techniques, give lots of rewards and keep it interesting you will have a well-behaved dog.
Step 5:
Feed the Australian Terrier a high quality lamb and rice food to prevent the allergies this breed is prone to. These allergies are more common in warmer climates.
Step 6:
Keep scheduled visits to the vet. This breed is prone to have thyroid problems and diabetes, and your vet can help you monitor your dog's health.
Step 7:
Keep these dogs fenced in or on a leash because they are sometimes impulsive and won't watch where they are going. They were bred to be hunters and are quick to chase smaller animals.

Tips & Warnings

Apply flea treatments regularly. This breed is prone to dermatitis caused by fleas.
Australian Terriers love to dig. Take care to watch the dog when he is around your flower garden or prized tomato plant.

More Puppy Pages

How to Groom a Border Terrier

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Slicker brush Natural bristle brush Metal comb Thinning shears Scissors Step 1: Use thinning shears to remove stray hairs which generally crop up on the neck, back, belly, brisket and front chest of many border...

Instructions Step 1: Brush a West Highland Terrier about three times a week with a straight bristled brush. Frequent bathing is unnecessary because West Highland Terriers' outer coats are wiry, not oily and don't hold odors easily. For the pet Westie, a...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Slicker brush Pin brush Metal combs Scissors Step 1: Remove hair from ear canals using scissors. Check ears regularly to prevent hair, wax and dirt from building up--this can cause an ear infection. Be very careful...

How to Care for a West Highland White Terrier

Instructions Step 1: Get to know your West Highland White Terrier by spending quality time each day with it. A little attention goes a long way, and the Westie will reward you with loyalty. Step 2: Train your West Highland White Terrier with a new trick...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Natural bristle brush Pin brush Metal comb Scissors Step 1: Brush the thick double coat, using a variety of tools. You need natural bristle brushes, pin brushes and metal combs. The natural bristle brush is best for...