Best Toys For Westies? Quick Answer

I’ve always wondered why my first Westie didn’t choose me as her favorite person. I gave food, went for walks, attention, hugs, kisses and so on throughout the day. I was so crazy about her, but she chose another family member to be her sweetheart. And now that person doesn’t live with us anymore, but I still feel like I’m still not their favorite. Well, she loves me, understand me, but she’s still looking for someone else to come into our family so she can accept him as her hero.

My other Westie is all mine. She can’t imagine life without me, I’m her absolute favorite person. But it’s still me, the same me. So one Westie is mine and the other one lives with me 🙂 It’s hard to admit but it is what it is. Let’s see why it happens like this.

First of all, who they connect with early on is important.

West Highland White Terriers, like all dogs, have an important socialization period during their first six months. Puppy brain development. The social experiences Westie has during this time can affect her for the rest of her life.

That way, the person who has more positive experiences with your Westie during this time can become your favorite person. If there is only one person at this important socialization stage, the dog has no other choice.

Note that during this time it is very important for Westie to meet many different types of people, it will help them become more comfortable with different people later on.

Second important factor: attention and affection, which improves attachment.

No surprise here, Westies love attention and the person who gives the dog the most attention gets the most popular human badge. It can be the person who feeds, gives the most physical attention and love, caresses, brushes, massages, plays.

The third factor to look out for if you want to get the Favorite People badge is: positive associations.

Westies will remember good, positive, warm feelings with their favorite human. It can be a person who always has treats or who is always playing games.

Ok, this is where it starts to clarify my situation. I trained my first Westie a lot. Every day. She hated that. But I read a lot of books before getting her and knew a lot about her westernness and hard training nature so I wanted to raise a healthy, smart, well behaved puppy. It could be my fault. The training became negative associations for me, despite all the attention and nourishment she gave me. I was this boring person who always wanted to work out and work out. Uh… Don’t make my mistake!

And the most important factor – dogs feel whether their personality is just like theirs or not. Just like us humans, dogs have similar personalities and the dog will naturally try to be friends with that person. If the dog likes to play, he is looking for a person who can be his/her playmate. Calm and intelligent Dog will choose the same personality as a favorite.

In my case my westie was strong willed, independent, quite selfish, rough at play, no jokes, life is a pretty serious type of dog. It’s obvious that I wasn’t her favorite person, as I was the opposite of that. Seems like I still have a chance to be her favorite as we are more alike now than before. She’s probably testing me to see if these personality changes are permanent. And my other westie got used to me easily because we were both ready to smile and take life in big bites the moment my second westie walked into my life.

Interesting, isn’t it?

A dog known for being fun-loving, active, smart, and lovable, the West Highland White Terrier is one of the smaller dogs, but they’re so much fun that even if you’ve loved big dogs before, you’ll love them become the smaller Westie in the end. He freaks out when you take him for a walk and also loves car rides.

When the Westie reaches adulthood he should stand at a height of 10 to 11 inches in the male breed. If it’s a female, she will be slightly smaller, but weight ranges from 14 to 20 pounds.

The Origin of the Westie

The Westie originally came from Scotland as a cottage pest fighting breed, but he turned out to be such a fantastic companion dog. With regular health checks, he can live up to 15 years or more.

This brave little pup may never reach the size of the big dogs, but it’s like the example of a kitten looking in the mirror and seeing a lion. The Westie becomes a lion in the body of a little dog – at least that’s how he sees himself.

With a small terrier, you can expect them to grow for a while. They will more or less take between six and nine months to finish growing. At this point they will add some muscle to their small frame, but bone growth will mostly have stopped.

How women differ

Females tend to grow even less than males. In fact, they won’t grow much beyond the first season, and they will also tend to be less slow in putting on muscle on their bodies, putting them at risk of gaining more weight.

The advantage of terriers, whether male or female, is that mentally they never outgrow their puppy stage. As with people and growth, the age of maturity varies significantly and you need to know this in advance. For example, you could take a seven-month-old female who has reached her adult height. Even so, you may have another that didn’t reach adult size until the tender age of one year.

It typically takes a Westie seven to twelve months to reach adulthood.

Depends on the dog

As with humans, there are also larger and smaller dogs that are considered small in stature in the group. After about two years, you can be sure that your Westie has finished growing.

For example, one dog owner spoke about how her Westie didn’t seem to stop growing until she was 16 months old.

One of the things most dog owners will comment on with Westies after seeing lots of them is how their sizes range from the huge dogs that could be mixed with anything to the tiny Westies.

Another big difference between the breed’s sizes could be due to the way it was bred. For example, pet Westies tend to be larger, but if you had a show stock Westie, they usually turn out to be quite petite.

An old saying

Many people have followed a system where the puppy will stop growing automatically once they are a year old. However, this is not always true.

You need to understand the difference between when puppies reach maturity and when they reach adult size.

What are the signs that your pup has finally reached full maturity? First, his canines have grown to full size, which is around 12 to 18 months of age. Smaller breeds like the Westie will be fully grown by six to eight months and adult weight by 12 months in most cases.

Signs of puppy maturity

Perhaps you have been living with a puppy for a while and are praying that he will finally settle down. You’re wondering, “How long will it take for this dog to grow to adulthood?”

Most dogs remain playful throughout their lives, but you’ll see a world of difference between full-grown canines and the bouncy, exuberant energy of a young puppy. Not to mention the dubious judgment little Zippy always seems to make when he gets himself into trouble around the house.

Puppies are full of life and energy, and they tend to demand a lot of attention from their owners, but as the dog matures, they don’t need quite as much attention. That’s one of the ways you can tell the difference between the two. An older dog will usually be fine if they spend time alone.

Does your furry little troublemaker like to tear up the morning paper and chew on the furniture with unrelenting enthusiasm? You should watch for signs that this behavior is waning.

This signals that your puppy has reached a new level of maturity. If you see your dog holding back, rest assured that he may have reached a point where he has stopped growing.

Great family dog

In general, the Westie has become a popular breed among families with children as the dog tends to be very playful and full of life. He loves nothing more than to play with his human companions.

The Westie is also a smaller dog with a head shaped like a dome. Meanwhile, its muzzle is medium-sized and it has small ears that sit high with keen hearing.

Conclusion

For the most part, most Westies will reach adult size by 12 months, but you do have a few that continue to grow past that age.

Anyone planning to bring home a puppy should make sure they have mentally prepared themselves to live with a dog that is full of life and energy. Not everyone wants a dog like that, so sometimes it’s better to get an older dog. Have questions or comments? If so, leave them in the comments below.

When it comes to West Highland Terriers (or Westies) and their sleeping habits, many of us may be a little confused as to how much sleep they need and a number of other aspects. However, one of the biggest questions we dog owners could have is how early Westies wake up. Because of this, you may need to give some thought to your dog’s sleeping habits even before you actually get the dog.

It might be a simple question, but the answer isn’t as simple as many people might think. After all, it can depend on your specific dog just as much as the breed itself.

With this in mind, how early do Westies wake up? The answer to this question depends on when your dog actually goes to sleep. However, a proper sleep habit can be inculcated in them with proper training. This allows you to ensure that your Westie gets up as early or as late as you want.

Aside from when your Westie goes to sleep, there are a number of other things that can have a major impact on how early your Westie wakes up. Because of this, there are a number of things you may need to do to ensure your dog is getting as much sleep as he needs while still sticking to your sleeping habits as much as possible.

How Much Sleep Does a Westie Need?

