ok yeah, im probably getting one soon and i chose these dogs since they dont have many health problems…[right?] i wanted to know how much EVERYTHING will be. toys, food, bowls, shots, collars, leeshes, bones, treats, beds ect. Im buying from a breeder but do they come with shots and are they already spayed or whatever? [wouldnt that make sense since they play and are around the other sex dog while with the breeder?]
Also, how hard is it to train my [most likely just above two months] westie to use a litter box? and is it bad if hes alone for about… 8-2? my mom could always drop by at lunch to let him run and stuff and i would take him on maybe half hour-hour walks after school…. would that be fine for the dogs health?
8-2 when i head off to school and when my mom gets home. she would check up on him at like 10… and the puppy might be like 3months by the time we would have to do this [we would leave food and the radio on and stuff.]
First off, all dogs have health problems. It's just that some breeds are better known for having them. A dog from a decent breeder will be around $2,000. Then you need to have at least $2,000 set aside in case your dog ever has an accident or needs a surgery. Shots run more the first year, probably $500 would cover that, and maybe $200 the next year.
The collars, etc, are cheap compared to the Vet. bills and the initial cost of the pup.
It is not possible to housebreak or litter train a dog unless someone is there 24/7. Leaving a dog, especially a puppy, unattended leads to destructive behavior. At the very least you will need to buy a portable fence, another $100, and a kennel, maybe another $30, or your house will get destroyed.
Tags: WestieTags: Westie
Sure that would be great. Remember to frequently kick the dog in the face as this is good exercise and puppies really enjoy it.
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First off, all dogs have health problems. It's just that some breeds are better known for having them. A dog from a decent breeder will be around $2,000. Then you need to have at least $2,000 set aside in case your dog ever has an accident or needs a surgery. Shots run more the first year, probably $500 would cover that, and maybe $200 the next year.
The collars, etc, are cheap compared to the Vet. bills and the initial cost of the pup.
It is not possible to housebreak or litter train a dog unless someone is there 24/7. Leaving a dog, especially a puppy, unattended leads to destructive behavior. At the very least you will need to buy a portable fence, another $100, and a kennel, maybe another $30, or your house will get destroyed.
References :
Westies tend to be hardy, robust dogs, but like all dogs they have health issues. One of the biggest issues are skin problems in this breed. Please check this link for more information.
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/health/concerns.html
Your dog will not be altered by the breeder at age 2-3 months. Most vets spay/neuter around 6 months. A reputable breeder will give the age-appropriate vaccinations and worming, and will show you documented proof. You will still need to give the pup additional age-appropriate vaccinations. Your vet will help you with this and provide a recommended heart-worm preventative and flea treatment. Since Westies have skin issues, you will want to be diligent with the flea treatment.
Dogs don't reach sexual maturity until approximately 6 months, so the pup will not be mating with his/her littermates at the age you are getting him. A reputable breeder should have a spay/neuter agreement that you will sign. Once you show proof of spay/neuter you will be sent his papers from the breeder–typically.
I would not try to litterbox train the dog. Doing this lets the dog think it is OK to urinate/defecate in the home. The dog will not know the difference between papers/pee-pee pads/litter box or your carpets and throw rugs. Train the dog to go outside; you will be glad you did. Know that your pup can hold his bladder for the number of hours he is months old. So a 3 month old pup will need to go out every 3 hours. You may want to crate train the pup so he has a safe den area when you aren't home.
You can spend as much or as little on his dog supplies as you can afford. Don't skimp on the vet care. You may want an adjustable collar since he will be growing as he gets older. Once he is grown, you may want a more expensive collar, but know that he will outgrow at least one collar. Stainless food bowls are good–he can't chew them and they can be cleaned well. You can also use a cereal bowl or pyrex mixing bowl that you have at home. He will need a leash–make sure you put this up or he may chew it. Consider a crate. Toys are nice, but know that as a terrier he may be a chewer. My Scotties like Kongs and the Nylabone wishbone pooch pacifier. Monitor him with plush squeak toys, these can be quickly destroyed. Treats are your choice, but try to avoid ones with lots of artificial dyes since these can trigger skin problems.
I would recommend that you get him on a feeding schedule and not leave food out at all times. Free-feeding can cause weight gain and make the dog need to defecate more frequently. Good luck with your new pup. Keep reading up on Westies.
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