It is important to ensure that your Irish Terrier is socialized from an early age in order to promote a more stable temperament. He can be very stubborn and over-confident, which can make training difficult and makes him better suited to those with some experience of dog ownership, and who are willing to be firm with them from the moment they are puppies.
Otherwise, they will think they are the alpha. They are also known as the daredevil of the dog world. They will literally try anything once. Males have a tendency to wander off. Bitches are exceptionally loyal, though if they ever have a litter, they will become overwhelming devoted mothers.
My female needed little or no training, toilet or otherwise. She obeyed every command, and was the most devoted and loving animal you could hope for, not just for me, but the whole family, friends, and other pets.
We took my male for proper obedience training, and he was a fantastic dog after that, wonderful with everyone he met, and in every situation. We had got him as a three month old when he had just been living in a shed on someone’s farm, and toilet training for the male is not all that easy. He had not been socialized, and children we something to be herded. After his training, he was great with all 13 of our nieces and nephews.
Our female we got at 5 weeks, and apart from her slight timidity at first (she used to hide in the pocket of my sweater when she got scared) she was easy to train, with no issues. My niece actually hauled off and punched her right in the nose one time, and all she did was whimper and hide behind me.
They are very very sensitive to human moods, and always game for adventure. Just be certain you are willing to take them with you everywhere, for they are a true pack animal and hate to be left behind.
They are also very intelligent, for the most part, and fast learners, so they will really enjoy being trained. Always make sure you reward them.
Since they are vermin hunters, they tend to get attracted to movement, and will be ‘head shy’ unless you make a point of handling their head all the time. Our girl was also ‘butt shy’ from her tail having been docked. To the day she died, she was TERRIFIED of the sound of metal scissors opening and closing!
So if you want to have an easier time at the vet’s, make sure you always handle ears, muzzle, beard, and their tush and tail.
Irish terriers have an awesomely lovely set of teeth, but they can be a bit hard if they are not trained to be gentle. Try to make a habit of brushing their teeth from an early age as well, and that will ensure they won’t be inclined to nip or bite. Handling the head will stop any lightning speed reactions of the chase that the breed would tend to if not trained.
They love to run and chase, so a good game of fetch in a large field is their idea of dog heaven. Always reward them when they give it back.