West Highland Terriers are known for their energy they have during the day. However, with that kind of energy, they need some rest to stay healthy. In fact, like a number of other dog breeds, they need more sleep than most humans. According to a number of reports, West Highland Terriers require around 13 hours of sleep over any 24-hour period. However, you will be able to get most of that sleep during the night when you sleep.

If they sleep most of the night and get about the same amount of sleep as you, your Westie won’t need to rest too much during the day. However, you do need to take a few naps during the day to hit the 13-hour mark. Getting enough sleep between naps and the night will help your Westie be their healthy and energetic self. You should also make a note of if your West Highland Terrier is oversleeping or undersleeping, which can indicate some problems.

However, if they get around the 13 hour mark throughout the day and night then they are perfectly healthy and it will not negatively impact your dog’s health or energy levels. As with many other signs, it’s always beneficial to make sure your dog is getting the right amount of sleep throughout the day and night.

How to get your Westie to sleep properly

In order for your West Highland Terrier to sleep properly, you must first train them properly from a young age. After all, the vast majority of dogs require training and Westies aren’t much different. The only major difference is that in addition to regular training, you need to teach the dog when and where to sleep.

One of the most effective ways to do this is crate training, although you could also train them by having them sleep in the bedroom with you. However, this may not be as effective as crate training, which has become one of the most recommended ways to train a Westie when they are young.

What is crate training?

Crate training is almost exactly what it sounds like; the use of a crate (or similar) to appeal to the breed’s natural instincts. These particular instincts are geared towards ensuring that a West Highland Terrier finds a safe, secure, and comfortable place to sleep. This carried over from before the breed was domesticated and has stayed with them ever since.

This isn’t a unique idea for Westies either; The vast majority of humans and dogs need a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Using items like a crate helps appeal to that natural cave instinct; When exercise is done correctly, they will go to their sleeping area on their own when it’s time to sleep or nap.

There are a number of options for setting this up, either when you train them or even long after if you move or redecorate the house. Many West Highland Terrier owners tend to use one of two options. The first of these is placing the crate in a large enclosure. This allows the dog to play and sleep in one area. Because of this, they tend to cause less chaos when playing.

This makes this type of setup the preferred choice for dog owners; After all, less mess from your dog means less cleaning up to do every day. The second option is to move the crate to another spot in the house where you think the best place to sleep for your West Highland Terrier is. If you choose this option, you should also consider how accessible the crate will be for your Westie. After all, it makes no sense to put him somewhere he can’t get to on his own.

It should also be noted that you should not use the crate as a form of punishment. For example, you may not be able to use the crate to lock away your Westie. This is because many dogs begin to associate the crate with negative connotations. Your West Highland Terrier needs a place where he will feel safe and secure in order to get a proper sleep. This will not be the case if they associate it with a place to go if they were brave.

Sleep alone vs. sleep with owners

In general, West Highland Terriers don’t have much of a preference when it comes to where they sleep in the house. As we mentioned above they have a natural cave instinct which is why you need to make sure the area is safe and secure. When it comes to sleeping in the same room as their owners or sleeping somewhere alone, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in their sleeping habits.

However, some Westies prefer to sleep alone, while others prefer to sleep in the same room as their owners. This is because they may be more comfortable with someone else in the room at night. However, this is more of a personal preference and doesn’t affect their sleeping habits all that much.

Regardless of which choice you choose, you’ll want to make sure your Westie doesn’t wander around too much at night. This is because they need to sleep more during the day to make up for the lack of sleep at night. With this in mind, one could also argue that one should keep the bedroom door closed at night. This will prevent your Westie from wandering too much.

Whichever option you choose, make sure your Westie has their own sleeping space in the bedroom. This is due to the already mentioned cave mentality. Your dog will sleep better with his own space. Also, you won’t be too annoyed that the dog is constantly moving around in bed, which can be very annoying over the course of a night.

So how early do Westies wake up?

All of this information doesn’t exactly answer the question of how early your Westie will wake up. However, the answer depends a lot on how well you have trained your West Highland Terrier. Once you’ve properly trained your dog, he should be able to sleep when you do and follow your sleeping habits.

Because of this type of training, they should also wake up at the same time as you every morning, no matter how early or how late it is. With this in mind, it is important that you train them effectively so that there are no problems with their sleep schedule. However, it should also be noted that as mentioned earlier, your Westie will need to take multiple naps throughout the day.

However, that leaves the question of how long does a Westie sleep during the day? In short, it depends on when you go to sleep at night and how much sleep you actually get during the night. As a rule of thumb, they get a few hours of sleep during the day, but this is broken up into multiple naps. Finally, you may be wondering when should you let your Westie sleep at night? As we mentioned above, it is recommended that you teach your dog to go to bed when you go to bed. Because of this, they get about the same amount of sleep as you get during the night.

Don’t you just love coming home to your dog and snuggling with him to relieve all that stress you’ve been dealing with all day? However, that doesn’t mean you can do the same thing with all the different dog breeds out there.

Certain dog breeds, such as the Basenji, Irish Wolfhound, and Afghan Wolfhound, don’t show much interest in their owners’ snuggling behaviors. However, there are some breeds of dogs that show a friendlier demeanor towards such displays of affection from their owner. So do Westies fall under this category?

Are Westies stuffed animals?

Westies are considered to be one of the friendliest and most good-natured dog breeds. Therefore, they are one of the ideal dog breeds to cuddle with. However, as an avid Westie owner, don’t jump straight into cuddling. They may love to cuddle, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Westies have a very intelligent and alert disposition.

However, it is important to understand that no breed of dog has the natural traits to accept cuddles. There are certain traits in a particular dog that, when exploited or trained well, will ultimately lead to the development of a cuddle-friendly disposition.

As such, Westies have certain traits that indicate they are very fond of cuddling.

Nonviolent

As previously mentioned, Westies are an extremely well behaved and non-violent dog breed. Unlike other dog breeds, they do not have a high temperament. Although they respond poorly to rough handling, this is true of almost all types of canine species. Their non-violent nature makes them an ideal dog to cuddle with without fear of major consequences.

Easily trainable

Intelligent by nature, Westies are a clever dog breed. As a result, they are easier to train than most other breeds. Cuddling is one such process that needs to be taught rather than simply expecting your dog to accept it naturally. Although some consider Westies to be stubborn, they are one of the easiest breeds to teach/train when done at an early age.

dependency

The vast majority of dog breeds that are not considered “cuddle-friendly” are primarily due to their distinct natures. They often prefer to spend time alone and do not cling to attention. However, Westies have a fairly dependent nature. They are attention seekers and demand a lot of affection from their owner. This makes cuddling an ideal procedure for feeling loved and adored.

Why do dogs love to cuddle?

For dog breeds that love to cuddle, this doesn’t just happen involuntarily. Much like humans love to snuggle with their canine companion, they too have different reasons.

body heat

Dogs are naturally drawn to snuggling. How often do you see your dog snuggling with other puppies or under a blanket? The main reason dogs snuggle a lot is to keep warm.

Westies naturally inherited this trait as they were used extensively for hunting purposes and needed to cuddle each other to keep warm. Because dogs are not naturally gifted at verbally expressing their body temperature needs, they rely on their owner to let them know.

affection

Several researchers have shown that showing affection is far more important in dogs than in other pets. Studies have also shown that cuddling plays an important role in determining the strength of the bond between you and your furry companion.

You simply cannot deny the fact that dogs are actually aware of their surroundings and the type of care and affection that humans display.

In fact, a study conducted by Gregory Berns found that nearly 20% of dogs responded more positively to their owners’ praise than to good food. Of course, this means that dogs are actually aware of loving behaviors.

So if your dog shows a keen interest in cuddling, it means he feels a strong sense of affection between him and you.

