Once upon a time, not so very long ago, an intrepid explorer named Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm embarked on a journey to breed the perfect Scottish Terrier. Although he wasn’t searching for gold or hunting for lost cities, his quest was no less daring or exciting. Along the way, he faced the kind of challenges that would make anyone else throw their hands up in defeat. Yet, despite his trials and tribulations, he succeeded in his mission. The fruit of his labor? A boisterous, outgoing, and, yes, occasionally headstrong dog known as the West Highland White Terrier.
Have you ever witnessed a Westie chasing a squirrel up a tree with relentless determination? Or seen them turn the muddiest blanket into a playground with their endless energy? Then you know that these pint-sized Scottish terriers pack a huge personality punch. But does this frolicking bundle of energy make for a challenging pet? This is a query that has plagued many a potential pet owner. And the answer to this riddle lies in understanding the very essence of a Westie’s character.
Let’s start with this little-known but fascinating fact: West Highland Terriers were bred to hunt vermin! They were designed to be tenacious and a little stubborn so as to track down and corner their prey. These traits have carried over to the domesticated Westie we know and love today. Thus, it’s crucial to understand that owning a Westie means guiding and managing, not eliminating, these characteristics.
So, is a West Highland White Terrier a difficult dog to own? In a nutshell, the answer depends on your perspective. If you’re someone who thrives on routine and predictability, a Westie might indeed prove to be a touch challenging. Yet, if you love spontaneity and have a sense of humor, a West Highland White Terrier might just be your new best friend.
Let’s delve a little deeper to help make this crystal clear.
The Westie is an incredibly intelligent breed, which means they pick up new behaviors quickly. This is great when you’re trying to toilet train them or teach them to sit before you place their food bowl down. However, it also means they’re just as apt to learn undesirable behaviors. So if you have a habit of leaving your sandwiches within dog-nose range, be prepared for your savories to go missing, long before you realize they’re gone!
This brings us to a fundamental piece of advice: “Train the dog, but also train yourself!” Be consistent with your rules and boundaries. Can your Westie sneak onto the couch when it’s raining because they look adorable? Of course! But make sure this habit doesn’t become the norm unless you’re happy for your fur-baby to have free reign of your furniture.
What about the notorious Westie stubborn streak you ask?
Well, the key to outsmarting a Westie’s determination is to make them believe that following your instructions was their idea all along. How does one achieve this, you ask? The magic lies in positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and lots of love to persuade your Westie that obeying your commands is the best thing since sliced bread.
Here’s a delectable trick: If you want to teach your Westie to sit, try using their favorite chewy treat. Hold it just above their nose and move your hand back over their head. As their nose lifts and head goes back, their bottom should naturally move down into a sit! Say “Sit!” as you do this, so your Westie understands the connection. Remember to reward them immediately afterward with the treat and lots of praise.
So, at first glance, a Westie may look like a charming little cloud on four legs, which they indeed are, but remember there’s a sharp mind lurking behind those adorable eyes. Always be one step ahead, and turn their intelligence and curiosity to your advantage.
And finally, a Westie’s boundless energy can be another point of consideration. When it comes to exercise, this little dynamo can put some of the larger breeds to shame. Regular walks are a must, and playtime is non-negotiable. Their hunting instincts might just kick in during a game of fetch, so be prepared for amusing displays of agile antics and acrobatics.
While this athletic performance gears them up physically, they also need mental workouts. Intelligent breeds can quickly get bored, leading to destructive behavior. Puzzle games and interactive toys can be a great help.
Wrapping up, owning a Westie might be a touch challenging, but it is also rewarding. Their audacious tenacity, matched with their infectious charm and intelligence, turns the challenges into a delightful journey of discovery. With a dash of consistency, a tablespoon of patience, and an overload of affection, owning a Westie will be a joyous experience. Conclusively, this adorable bundle of energy is not really ‘difficult’ but simply a wee bit ‘spirited!’. Ends
