Most people are impressed immediately by the cute looks, fun optimism and perpetually positive attitude of the inimitable west highland white terrier. But despite the non-existence of the ratter westie nowadays, the westie’s terrier instincts is still very much within the dog. The westie was bred to hunt and “go-to-ground”, and one trait responsible for its sane and crazy adventures is its individualistic courage. Soon enough, all westie owners are bound to realize that they have a small dog brimming with a big dog attitude!
Westies are extremely intelligent. Their sometimes obstinate nature must be interpreted and managed properly in anticipation of possible behavior problems. Most behavior problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise. Westies can be very destructive if left unattended and bored. The ten tips below will show you how you can help still more in westie training.
1. All dogs will benefit a lot from training, but the most efficient training happens in the puppy that starts with it at eight weeks of age. The time that you yourself will spend on inculcating westie basic manners and obedience skills need to be fun. If done properly, the routine will build a solid and lasting link between your dog and you as trainer.
2. Get in touch with a tried and tested training club, school, or private obedience instructor. Examples of professionals who can give a referral are your vet, groomer, or breeder. You might also want to sit in a class session.
3. No program can be supported even for a short while by use of force or abuse. Correct dog training consists of the use of reinforcements and corrections. Besides, the timeless principle behind the best programs is that the dog repeats any behavior that gets rewarded or praised.
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 consistently just when it comes to disciplining your dog. Forgive as soon as you can. Lay off hitting or yelling at your dog.
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 be confident and calm for your dog’s sake. All family members need to share in the training program so that everybody gets to communicate consistency to the dog. But one person will need to handle most of the training of the dog.
8. Despite the demands of training, try to have regular time for sessions of attention, affection, and play. Twenty minutes of training a few times a week, or ten minutes daily are all that it takes to keep you and your dog student enthusiastic for more learning.
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.
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