Creates a stronger bond

Believe it or not, dogs use cuddling as a mechanism to form a stronger bond with their owner. How does this happen? Well, science has the relevant answer to that.

A hormone called oxytocin is released when a dog cuddles. This hormone plays an important role in promoting a comforting and calming effect on dogs. In fact, just 3 minutes of cuddling has been shown to increase hormone levels of oxytocin in both the dog and owner.

This ultimately helps strengthen the bond between you and your Westie.

In addition, the release of oxytocin in our human body has several other health benefits. Oxytocin lowers the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in our body. As such, the release of this hormone reduces stress levels, depression symptoms, and also lowers the risk of stroke.

Precautions to take when cuddling your Westie

Balance is key to every little aspect of our lives. Therefore, even cuddling can have some negative side effects if you don’t identify some key factors. Westies generally don’t respond well to violent treatment, so if you overdo the cuddling process, things may not end too well for you.

Also, not all Westies may exhibit the same fondness for cuddling. In some smaller situations, you need to check the level of friendliness and energy around the house to see if it responds positively to the snuggle.

Bear-type hugs in particular are known to cause anxiety in dogs. So it’s always better if you can avoid this, just to be on the safe side.

It’s also no secret that dogs also carry bacteria and insects around with them. As such, it’s also not recommended to snuggle up with your Westie in your bed on a regular basis. You can either give them deep baths on a regular basis to curb any sort of bacterial health issues, or you can just avoid snuggling up in your bed.

Conclusion

Westies are one of the friendliest and most responsive dog breeds when it comes to cuddling. They make adorable pets, and their friendly snuggle attitude shows their affection and willingness to form a healthy bond with their human companion.

We hope that the article was informative and helped you to clear your doubts on the topic.

When I come home from a long day outside, I miss my Sami. He’s always waiting for me. And I pick him up and hug him tight!

But does your Westie like to cuddle? Yes, they like to cuddle. However, they may not like being touched.

You see, there are some dog breeds that are natural cuddly toys, and then there are those that aren’t.

For example, just because my Sami is a cuddly toy doesn’t mean your Westie will be a cuddly toy too. You need to find out if your dog likes to cuddle or just snuggle up to you.

Do Westies like to cuddle?

Sami is one of the cutest, friendliest, friendliest West Highland White Terriers you will come across. Therefore, it is safe to assume that most Westies are stuffed animals. However, I would advise you to exercise caution when you first pick up your pup for a cuddle.

As these are intelligent and alert dogs, you need to be careful as picking them up right off the ground can backfire. To cuddle him, train him.

Fun Fact: Cuddling is not an innate trait in dog breeds, it is a learned behavior.

Even if your Westie has the qualities of a cuddly toy, teaching him to cuddle is still necessary.

Traits that brand Westies as stuffed animals

A West Highland White Terrier has the following three qualities that make him snuggly:

Sami is intelligent but also capable of learning. I asked some of my friends how long it took them to train their dogs and I found out that Sami, the smart dog that he is, learns faster than other dogs we know.

What I’m trying to tell you is that teaching your Westie to cuddle may take less time. That way, you’ll be cuddling with them in no time.

Don’t tell Sami, but he’s a stubborn dog and your Westie probably is, too. They are a stubborn breed of dog, so training them as an adult will make it more difficult, but not impossible. You will need more time. If possible, start training your puppy as early as possible.

I was lucky with Sami, because cuddling came naturally to him, but I didn’t force it either. You can see if cuddling comes naturally to your Westie too, and if it doesn’t, train him. And remember, it’s a lot easier to train a puppy to cuddle than it is to train an adult dog. If you’ve rescued an adult Westie, you expect the training to take longer and the results to be seen more slowly.

Will stubbornness ever go away? No, it will always rear its ugly head, but not as often because your Westie will be trained to let things go and jump into your arms for a cuddle. Promise!

2. Not aggressive

Sami is a good dog who likes to bark every now and then, but will he ever pounce on you? No, not a chance.

Just don’t be rough on him because he hates it. Be gentle with him and he will give you the best cuddles of your life.

Once you’ve trained your Westie, he’ll do just fine with children, too. Actually, Sami’s problem is that he’s so excited to play with kids that kids get scared sometimes 🙂

There is absolutely no reason to feel threatened or in danger.

3. Attention seekers

Sami basks in the attention just like your Westie. But aren’t Westies independent dogs? You’re right, they are, but they also demand attention from the people they love. If you cuddle them, they will love it because you are paying attention to them. Make them feel loved and adored.

Why do dogs like to cuddle?

Here are some reasons dogs love to cuddle:

1. Keep them warm

Why do dogs love to snuggle up to their owners, puppies, children and even hide under the covers with you? Cuddling keeps them warm.

Your dog can’t tell you he’s cold, so he shows it instead. What they’re actually saying is, “Gosh, I’m just trying to keep warm, not snuggle with you!” Still, no matter the reason, you get free cuddles from them.

2. Shows affection

Or maybe your dog is just trying to show affection, but you think he’s just using you to keep his body warm. Cuddling creates and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. With dogs, affection comes when you give it.

Another way to tell your dog you love him is to shower him with praise. Appreciate his good behavior and he will show it again. Praise him every time he does it so he’ll rather show it. This is how Sami and I created our strong bond.

3. Strengthens the bond

Science tells us that cuddling creates a strong bond between a dog and its owner. When you cuddle your dog, it releases the hormone oxytocin. The hormone calms and comforts your dog.

Researchers state that 3 minutes of cuddling not only releases more oxytocin in your dog, but also in you. When you both release this hormone, your bond grows stronger with every cuddle. You know why they say if you’re depressed or sick get a dog? That’s because the hormone oxytocin reduces symptoms of depression, lowers the risk of stroke, and lowers stress levels.

Get a westie so you two can cuddle endlessly. If they don’t like cuddling, you can train them. Either way, you’ll be getting plenty of pats soon. Now go and hug your sleepy dog ​​like I do in the photo below 🙂

Westies can swim, but they’re not very good at it. It’s a common misconception that all dogs can swim instinctively, and while yes, paddling the water is natural for all dogs, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Just like humans have to learn to swim, dogs have to too. Unfortunately, many dogs die by drowning every year because their humans never realized they couldn’t swim instinctively.

Can Westies swim? Yes, Westies can swim, but not well and not for long periods of time. They were not bred to swim. Their short legs and small, chunky bodies were bred to burrow through the earth to reach prey like rats or rabbits.

Westies can swim short distances in calm water or still pools but should always be supervised. All dogs must learn to swim just as all humans must learn to swim.

Westies can enjoy the water, but their owners need to be just as careful around the water with their dogs as they are with toddlers or babies around the water. There are many ways to prevent drowning tragedies, such as: B. the always empty children’s pool or fencing off deeper pools. Westie owners should equip their dogs with life jackets and know basic CPR.

But I saw this cute video of a Westie swimming

Just because a Westie has learned to swim – or even jumped off a board – doesn’t mean YOUR Westie will learn to swim. Just as some people are better swimmers than others, some Westies are better swimmers than others. It cannot be said often enough: dogs cannot swim instinctively. They have to learn to swim – even learn to “doggy paddle” and you have to take care of them while learning.

First Lessons

Never force your dog into the water. A frightened dog will freeze and not move, causing him or her to fall like a stone under water, even if the water is only a foot deep. If your dog is interested in the water, hold the first few lessons in very shallow water, such as a children’s pool.

Tips to help your Westie enjoy swimming:

Have your partner or friend nearby, ready to help.

