Airedale Terrier

• Bathing: Bathe your dog every few months—and whenever they get especially dirty on their outdoor excursions. Make sure you’re not overbathing your Airedale, as too-frequent baths can dry out your dog’s skin. 
• Brushing: Brush your dog with a slicker brush once a week to keep their wiry coat healthy. Your groomer will probably want to hand-strip your dog’s wiry undercoat a few times a year as well to keep it healthy, but this is best left to a professional. 
• Dental care: Daily care helps keep your pup’s teeth in shape, so brush them with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when your Airedale Terrier puppy is young, so they get used to the experience. They’ll also need a professional dental cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections. They can recommend an ear cleaner, too. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when your Airedale walks by, it’s time for a manicure.  

When it comes to training, Airedale Terrier puppies need a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called.  

Start obedience training with your Airedale Terrier puppy early, and teach them cues like sit, stay, and come. If you adopt your dog when they’re older, start then—it’s never too late to train a dog, and a little bit of patience will go a long way.  

Also invest time in socializing your dog, which involves exposing them to new people, places, and things in a positive manner. Your Airedale Terrier might also enjoy group training classes—once they’re fully vaccinated, that is. 

Airedale Terriers are very smart dogs. If it takes them a while to get the hang of your cues, it’s probably because they can be a bit independent-minded. Airedales have a strong urge to follow their instinct, which may be telling them to chase a passing squirrel.   

They learn best from pet parents who are consistent and patient with their lessons. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes much easier. You can also tap a certified dog trainer for some pointers.  

Airedale Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Ask your vet what they recommend. 

Joint supplements or treats containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils can help protect their joints as they age. Fish oils also have a benefit on the heart, skin, coat, cognitive function, and immune system. Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from these supplements.  

Airedale Terrier dogs are very active, but they can still be prone to gaining extra weight. Be mindful of dog treats and make sure they’re never more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. 

Some Airedale Terriers can be picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs, so a dog food formulated for GI issues might be a good option. But your vet can say for sure.  

Airedales can be susceptible to bloat, which can quickly become life-threatening. Help prevent this by taking a few steps around mealtimes: 

• Offer food in a slow-feeder bowl to stop your dog from scarfing 
• Avoid using elevated food bowls 
• Restrict exercise for two hours before or after eating 
• Feed your dog multiple smaller meals every day (at least two) instead of one big meal 

Your Airedale Terrier needs one to two hours of exercise per day, but most will appreciate even more.  

You can alternate slower walks with more vigorous adventures like fun jogs. They’ll also enjoy running around or playing games in a fenced yard, and activities like tracking exercises and nose work will be greatly appreciated.  

Airedales will probably love interactive toys and games, and they’re great at dog sports that challenge their body and mind, like agility and flyball.  

If you don’t have a yard at home, chances are they’ll be just as happy at the dog park; just make sure they get outside and exercise every day.  

Airedales can make great family dogs, and they tend to love playing with kids. But their need for exercise is a non-negotiable, so active families are a must.  

While they’d adore a home with a yard where they can run around, these dogs could also do well in a house or an apartment—again, as long as they get the exercise they need. You’ll just need to make sure you’reconsistent about hitting their exercise goals every day.   

If you’re a family who enjoys outdoor adventures, the Airedale Terrier will likely love to join you. But if you prefer to stay inside, this won’t be the breed for you.