New Owner of Westie puppy

[michelle35]

I have a new westie puppy called lola she is 12 weeks old, we have had her for 3 weeks and are still getting used to having a puppy around.
I havent had any experence with westies but have had other dogs,
i am looking for advice as problems arise (which I am sure they will !)

Lola makes a funny grunting noise as she runs full pelt through the house she sounds almost piggy, can anyone tell me if this is normal, she is quite a chatty pup and makes groaning noises often which the vet says is normal.

Would like to chat with other owners about the breed,
michelle35

[westieworld]

Hi michelle35

Thanks for joining the forum (not very active at the moment).

The noises you describe are perfectly normal. My Westie Jock just loves "pleasuring" himself by rolling about on the carpet, rubbing himself all over with it, while making noises I can only describe as similar to roaring, snarling, and sneezing, all at the same time. We were worried the first time he did it, as my wife Jan is epileptic, and she thought he was having a seizure!

The only things you need to watch out for with a Westie are bathing in very kind shampoo (we use Johnsons No-Tears Baby shampoo, but this may not suit all dogs), as their skin is more sensitive than many other breeds, what with the double coat. Also, monitoring them with small children, and especially any small and furry pet animal (cat or rabbit size downward), as their temperament is such that they may not tolerate too much interference from other species they see as same "pack" level (usually, children have to learn from a young age to be "alpha males/females", or joint pack leaders).

Their inbred instinct is to chase small creatures - they are "working" dogs who need to expend energy in order to relax at home and to eat properly (they are best fed after a walk, for instance). They need at least two half-hour walks or three 20-minute walks each day. If you do have a cat or rabbit, be very aware of the Westie mindset. They were bred to chase prey for a master through very tight holes and gulleys, and so, once in pursuit of the animal, they will not usually stop until they have hold of it in their jaws (the first time Jock got hold of a young pigeon, which had been gently hopping along the ground between the trees near our house, he stopped dead with it in his jaws, not really knowing what to do next - luckily, I had already taught him the words "No" and "Leave", and the lucky bird flew off).

It is possible to familiarise them with the family cat through gentle introductions and firmness. For the first fortnight or so they should be supervised together at all times. In the case of rabbits, never let them out onto the lawn or into a wire run unsupervised while the Westie is out also (a wire run is nothing to a determined Westie). They should be kept locked in their sturdy hutch. Hamster/guinea pig size pets should never ever be let out with a Westie, supervised or otherwise - if the Westie strikes, it could kill the smaller creature outright before you can stop it.

As with all dogs, the Westie is expected to be the lowest member of the family pack, although loved and cared for just as much as a human baby might be. Given the opportunity, your dog, when older, will try to be top dog in the pack you call your family, unless shown otherwise by firm persuasion (not bribery) and fair treatment.

You or your other half (and your children eventually) do not have to rule by iron fist, but it is only fair to the dog to show when they are in the wrong. The easiest discipline I have found is the word "Bed", and it is the first human word I taught Jock, even before "Sit". Always provide a special place (a cheap plastic dogbed with suitable cushion or blanket is fine) which they can see both as their refuge and their holding cell. And they must go to it without question when told to. Once in it, no-one, especially the younger family members, should try to invade, as this is a threat to most dogs.

The Westie in particular should not be left on its own more than about 4 hours at a time, so is not ideal for fulltime working individuals, though usually a routine can be established where one of you is around within that timescale.

Other than that, it'll prove to be very easy to love, and be loved by, your Westie - I wouldn't be without our Jock.

Best wishes

Lee.