Put a life jacket on your Westie. Choose one made specifically for dogs with a large ring at the top so you can grab it easily. Here’s our recommendation, it’s the life jacket that we Sami put on every time we take him to the river or pool.

First, put a leash on your Westie and get in the water. He doesn’t have to swim yet, he just has to wet his paws and see that there is no danger. It may take a while for him to get used to it, so be patient.

Reward your Westie for getting their paws wet with a treat, verbal praise, or a chew toy.

Enter the water slowly and encourage your Westie to follow. Holding a favorite toy is one way to get a Westie to follow you, but it doesn’t work for all Westies. Remember – every Westie is different! And they can be quite stubborn at times. What we did with Sami was make a game out of it. I got in the water and started running and splashing and having fun so he immediately followed me and ran after me. I kept doing this in small water where he could still touch the bottom so he was comfortable and enjoying the game immensely!

I got in the water and started running and splashing and having fun so he immediately followed me and ran after me. I kept doing this in small water where he could still touch the bottom so he was comfortable and enjoying the game immensely! Don’t try to do everything in one day. Take your time. If your Westie starts to get upset or just plain bored, call it a day.

Acclimate your Westie to a life jacket

Your Westie may feel offended when the life jacket is put on for the first time. Be sure to reward him with a special treat and only give those treats when he’s wearing the life jacket. So your Westie will associate the life jacket with good things. Put the jacket on the dog in your house when your Westie is tired and less likely to rub the jacket down. Leave the jacket on for a few minutes. Wear the jacket a few minutes longer each day. If your Westie doesn’t mind the jacket, it’s time to try the water.

A note on older dogs

It is easier to teach a puppy to swim than an older dog. It can be done if the older dog is interested enough. If your Westie is a rescue dog or you don’t know their background, do not force the dog into the water. Your Westie may have a traumatic past experience and has a right to be afraid. You can lead a Westie to water, but you can’t make him swim – so to speak.

Pool Security

Do you have a pool at home? Even a children’s pool? Follow these safety tips to avoid tragedy.

Cordon off all pools so the dog (or a small child) cannot accidentally fall in when you are not around.

Drain and turn over all children’s pools when you’re not there.

Place a ramp or waterproof pet ladder in your pool so any creatures that fall in have a way out.

Make sure your dog cannot get into the pool from above, e.g. B. from a terrace, a garden wall or a nearby terrace. Place a fence in this area to prevent the dog from falling or jumping into the pool.

If possible, cover your pool when not in use. If this is not possible, keep a float or life raft in the pool that your dog may be able to climb on.

Make sure all groceries are picked up around the pool. Sniffing for food is a common reason dogs may go near pools and slip in.

Brush up on the “sit” and “stay” commands. Do short sessions in your house, yard, and on walks so that if you spy your dog at the edge of a deep pool, simply yell a stay or sit and the dog should stay until you get there.

Make sure everyone in the family is aware of these rules and whether or not your Westie can swim.

Puppy artificial respiration

The worst has happened. Your Westie walked over the edge of a pool and fell in. He or she fell to the bottom. Dive in immediately and bring your dog to the surface. Don’t worry about your clothes, bag contents or anything – just get your dog. Your Westie may need artificial respiration.

Make sure nothing is in your Westie’s mouth. Pull the tongue forward to be sure.

Make sure your dog still has a pulse or heart is still beating. Lay your westie on its right side and feel the chest for the heart. You must hold the Westie in this position for artificial respiration.

Place a hand over the Westie’s mouth.

Place your mouth over your Westie’s nose and blow GENTLY. If your westie is a puppy then the head will be too small for it so put your mouth all over the snout, nose, mouth and all. Speed ​​is required here.

Notice that your chest rises and falls as you breathe. Lift your mouth away from the dog’s so your Westie can get more air.

Repeat this until the dog breathes on its own.

A note on doggy CPR

CPR performs a series of chest compressions on a dog to get the heart going again. This is a complicated procedure and requires special training on a wrong dog to practice on. NEVER practice on a live dog as you may end up breaking ribs. For small dogs like Westies, it’s okay to use your thumbs and fingers to compress your chest, rather than using full arm thrusts like a human. Only push about a quarter of the way into your chest.

After a swim

A lot of people forget this step since their Westie swam! But it’s really very important to your pup’s overall health.

Your pool or local waterhole will have chemicals, bacteria and possibly parasites in the water. This gets into your westie’s coat and skin, which is already prone to allergies. After your swim, take a good swim or even rinse thoroughly so the chlorine or other bad things don’t bother your Westie. Westies can become ill from swimming in natural bodies of water, including potentially fatal diseases.

Although your Westie may complain, a post-swim dip can be life-saving and will certainly be good for their overall health.

A month ago I would have said yes as long as they are well trained. Well my answer is no. Westies can’t be trusted off leash 100% from what I read everywhere before getting a westie but I figured my westie will be different 🙂

Sami is very well trained, he is now over a year and a half and responds to commands very well. We have two commands for “come” that he follows 9 times out of 10. But still, once in a blue moon, his “Westietude” takes over and he ignores the calls.

That’s how we realized it. Lately we have been walking Sami without a leash more often. We started to trust him, and whenever we went to the beach or our daily walks in the large wooded area near our home, we let him roam free.

However, there were two incidents that made us question whether we could trust him 100% (which every Westie parent should be asking). Twice in the last month he ran away and didn’t answer my call so I had to run after him and we even got to a point where he disappeared into the woods. Each time I had to wait a few minutes for him to reappear (good to see me by the way, no matter the world!) and the second time I vowed to myself he’d never come off the leash again.

Now the wooded area we are going to is very safe, isolated from cars and we meet very few people (sometimes none at all). Luckily the risk of something bad happening is pretty low, but there’s always this scary thought that Sami will get lost and I won’t be able to find him.

The same applies when we go to the beach. We usually go to a big beach that is almost empty (we go during the week and avoid the summer peak season) so we let it run free and enjoy. But sometimes he runs after birds or he sees a dog far away and he runs and ignores us, people scream our lungs out to make him come back 🙂 The sound of the waves also drowns out our voices at a certain point, so that’s why I’ve always been stressed.

The solution we found?

Use a really long leash when we walk him in open spaces like big parks, forests or on the beach! We had tried this before but had a rather thick and heavy leash which was uncomfortable on both ends as it was intended for larger dogs. But recently we found a leash that fits Westies (and pretty much any small dog). It’s super light, thin and 10 meters long which means he can do his zoomies with ease! While we were on the beach we even let him down on the ground which gave Sami more room to run but put our minds at ease because we could always walk behind him and grab the leash if needed. It was perfect and it made our day at the beach even happier. Just watch our video!

We are very happy with this leash and recommend it as a solution if you want to give your pup some freedom but still want to be in control. As long as there are no people around (which shouldn’t be too difficult at the moment with the social distancing we are enforcing) this leash is fine to walk.

Because no matter how well trained, there’s always a chance that a Westie will get distracted by something and run away! It can be a squirrel, a bird, a smell…

One of the times Sami ran away I suspect he caught the scent of a bitch in heat and ran to find her. In such cases, no matter how well trained he is, there is no stopping him from running.

The other time he was chasing an animal in the woods, we couldn’t tell if it was a cat, a squirrel or a mongoose (yes we have those here).

I have a busy life and I like it that way. I see life as an adventure and I intend to have so many adventures.

How Do You Choose a Westie Puppy?

Westies are a great addition to most families

So you’ve decided to buy a West Highland White Terrier, also known as a “Westie”. They are wonderful little easygoing dogs that are quick learners and generally very independent with great personalities.

