PET ARTICLES BLOG

Most people are immediately won over by the neat, handsome looks, endless curiosity, and perky attitude of the one and only west highland white terrier. But dog owners need to keep in mind that a westie's terrier instincts are still very much within the dog. Owners thus need to be aware that without appropriate training or formative intervention, a westie may go after other animals in the household or neighborhood. Other traits of the westie that warrant supervision of the dog are its smartness, courage, and most significant of all, independent-minded bravado. Without doubt, the westie is really a big product crammed into a tiny package!

Another implication of their terrier roots is that their assertive nature needs to be understood and dealt with to anticipate potential behavior concerns. Many behavior issues crop up because of lack of companionship, discipline, activity, and exercise. Lastly, westies turn to destructive behavior when their separation anxiety tendencies are left unattended. Check out these ten quick tips on how you can help still more in westie training.

1. Training is essential for every dog and can begin as early as eight weeks of age. Time spent teaching your westie basic manners and obedience skills should be fun and will establish a special loving bond between dog and trainer.

2. Get help from a known private obedience instructor, training club, or school. “Test the waters” by sitting in on a class session.

3. Any dog training program that operates through the use of force or abuse is bound to fail or is failing already. The best training programs make use instead of a blend of reinforcements and corrections.

4. On the occasion of unacceptable behavior, reprimand promptly the dog. The best reinforcer is food, and it is sure to motivate your dog. Other means are praise, play and attention.

5. Be kind with your westie, always fair and forgiving. They do have a sense of justice that make them sensitive to hitting or yelling.

6. Flood your dog with verbal praise and pats whenever it accomplishes what you wanted of it. Add a treat now and then to the praise.

7. Practice consistency and exude confidence in training the dog. The entire family needs to help teach also in the training program. But one person will be the most responsible for most of the training.

8. While training is the significant highlight of the day, try to also have regular sessions of attention, affection and play. This way your dog will not find the day too predictable. All it takes to help you and your westie to be keen on learning is actually twenty minutes of training a few times a week.

9. These five basic training commands will be the building blocks of training westies: sit, stay, heel, down and come. A well trained westie makes a welcome presence anywhere it goes.

10. Training demands significant portions of your time and patience daily, but a sure reward for you is a responsible gentleman westie.