Westie

Westies and Toy Yorkie Can Live Together?

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Hi. I have a male toy yorkie his name is Koko and he is 4 years old. I was wondering if I can buy a westie and if they get along. If so what should I get a male or female?

Usually there would be no problem and I recommend getting a female.

How Can I Train My Westie Girl and at What Age Should I Start?

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

First time with a westie

Puppies should go home at 7-8 weeks and immediately start both housebreaking and obedience. For housebreaking, see my answer at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110321204022AAOaU3P

It isn’t meant for pets, but the best advice on the net I have found for obedience is http://www.guidedogs.com/site/DocServer/puppy-raising-manual.pdf

West Highland Terriers on an Episode of Pick a Puppy?

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Were westies on an episode of pick a puppy? A link where I could watch would be nice too. Thanks.

Yes, they were featured in episode 15. :) I think the episode was called "the Puppy Pact."

Is It Safe to Use Straw for Bedding in My Westies Outdoor Kennel?Would It Be Better Than Blankets?

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

It just seems to me that straw may be better as blankets can get wet very quickly.
He doesnt LIVE outside but I like to let him have a run around the garden during the day,we’ve had a really mild winter this year so cold isnt an issue thank goodness.

Yes.
&
YES.
Plan on way more grooming.

Can You Fit a Full-Grown West Highland White Terrier Into a Dog Purse?

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

And/or could you buy a dog purse they could fit into?

westies range in weight from 13 to 22 pounds … i have a 14 pound dog and she does have a carrier i use to take her on transit … but she is heavy to carry … i could not imagine carrying a 22 pound dog in a dog purse … the carrier i have is for up to 25 pounds but my 14 pound dog just fits … i think it is doable but would not be enjoyable …

Westie’s Skin Is Black Underneath?

Monday, December 12th, 2011

I just got my West Highland White Terrier (3 years, female) groomed. Shes been an outside dog for the past few years. After the grooming, I wanted her inside. I noticed, her underbelly and inner legs are dark. Somewhat black skin colored. The rest of her skin is normal, except for her underbelly, etc. Is this something I should further worry about? I’m already worried, but unsure.

Is a West Highland White Terrier Right for Me?

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

I have done much research but have found conflicting responses. I will be having a baby brother around the house, and my mom has allergies, we travel a lot too.

Westies need frequent haircuts at the grooming shop (every 6 weeks) to keep looking like Westies. They get dirty very often (they are terriers who love to dig in dirt) and never stay white for long. They are prone to allergies that cause them to lick their feet, leaving permanent brownish saliva stains. They need a lot of exercise and they bark a lot. Westies are happiest when hunting rats or mice. Like all terriers, they can be nippy. You can’t train out instinct.

Ask yourself: Can I afford to pay $45 (guesstimate price) eight or nine times a year? Do I mind that my dog will look dirty and discolored most of the time? Will anyone in my family object to the dog digging up the yard, or possibly bringing dead rats/mice into the house? Will I be able to afford to pay for the (expensive) allergy treatments my dog may very likely need? Are we a tolerant, easy-going family who won’t mind the bark-bark-barking? Are our neighbors and the people we visit okay with the barking, too? Will someone watch my baby brother EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY so he won’t get nipped or bitten? Will my mother’s allergies be made worse by exposure to dog dander? How much does it cost to take a dog that size with us and what special equipment will we need to buy (airlines approved crate? pickup truck cross ties? doggy seatbelt?). If you travel by bus or train, how will the dog travel? Which months do the airlines in my area refuse to take pets due to the hot or cold weather? Do the places we will be staying at while traveling allow dogs indoors? What does it cost to take a dog to a hotel/motel and what are the size restrictions? If I can’t take my dog along when traveling, who will take care of it for me and what will it cost? Can I afford that? If my dog gets hurt while being boarded or traveling with us, what do I do? Will I really be able take my dog for a run every day? Who will exercise my dog when I am sick or away? Who will brush and comb the dog between grooming visits to keep him or her tangle-free? Will a dog fit into my life at all right now?

How to Use the Bark Collar

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

How to Use the Bark Collar

Barking among dogs is a form of canine communication in the same way that we speak in languages. Dog owners consider barking a normal thing, but even they can be distressed if their dogs bark too much, too loud or at inappropriate times at the day or night. Here comes the Bark Collar to the rescue of harassed dog owners and their neighbors! In order to benefit of the bark collars, dog owners should know what they are and how they work. Bark collars are electronic devices attached to usual dog collars, used to keep these animals from barking excessively or inappropriately. People consider barking to be excessive or inappropriate in relation with the type of neighborhood, the time of day, and the reasons of this behavior.

The electronic bark collars are training tools that use aversive stimuli. The aversive stimuli consist in a warning beep followed by a mild electric shock, and they are delivered from the collar when the dog barks in excess. The dog will soon associate excessive barking with the unpleasant feelings induced by these stimuli, and will stop this behavior.

When the dog owner uses the bark collar on its pet, many benefits reveal for both the owner and his neighbors.