Westies are adorable, but don’t confuse them with lap dogs. If you are looking for one, they may not be the right breed for you. They are notoriously independent and will not tolerate being held for very long. They like to be close to their human family but also need their own space. Generally, when a Westie chooses a sleeping area, they are looking for a private area – the area can be far from family. This sleeping area will most likely have some protection on three sides; They like to “cover their backs” when they sleep. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. If the puppy is taught to be a lap dog, he will most likely become one. However, Westies are not natural lap dogs. They like to be in charge and can be a bit distant.

How to Choose the Right Westie Puppy

Once you’ve found a trustworthy breeder, here are some tips for choosing the right puppy.

Age matters. A puppy is usually ready to go to its new home when it is eight to 12 weeks old.

You may find that all Westie puppies look the same, and they pretty much all look the same. To choose a good one, look for a puppy with a sturdy build. The dog should feel firm, with good muscle tone. His legs should also be straight.

The puppy should be active when picked up, squirming after a short period of relaxation, and ready for a little petting and snuggling.

His coat should be thick and clean.

There should be no discharge from the eyes, nose or ears, and no odor from the ears.

The eyes should be bright, with an alert look.

The gums should be moist and pink.

The dog should be active with the other puppies.

It’s a good idea to ask the breeder about the puppy’s personality. They can help you choose a dog that suits your needs and personality.

It is always wise to observe the mother for her individual characteristics. Does she seem overly shy, aggressive, or distant? Is she patient and alert with the puppies and not overly aggressive with the liter? Do the parent dogs look like they are in good health? Is their coat healthy and do they appear active with good stamina? It is well known that puppies can and do inherit traits from their parents.

Traits to look for in a West Highland White Terrier

Strong ears Fluffy, happy face Strong, short tail that comes to a natural point Males should ideally be 11 inches; Females should be 10 inches tall. The fur should be pure white. They should have a double coat: the undercoat is soft and fluffy and the top coat is somewhat coarse and wiry.

A smart Westie, free to use and share

Traits to look for when choosing your Westie

A Westie’s ears naturally perch on either side of his fluffy, happy face. At the opposite end is a perky, short tail that naturally comes to a gradual point. As an adult, it is desirable for the male Westie to be 11 inches tall (female 10 inches tall). A Westie’s coat should be pure white.

They have a double coat – the undercoat is soft and fluffy and the topcoat is somewhat coarse and wiry. This double coat is natural for the Westie. The breed was developed and bred for a tough and dangerous job – hunting and killing vermin. So the double coat gives the Westie good, natural protection, not only from the elements, but also from the claws and teeth of its prey. The dry texture of the Westie coat also reduces dog odor. Because of this dryer jacket, they require fewer baths. They can be kept clean with frequent brushing and dry cleaning (add some cornstarch to the dog’s coat and brush out after a few minutes).

Deciding whether you want to buy a man or a woman? In terms of temperament, there is little or no difference between the two, although Westie males are said to be more affectionate than Westie females. Physically, the female is smaller and lighter, making it easier to control when out for a walk or to carry when necessary.

Westie on Play Bing for free to use and share

Things to consider before buying a Westie

When purchasing a West Highland White Terrier, most pet owners prefer to purchase a young puppy and train them themselves. That can be worth it. Westies are easy to train, but make sure you’re home regularly enough to train yours properly. Keep in mind that this can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. The other option is to buy a slightly older dog that has already been trained by the breeder.

A beautiful terrier, free to use and share

How to choose a breeder

It’s impossible when choosing your particular puppy to know how they will turn out emotionally and physically. This is the best reason to find a good reputable breeder as they strive to breed healthy dogs that exhibit traits that are natural to the breed in question. When it comes to purchasing, there are three options: pet store breeders, backyard breeders, and serious hobby breeders.

types of breeders

Pet Shop Breeder: This is the worst choice you can make when buying a dog. The puppies are poorly bred and are considered commodities to be sold at a high profit. This form of breeding generally produces sickly, unstable dogs and I strongly encourage you to stay away from pet store breeders.

This is the worst choice you can make when buying a dog. The puppies are poorly bred and are considered commodities to be sold at a high profit. This form of breeding generally produces sickly, unstable dogs and I strongly encourage you to stay away from pet store breeders. Backyard Breeder: This can also be a bad choice. This type of breeder may be a Westie owner who thought it would be “fun” to have puppies. They know little about puppies and the training required. Often they are not well acquainted with the stud dogs and can give little information about their background. They are unaware of the breed’s history and their unique needs. To sum it up, they are ill-equipped to breed dogs and lack the knowledge needed to be a good breeder.

This can also be a bad choice. This type of breeder may be a Westie owner who thought it would be “fun” to have puppies. They know little about puppies and the training required. Often they are not well acquainted with the stud dogs and can give little information about their background. They are unaware of the breed’s history and their unique needs. To sum it up, they are ill-equipped to breed dogs and lack the knowledge needed to be a good breeder. Hobby Breeder: Your best bet is to find a reputable hobby breeder. They have done their homework on the breed they are selling. As a rule, they are dog lovers and do not consider breeding purely for profit. They breed for show dogs. They strive to produce and raise the best of their chosen breed. They take responsibility for all puppies produced and stand behind their dogs. You can rest assured that the dogs are healthy and have received all the veterinary care they will need as puppies along with proper training. A good Westie breeder belongs to the West Highland White Terrier Club of America and/or other well-known Westie clubs. They will most likely be involved in showing their dogs. A good breeder will ask you questions and be very picky about the homes their puppies go to. They will guarantee their pups, with an agreement to take the pup back if for any reason you find you are not compatible with it. They give you time to have the puppy checked out by a vet of your choice to make sure there are no imminent health problems and that the puppy is in good, healthy condition.

Sign of a good breeder

They have numerous testimonials from other people who have bought dogs from them, as well as testimonials from their own vets.

You should be able to answer questions about the breed and have a good knowledge of breed history.

They should provide written instructions regarding the puppy’s needs, including diet, exercise, and health care for both the puppy and adult life stages.

You will never sell a puppy too young to leave its mother.

They should give you a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and deworming that your puppy had, along with any records of any visits to the vet the puppy may have required while in the breeder’s care.

Kennels should be clean and provide a healthy environment for the dogs.

The dogs should feel comfortable with the breeder and show a good relationship with him.

The dogs in the kennels should be of good character and healthy appearance.

It is also desirable to ask questions about the health of the parent dogs. The breeder must provide you with a 3- to 5-generation pedigree and a “blue slip” to apply for the Westie’s registration with the AKA.

If you do your homework, you’re more likely to choose the right dog. The Westie is a wonderful breed. Bright, happy dogs, they bring their own special, outgoing personality and will quickly become your best friend.

Sharlee (author) on May 19, 2019:

Dear animal lover, I am pleased to hear that you are considering purchasing your Westie from a breeder. The most common health problem Westie can exhibit is skin problems due to allergies. When meeting with the breeder, ask questions about the parent dogs regarding health issues. If possible, it is advisable to actually see the parent dogs. Check the dogs for skin problems.

Animal lover on May 18, 2019:

I don’t have a Westie but we will be buying one from a breeder, are there things I need to be aware of?

Samantha on March 23, 2019:

My Westie Sir Killian Jame from Scotland is beautiful with lots of bravado and will be 2 years old in May. He’s my first and healthy as a horse. He has a 3 year old rescue nurse who is American Eskimo and 3 cats. The household is in constant motion. Pure joy

Snowpink on March 23, 2019:

My mother also bought a Westie from Tully’s Kennel, well I bought it for her as a Christmas present and she also got Addison’s disease. Her dog will also have to have expensive injections every month for the rest of her life.

