The Top Ten West Highland Terrier Rescue Mistakes

Most people, who go for West Highland White Terrier Rescue, do it because they genuinely want to help by saving its life. This is a wonderful gesture, which few regret in their lifetime. In fact such is the success in most cases, that the person who goes for West Highland White Terrier Rescue will definitely convince other friends and relatives to do the same.

Saving The Life of a West Highland Terrier Is Great

The bottom line in this affair is that you are saving the life of an animal that deserves more than anything to live, be loved and cared for. This is why a West Highland Terrier Rescue a highly commendable gesture, which should be appreciated with all heart. Beware though of the mistakes you can commit while you are contemplating this move.

1. Temperament – this dog has a very independent temperament. The experience in the shelter and before it might have affected it to a certain extent. Often, with love and care, the West Highland White Terrier Rescued dog will start behaving normal soon. Sometimes it does not. So be prepared to exhibit a lot of patience and tolerance.

2. Training – the volunteers usually have the West Highland Terrier Rescued dog completely trained. Nonetheless, there will be some maladjustment, which will need more training, a lot of love and again patience.

3. Readymade pet – the volunteers in the shelter home try their best to ensure that the dog will adjust well to the new house and family. However, there could be flaring ups with this dog, since it looks cuddly but it hates to be carried; plus it has the negative experience of the shelter behind it which may bring out some of its aggressive traits of its ancestry.

4. Easy to train – these dogs may seem easier to train but they are not. In case you need specific training, you will need the services of a professional trainer.

5. Friendly and settled personality – these dogs have a dormant aggressive trait, which might surface anytime when provoked. This has nothing to do with it being trained or not.

6. Purebred dogs – there is a preconceived notion that you will never get a purebred in an animal shelter. Statistics show that more than 40 per cent of dogs in rescue homes are purebred and waiting for you to take them home.

7. Housebroken – the first things that these dogs are taught is potty training. However, on rehabilitation, they might be disoriented for a while and accidents may happen. This is a purely passing phase.

8. Health – these dogs are usually checked for any genetic defects. However, you may still have them sick due to the traumatic experience in the shelter and/or die to inappropriate diet and nutrition in the recent past.

9. No problem adult dog – once they become adults, the Westie develops a balanced personality; however, owing to its past you might experience bouts of depression or aggression – depending on the circumstances that trigger it

10. A puppy is a better option – compare the pros and cons of having a puppy with having a trained and conditioned adult. Then decide for yourself.

The above points would have broadly outlined what to expect from a West Highland Terrier Rescued dog.