• It can be used to train a dog in proper behavior especially at night when the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet since the people are fast asleep. Your dog will no more be barking at the moon and wake you or your neighbors at odd hours.

• The electric shocks can be adjusted based on the training needs, discipline level and size of the dog. For greater dogs, like the Great Dane, which also like to bark and have a loud voice you will surely apply higher settings than for a small sized dog like a Yorkshire terrier, which only occasionally barks when it bores. You may have to experiment with the settings starting from the lowest one until your dog benefits from the aversive training technique.

• The dog will not be completely restrained from barking; most of the bark collars are set to allow the dog to bark if it has a real reason, like the presence of some intruders in the middle of the night or other type of dangerous situation. One popular method is when the collar automatically shuts off when the dog barks for at least 15 successive times in 30 seconds. You should then be able to respond in an appropriate manner such as looking for the source of the dog’s agitation.

• These bark collars are adjustable; you can very easily adapt them to perfectly fit to any size of your dog’s neck. The most usual material used as support for these dog training electronic devices is leather.

So many dogs have this annoying habit of yipping and yapping at anything and everything, no matter the time of day or night, and their owners will be glad to invest in such useful product, because the Bark Collar is the most appropriate tool they can use to train their dogs proper behavior.

Avoid harassement of your neighbors using the Bark Collar. Train your dog proper behavior with the Bark Collar. These are comfortable electronic devices.

What Is the Westie Dog Breed Like?

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

What is the Westie Dog Breed Like?

Westies are a dog breed that immediately bowl over the faint-hearted with their charming recklessness and gentlemanly swagger. Also known as west highland white terriers, this small terrier has a smart-alecky appearance, wide piercing eyes, bullet-shaped body, and smart intelligence that ships with large amounts of self-esteem. He is too independent to be a lap dog, but immensely appreciates being acknowledged. He can be easily trained though, and with patience and reinforced training can be an ideal obedience dog, as some clubs have verified.

Prepare everyday to get a good laugh or be impressed by your westie. His first hobby is going after the scents of real or imagined vermin (his target for hundreds of years already), and will make quick or long-winded sorties into bushes, garden beds and lawns. They can be territorial, which is bad news for the loitering neighborhood pets. He also likes to watch anything furry among the trees above. In sum, these otherwise angelic looking dogs literally cannot wait to lay their paws and teeth on many an interesting critter!

Baby puppies get a kick out of moving earth (read: digging lots and lots of soil), and chewing anything that catches their fancy. So hang on to your garden and put up some really strong barriers. But your westie will still need all the training he can get, so training needs to start the moment the puppy arrives. As dog owner, show the dog that you are leader of the pack, and this will help tone down dominance tendencies early on in your westie.

The westie is currently a perfect fit for all families. He is hardy, and is a sociable little dog that does not want to be left alone. This dog enjoys brisks walks on the lead, traveling by car, warming the couch, or just being closest to his favorite human. Nothing can seem to dull the curious edge of this dog, and is always investigating things, full of fun and mischief. If all goes well, this terrier can live up to twelve to eighteen years. Older people may take time to appreciate this loud dog full of antics, but children and teens are sure to be held captive by the breed. Nevertheless, if an older person wants to own a westie, the best thing to do is for that person to meet a breeder who can look for a “past the puppy” age companion that would be satisfied with walks and life in a one-on-one household.

Richard Cussons believes that westie dogs make great household pets. Learn more about westie training at westiesavvy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-the-Westie-Dog-Breed-Like?&id=2644634

How to Care for a West Highland Terrier ?

Saturday, November 26th, 2011

My parents are planning on getting one and I need to know how would we care for it. Food, housebreaking, toys, etc.

West Highland Terriers (or Westies) are great dogs, I’ve actually had one a few years ago. Remember if you are planning to get a Westie, I recommend purchasing from a reputable breeder. Do NOT purchase one from a pet store or any low quality breeder.

First and foremost, spend a great amount of time with your West Highland Terrier! Like all dogs, they can get lonely have what is called "separation anxiety" which is very hard to get away. It’s almost like depression for dogs. West High Land Terriers are really energetic dogs so you really need to play with it often and exercise.

West Highland Terriers have a short haired double coat. Brush daily to prevent any fur from getting into your home. Remember to bathe only when necessary. Too much bath times and your dog’s skin can dry out real easily.

To pick out your dog food, check with your veterinarian. Does your dog have any allergies to anything? I would never advise to get food brand recommendations from your vet because they are actually paid to "advertise" brands. Make sure to not find any brands that have any cheap fillers such as grains. Low quality brands also often have meat in the first ingredient. And never EVER give your dog human food. As delicious they are to us, they can be very poisonous for them.

As for the housebreaking, I recommend articles on them online. Keep in mind to never use puppy pads. Puppy training pads can actually make your dog eliminate in your house even though there is no pads. It can be really unsanitary.

For the toys, It really depends on your dog. I’d suggest going to your local pet supply stores and find out what your dog like. To find out what they like, let them try out some toys at the store. If your dog plays with it and shows affection to it, you should buy it. In general, most dogs usually go for the squeaky toys. They’ll drive your dogs crazy for that toy!