Then on 03/09/2019:

Health problems were not mentioned. Westies are known to have serious skin issues that are difficult to control.

Tobi on February 12, 2019:

I have a Westie. Wonderful dog. He’s a totally happy dog. people should

have his personality Good with

people love company. And would definitely rather sit next to me than on top of me.

David on February 09, 2019:

My wife and I have sisters Sasha and Sadie May, I swear Sasha had to be born first, Sadie acts like the bratty little sister and looks for ways to torment her sister when she gets bored. Lol I’ve been blessed with them for 10 years now and couldn’t imagine life without them and when we take them for a walk I swear they actually smile, couldn’t find a dog more full of life than a Westie!

Darlene on September 30, 2018:

Yawning as a big sign… I thought when I picked my female Westie that her initial yawn when picked up was so cute! Well, in hindsight, even though I would give my life for that sweet girl, I don’t see it as such a good sign. Two years ago we almost lost her to Addison’s disease which I failed to discover while researching this amazing breed. Thankfully she recovered but now I take it as a sign when choosing a new puppy. She just can’t produce enough cortisol naturally to offset stressful situations. Left unchecked, the disease enters a “crisis” mode that can be fatal if not recognized in time. She will now get a monthly shot of Percortin for the rest of her life. Therefore, as a lover of this breed, you should be aware of my personal experience. I will always own this breed, to say the least! you stole my heart

Sharlee (author) on August 15, 2018:

I think you capture her personality perfectly. I don’t think there is a better breed. I haven’t had the heart to bring another one yet. I just lost a part of my heart when I lost Rose.

Terri Perkins on August 14, 2018:

I’ve been a Westie Mom for 31 years. I’ve had 3. Winston was tough stuff until he was almost 16. The lovely Madison was 2 days short of her 15th birthday. Now I have McKenna. She is a 1 year old puppy. Nothing in my life has brought me more joy than my Westies. You are so special. Smart, stubborn, adorable. I would never be a mother of any other breed.

Sharlee (author) on August 13, 2018:

My rose turned 17, she was like a puppy almost until she died. They are a wonderful breed. Great personalities, smart and loving.

Karen on August 12, 2018:

I’ve had Westies for over 35 years. My current girl is 13, she is blind and a dieter but she still acts like a puppy so full of life and love that she sleeps with me and loves to cuddle. They are the only dogs I will ever own. You have my heart

Tammy on May 21, 2018:

I grew up with 2 purebred Westies and now have an 11 year old Westie of my own. I have read elsewhere that they are not lap dogs and that they are aloof – I have found this to be far from the truth. All 3 were lap dogs, very affectionate and love to be held. They all preferred to sleep on one bed with us, but they will sleep wherever you want. They’re playful, energetic, and energetic—but they also nap a lot, and a good indoor tug of war will do the trick on a rainy day. LOVE LOVE them – they are the BEST family dogs!!

Sharlee (author) on May 20, 2018:

Bob, I know exactly how you’re feeling. I will never forget or stop missing my rose. Westies just have a way of making themselves popular. They are great dogs with special personalities.

Bob Kandell on May 19, 2018:

I had a Westie. Got him at 8 weeks but lost him at 11. Duncan was the best dog anyone could ask for. So lovely. I still miss him so much, even after 3 years.

Rick on 08/04/2017:

I have 2 westies both 16 years old, had them since they were 8 weeks old.

I am so blessed to have her in my life. Some health issues, allergies, 3 cruciate ligament tears, 1 is a dieter, blind, 1 deaf, still acting like puppies. Great dogs, love digging the yard, chasing squirrels, rabbits, birds, full of life

West Highland White Terriers or Westies are great dogs. They are playful, intelligent and have beautiful coats. The Westie is a white dog breed that originated in Scotland. While these are great dogs, they also need a lot of grooming to keep their hair in the best condition.

Do Westies smell less than other dogs? A West Highland White Terrier’s wiry coat is short and coarse, preventing the scent from being trapped. Additionally, the grooming required to keep this breed’s hair and skin healthy contributes to the protective factors that keep Westies from smelling.

Read along to learn exactly why Westies smell better than other dog breeds and what makes them and other terriers such great companions.

Do Westies smell less than other dog breeds?

Since wire coats have less lint and each individual hair is coarse and partially hollow, this keeps odor at bay by making it harder for particles and debris to attach. In addition, the coat itself as a whole is usually short to medium length and lies in a wavy pattern with each hair close together.

Dogs of other breeds with mixed coats or woolly and curly coats have hair that goes in multiple directions and also have more of the fluffy, softer part of the follicle that’s exposed to the elements. Breeds with these hair types tend to smell a lot more than wire or shorthair types.

West Highland White Terriers typically shed very, very little. All dogs shed some of their hair or coat, but wirehaired breeds are much less prone to it. They require proper grooming techniques, including using shampoo instead of conditioner to keep hair coarse without stripping it of the natural oils that keep it intact.

Professional care for an odorless coat

Westie grooming can be easily performed by professionals experienced with wire coated dog breeds. Oftentimes, professional grooming can be performed in our own homes, at a grooming or pet center, and even in a mobile grooming cart or van. You can also groom your own Westie. However you do it, caring for your Westie is really important for their health and for smelling better.

Professional groomers maintain wire hair by always hand stripping it with special stripping brushes or combs. Wirehaired Pointers are quicker and easier to groom than other breeds because the hair follicles are not deeply embedded in the dog’s skin and have less density to work through.

Pulling off wire hair coats removes dead hair and stimulates the skin to allow new hair to grow in. Professional groomers can also shampoo and condition a Westie, although conditioners are not usually needed or recommended as they remove important oils from the hair.

This can lead to oil buildup and other skin and hair problems, as wirehair is meant to be coarse and wavy. When a groomer chooses to use conditioner, it is usually only done when there is extra debris on the dog’s skin and hair and the dog needs a bath. In this case, a groomer will use a lighter conditioner so as not to alter the hair texture of the wirehair.

Home grooming for an odor free coat

Caring for our Westies at home can be a lot of fun and gives us time to bond with them. Following similar procedures as a professional groomer, we need a stripping brush or comb for wire hair.

These have specially designed bristles or teeth that easily pull out the dead hair while leaving new growth intact. These tools also make grooming our westies easier at the same time, making it a gentle and quick process.

There is also an option to have the wire hair removed or rolled, which is a procedure used by groomers and people who have show dogs. Both methods involve hair plucking and can be done gently and easily to keep our Westies comfortable.

Shedding of the coat is done all at once, starting with the dog’s front to back. Fur curling occurs precisely when some stray hairs can be seen that do not line up properly with the rest of the hair, indicating it is time to groom a selected area.

To either remove or roll the hair, we need to use our non-dominant hand to hold the skin taut where we want to start grooming our Westie. Then, holding a small amount of hair at a time, the dominant hand is used to hold and pull the hair down and then straight in the direction of hair growth.

Grooming powder can be used to help hard-to-grasp hair, and because wirehair adheres easily to skin, it makes grooming a Westie safely much easier and painless.

Both rolling and detaching can be done more easily if the Westie is already familiar with the process as it is sometimes difficult to keep our puppies quiet long enough to groom them this way.

related questions

Why can’t wire hair be clipped off instead?

Wirehaired type dog breeds cannot become hairy, except for skin or hair issues that a vet would recommend grooming for.

Clipping wire hair removes portions of the three sections of the hair follicle, which in turn makes it very difficult for the hair to grow back properly. It also doesn’t allow for stimulation of the scalp and skin, which can alter how and if hair grows.

What additional items can I use when grooming my Westie?

Grooming mats that help collect hair, dirt and dead skin cells in one area for easy cleaning. Commonly used grooming mats are made of silicone or fabric, but other types such as plastic can also be found.

Blow dryers that can be used after bathing and should be used with caution to avoid discomfort or skin problems. Dryers should be kept on medium or low heat, swirling from side to side as they move around the dog’s coat to dry each part evenly.

Dog nail files specially designed to protect dogs from moving parts and one of the best ways is to keep claws at a healthy length. Using a file wears down the nail evenly, much like a dog would naturally.

The AKC standard states that the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is “obsessed with no low self-esteem.”

As a matter of fact!

Along with the Cairn Terrier (“Toto” from The Wizard of Oz), the West Highland White Terrier is what many people picture when they hear “terrier”.

The Westie is everything a terrier should be. Tough, spunky, and brave, he needs his daily walks and interactive play sessions.

He is handier and friendlier than many other terriers. He can adapt to any home where he can be a full participant and busybody.

The Westie is quick to report anything amiss, including visitors, usually greeting them with a happily wagging tail inside.

West Highland White Terriers can be bossy towards other dogs of the same sex but otherwise coexist more easily with other dogs and cats than most terriers.

Rabbits and rodents, however, have busy (and likely short) lives ahead of them, along with wild creatures venturing into the Westie’s garden. He will doggedly pursue anything that moves and cannot be let off the leash, except in a safe, enclosed area.

Assertive but cheerful, with the typical stubbornness and cleverness of a true terrier, the Westie needs to be shown that you’re the boss or he may become demanding and irritable if he doesn’t get his way. He responds well to consistent discipline and to obedience training that uses food rewards.

West Highland White Terriers can be possessive of their food and toys, and they are determined diggers and barkers.

If you want a dog that…

Is small but sturdy and tough – not a delicate lap dog

Has a natural look

Requires only moderate exercise

Makes a sharp watchdog

Don’t spill too much

Compared to most terriers, they are friendlier to strangers, train better, and are more tolerant of other pets. A West Highland White Terrier could be right for you.

If you don’t want to deal with it… The dynamic terrier temperament (see full description below)

Potential aggression towards other animals – strong hunting instincts

stubbornness

digging holes

barking

Regular brushing and shearing

A significant number of potential health issues A West Highland White Terrier may not be right for you.

Keep in mind that temperament inheritance is less predictable than inheritance of physical traits such as height or hair loss. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by rearing and training.

Other properties and characteristics of the Westie

If I were considering a West Highland White Terrier, my biggest concern would be…

Staffordshire Bull Terriers and West Highland White Terriers have proven to be the most affectionate and communicative dog breeds, a new study from EUKANUBA has found – so keep an eye out for these friendly breeds at the sanctuary.

Known as the “wobbliest” breeds, Staffies show affection by allowing their owners to rub their tummy, while Westies show their love by licking, jumping and pawing. Other affectionate breeds to adopt are Corgis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Labradors, who also like to cuddle with their owners on a regular basis.

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The most affectionate dog breeds:

Staffordshire bull terrier

West Highland White Terriers

corgi

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Labrador

The study also found that 39% of Westies and 37% of Staffies share their owner’s bed.

“Although every dog ​​is different, each individual wants to be loved, and when they are, they return that love tenfold wildly,” canine behaviorist explains.

“Many dogs tilt their heads when they are keen and can show their bond with us by resting their heads on our knees or by looking for us to cuddle on the sofa. It’s important to understand how your dog shows affection so you can reciprocate for a love and happy partnership – there really is no such thing as a relationship!”

The study also found that 56% of owners said their dogs preferred hearing a female voice. Although dogs are known to be man’s best friends, the study shows that most puppies warm to a woman’s voice.

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When it comes to West Highland Terriers (or Westies) and their sleeping habits, many of us may be a little confused as to how much sleep they need and a number of other aspects. However, one of the biggest questions we dog owners could have is how early Westies wake up. Because of this, you may need to give some thought to your dog’s sleeping habits even before you actually get the dog.

It might be a simple question, but the answer isn’t as simple as many people might think. After all, it can depend on your specific dog just as much as the breed itself.

With this in mind, how early do Westies wake up? The answer to this question depends on when your dog actually goes to sleep. However, a proper sleep habit can be inculcated in them with proper training. This allows you to ensure that your Westie gets up as early or as late as you want.

Aside from when your Westie goes to sleep, there are a number of other things that can have a major impact on how early your Westie wakes up. Because of this, there are a number of things you may need to do to ensure your dog is getting as much sleep as he needs while still sticking to your sleeping habits as much as possible.

How Much Sleep Does a Westie Need?

West Highland Terriers are known for their energy they have during the day. However, with that kind of energy, they need some rest to stay healthy. In fact, like a number of other dog breeds, they need more sleep than most humans. According to a number of reports, West Highland Terriers require around 13 hours of sleep over any 24-hour period. However, you will be able to get most of that sleep during the night when you sleep.

If they sleep most of the night and get about the same amount of sleep as you, your Westie won’t need to rest too much during the day. However, you do need to take a few naps during the day to hit the 13-hour mark. Getting enough sleep between naps and the night will help your Westie be their healthy and energetic self. You should also make a note of if your West Highland Terrier is oversleeping or undersleeping, which can indicate some problems.

However, if they get around the 13 hour mark throughout the day and night then they are perfectly healthy and it will not negatively impact your dog’s health or energy levels. As with many other signs, it’s always beneficial to make sure your dog is getting the right amount of sleep throughout the day and night.

How to get your Westie to sleep properly

In order for your West Highland Terrier to sleep properly, you must first train them properly from a young age. After all, the vast majority of dogs require training and Westies aren’t much different. The only major difference is that in addition to regular training, you need to teach the dog when and where to sleep.

One of the most effective ways to do this is crate training, although you could also train them by having them sleep in the bedroom with you. However, this may not be as effective as crate training, which has become one of the most recommended ways to train a Westie when they are young.

What is crate training?

Crate training is almost exactly what it sounds like; the use of a crate (or similar) to appeal to the breed’s natural instincts. These particular instincts are geared towards ensuring that a West Highland Terrier finds a safe, secure, and comfortable place to sleep. This carried over from before the breed was domesticated and has stayed with them ever since.

This isn’t a unique idea for Westies either; The vast majority of humans and dogs need a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Using items like a crate helps appeal to that natural cave instinct; When exercise is done correctly, they will go to their sleeping area on their own when it’s time to sleep or nap.

There are a number of options for setting this up, either when you train them or even long after if you move or redecorate the house. Many West Highland Terrier owners tend to use one of two options. The first of these is placing the crate in a large enclosure. This allows the dog to play and sleep in one area. Because of this, they tend to cause less chaos when playing.

This makes this type of setup the preferred choice for dog owners; After all, less mess from your dog means less cleaning up to do every day. The second option is to move the crate to another spot in the house where you think the best place to sleep for your West Highland Terrier is. If you choose this option, you should also consider how accessible the crate will be for your Westie. After all, it makes no sense to put him somewhere he can’t get to on his own.

It should also be noted that you should not use the crate as a form of punishment. For example, you may not be able to use the crate to lock away your Westie. This is because many dogs begin to associate the crate with negative connotations. Your West Highland Terrier needs a place where he will feel safe and secure in order to get a proper sleep. This will not be the case if they associate it with a place to go if they were brave.

Sleep alone vs. sleep with owners

In general, West Highland Terriers don’t have much of a preference when it comes to where they sleep in the house. As we mentioned above they have a natural cave instinct which is why you need to make sure the area is safe and secure. When it comes to sleeping in the same room as their owners or sleeping somewhere alone, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in their sleeping habits.

However, some Westies prefer to sleep alone, while others prefer to sleep in the same room as their owners. This is because they may be more comfortable with someone else in the room at night. However, this is more of a personal preference and doesn’t affect their sleeping habits all that much.

Regardless of which choice you choose, you’ll want to make sure your Westie doesn’t wander around too much at night. This is because they need to sleep more during the day to make up for the lack of sleep at night. With this in mind, one could also argue that one should keep the bedroom door closed at night. This will prevent your Westie from wandering too much.

Whichever option you choose, make sure your Westie has their own sleeping space in the bedroom. This is due to the already mentioned cave mentality. Your dog will sleep better with his own space. Also, you won’t be too annoyed that the dog is constantly moving around in bed, which can be very annoying over the course of a night.

So how early do Westies wake up?

All of this information doesn’t exactly answer the question of how early your Westie will wake up. However, the answer depends a lot on how well you have trained your West Highland Terrier. Once you’ve properly trained your dog, he should be able to sleep when you do and follow your sleeping habits.

Because of this type of training, they should also wake up at the same time as you every morning, no matter how early or how late it is. With this in mind, it is important that you train them effectively so that there are no problems with their sleep schedule. However, it should also be noted that as mentioned earlier, your Westie will need to take multiple naps throughout the day.

However, that leaves the question of how long does a Westie sleep during the day? In short, it depends on when you go to sleep at night and how much sleep you actually get during the night. As a rule of thumb, they get a few hours of sleep during the day, but this is broken up into multiple naps. Finally, you may be wondering when should you let your Westie sleep at night? As we mentioned above, it is recommended that you teach your dog to go to bed when you go to bed. Because of this, they get about the same amount of sleep as you get during the night.

By Irena Whitfield

The number one issue with male Westies is definitely biting. And the most dangerous thing is if it continues uncorrected.

Every day I receive dozens of different questions and requests for help with various problems, and biting is the most common.

First of all, you should be aware that there are no dogs that do not bite. Every dog ​​bites under the “right” circumstances. So don’t believe anyone who tells you their dog doesn’t bite.

But we should distinguish between a puppy and an adult dog.

All puppies will bite, which is a behavior some people confuse with biting. Mouthing is a learning process for puppies, while biting is usually a corrective action that has more power than mouthing. Sometimes a puppy will gnaw too hard while playing, causing its playmate to bite back. This is part of a puppy’s learning behavior and is normal behavior.

Sometimes the puppy will nibble its owner too hard during play, just as it nipped its littermate. Again, this is part of the learning process and should not be confused with intentional, aggressive biting.

If a puppy is showing really aggressive behavior, such as B. Growls, raised lips, staring eyes and

body language is stiff and threatening, the owner should consult a dog

behaviorist immediately. Even if this behavior is reasonably accepted for the breed. If the

If the owner is in doubt, an animal behaviorist should be contacted.

Many puppy and dog owners think that unwanted behavior will go away on its own, or feel that if the puppy gets enough love, it will change. Some believe that the right kind of punishment will solve the problem.

Aggressive behavior will not go away on its own, nor will the dog get better with age. The biggest mistake owners make is apologizing or apologizing for aggressive behavior on their dog’s part

pup, and hope for the better. However, the behavior will only get worse

with age if left uncorrected in a puppy. It will only get worse as the dog grows up and gains full strength and power.

Don’t try to correct a puppy that has really aggressive problems without the help of a

professional. Many people feel that just enough love or enough corrective behavior will solve the problem. No one cares about aggressive behavior in a dog

age. Especially if it shows up in a puppy under the age of six months. That

The owner of such a puppy is foolish to try to fix this problem on his own.

Westies look like a stuffed animal, cuddly, everyone wants to play with them, but a Westie is a terrier and can be really dangerous if not “trained” well and in time.

Before you begin applying harsh measures and punishments, you should learn to understand the reasons your dog is behaving the way he does, including biting, barking, or other unacceptable forms.

In general, one of the main reasons is dominance: it depends on the breed and the dog’s position within its canine family, and of course your experience of handling it as a puppy and later. Your Westie will bite because they want to be the authority in your family.

Another major reason for lack of security and protection, simply fear:

Some dogs may feel insecure or threatened because of some of your human actions like invading their territory, pulling their ears, blowing air in their face, accepting or touching their food. They believe that these human actions can harm them.

Physical pain is another serious reason your Westie will bite: Your Westie will bite you, even if he loves you, if he is in pain from any source.

Therefore, it is imperative that you fully understand your Westie. If you want to be a successful dog owner and have a happy and healthy Westie as a family member, you need to learn to tell the difference between mule prey, play and outright aggression. Mouthing is learning on the part of the pup and all puppies will play. As a puppy grows up, some will use their mouths to express their affection for people, especially their owner. The good owner will recognize this and develop a healthy relationship with the dog.

A responsible dog owner will not tolerate aggressive behavior from a puppy, a

young adult or adult dog. A well socialized, bred and adjusted puppy or dog will thrive

no need to act aggressively. A dog that chooses to do so shows that it is so

a problem with the relationship of the dog to the human. Often it is a case where the dog has

learned to behave inappropriately in certain situations. Or the dog decides aggressive behavior is required when it is not. This is a misjudgment on the part of the dog, indicating that the dog needs training.

Never forget that dogs will do what they see fit in any situation. The best way to avoid problems is to prevent them through proper training. Now you might be wondering, “Who is the best trainer for your dog?”

They are. You know more than you think you know. You are the one who spends the most time with your Westie. You’re the one who knows him best. Your dog has studied your every move and knows what you are about to do, probably before you do it. Your dog will tell you what he’s going to do before he does it in most situations. can you read these signs How do you communicate with him so that he does what you want? If you don’t know, then here is the room for a good trainer or a psychologist.

A dog that chooses to act aggressively is a danger to itself and those around it. Aggression can also signal that the dog has a relationship problem with the human. Sometimes a puppy’s owner has unknowingly taught the puppy to behave aggressively. Because of this, I highly recommend learning as much as you can about a Westie character before adopting one.

Here are the basic steps to take to prevent or avoid biting:

1) Realize that while your Westie is plush and cuddly, it is not a toy; it is a terrier, it can be dangerous and seriously injure you. Of course you have to play with him, pet him and cuddle him, but also train him according to strict rules.

2) It is good to give him an important role in your family. He loves it and will conscientiously carry out all the duties associated with it.

3) Punish him immediately as soon as he shows signs of aggressive behavior or moods. However, avoid hitting, smacking, chaining, yelling, yelling, or otherwise being rough on him to try to teach your dog to stop biting. One of the methods that has worked successfully for puppies when they bite you is to yelp, “Ouch!” and go away It shows him that it hurts you and you don’t want to play with such a beast. Westies are very sociable and want to get on well with you, so they usually have good results.

4) Praise and reward his good manners, show him love, caring and kindness when he is well behaved.

5) In general, Westies are not dogs for children. They are not patient, they must not be hurt or stressed because they can protect themselves and bite. So do not leave children unsupervised with your Westie.

6) Normal, healthy dogs usually bite out of fear as self-defense. Therefore, it is imperative that you build credibility. Your dog needs to know that they can trust you, that you are here to help, protect and not hurt them.

7) Feed your dog good quality dog ​​food and create a loving, happy and healthy home for all of you.

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Irena Whitfield is the author of My Life With A Westie:

Real life short stories, guides to practical manual help

They will keep your Westie healthy and happy for many years to come

with you as a member of your family, answers to crucial

Questions from people with a West Highland White

terrer or planning to get one and useful resources.

http://westie.thecassiopeia.com/