westie pup 8 weeks old?

I'm not trying to be harsh on you like the others, but next time you should seriously do your research first :)

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a.htm -Find the Westie (West Highland White Terrier) on the site and research on it.

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/

http://leerburg.com/

Check out those sites, they have very helpful info. If you have any questions, feel free to email me about anything!

Good luck,

Rachel

I do not know about a westie specifically, but i have raised many dogs and one even from a day old. Crate train your dog. It is best for you and your dog. Dogs love small confined spaces, especially if you outfit it with toys, and bones. If you get the puppy used to the crate it will be easier to train him or her in the long run. I crate trained my 8 year old and he is so well behaved my friends want to snatch him from me all the time. I never have a problem when I need a babysitter. In the end a puppy is a puppy they just want to play, chew, and give kisses.

Sure, here's at least a start..........

http://www.akc.org/breeds/west_highland_white_terr...

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm

Have fun with your new buddy!

You SHOULD have done Reaserch BEFORE you Adopted her.

West Highland White Terriers are game and hardy little terriers, which are easy to train. They are fairly friendly toward strangers and get along well with children. They are lively and extremely self-assured toward other dogs, but will not pick fights with other dogs, if their owners know how to display proper leadership. They may chase a cat for fun, and need to be corrected if they do attempt this. Robust, friendly, cocky and spunky. Westies just love companionship. Despite its size, they make a very good watchdog. These little dogs are easy to travel with. The Westie likes to dig and bark. If a Westie is allowed to become the pack leader, they may snap when irritated and be combative with other dogs. A lack of leadership on the owners part can cause many behavior problems, such as biting, guarding food and furniture. A Westie who has an owner who knows how to display firm, confident, consistent, leadership will not experience these behavioral problems. These problems can be corrected once the owner becomes the dogs true pack leader. Do not allow the Westie to develop Small Dog Syndrome.

Health Problems

Most are fairly healthy. Some are prone to chronic skin problems, Perthe's disease (hip problems), hernias, liver disease, and jawbone calcification.

Living Conditions

West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise

These little dogs, need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

Grooming

The harsh, straight, short-haired double coat is fairly easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Simply brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush. Brushing should keep the coat clean, so bathe only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The whole coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice a year.

How long will it take to find the right Westie for me?

You may have to wait six months to a year to find the right Westie for your family. Keep in mind that a Westie will be a member of your family for the next 12 to 16 years or more and is well worth waiting for, if this is THE BREED for you.

While you are looking, you can be gathering the many things you will need when you bring the new addition home. Books, toys, a crate, a pen, feeding dishes, grooming tools, etc. all take time and money to acquire. You will also need to check and repair your fence and "puppy proof" your home. All of these activities will help fill the time while you wait for your new family member.

Are they good with children?

This is highly dependent on adult supervision and the age of the children. If the adult in charge has taught the children proper respect for the puppy’s rights and care of the puppy, Westies and children can be a happy combination. Children, particularly 10 and older, can enjoy playing a good game of soccer or catch with a Westie. They are sturdy for their size.

No child should be the primary caretaker of any dog. This must be an adult’s responsibility.

Westies are not recommended for the home where children from the entire neighborhood gather to play. This can lead to too much excitement for a Westie and may lead to unintentional nipping.

What do they cost?

The price of a companion quality Westie puppy varies significantly depending on where you live. The cost averages less than $100 per year which is not a lot compared to the annual maintenance cost of a dog. Westies have small litters (average is 3.5 puppies per litter). Stud fees, shipping, pre-breeding tests, veterinary expenses, occasional Caesarian sections, vaccinations, feeding, and toys are all costly. Money from the sale of puppies does not cover all of these expenses, let alone the time invested for good care and socialization. Young adults and rescued Westies cost considerably less and usually make wonderful pets.

Do they bark?

They are not yappers, but they do like to bark to announce a visitor. Early training and adequate attention will lessen the chance of obnoxious barking.

Do they make a good lap dog?

Many do; however, some Westies are too independent to be held for long periods. While they like to be in close proximity, most find a corner of the room or a spot near a heater vent to be ideal. However, there are some exceptions and it has nothing to do with the sex of the dog.

Are they smart/intelligent?

Yes! They also get bored very easily.

Are they easy to train?

Westies enjoy pleasing their owners. They are not stubborn, but may express their independent nature on occasion by demanding "What’s in it for me?". Patience encouragement, praise, and rewards such as treats or play may be required to train new behaviors.

Are they easy to housebreak?

Yes, they like to be clean. Puppies which have been kept clean during their formative period should be easy to housebreak. A crate and a pen are useful tools for housebreaking.

Do they dig?

Can I train him not to dig? Yes, they may dig; they were bred for going to ground so digging is natural for terriers. If a Westie has the instinct to dig and hunt, he is not easily discouraged.

Are they hyper?

No; but they are energetic. "Laid back" is not descriptive of the Westie.

Are they obedient?

They can make good obedience dogs with proper training. Modern training methods are very effective with Westies. There are many excellent books and videos on training and your puppy’s breeder should be able to refer you to local puppy training and obedience classes.

Do they like to travel?

Yes! They like to go with you. Puppies need to become accustomed to the car at an early age. A crate is his seat belt. "Crate for safety!"

Do Westies like to swim?

Some do but they MUST be supervised. Swimming pools can be a death trap for any dog. They can not get out! Also, chlorine is very hard on the coat and skin.

Do they like to hike?

Do they like to go on boats? They like to share in your activities. There are backpacks and life preservers especially for dogs. And don’t forget a good quality collar and leash.

Are they good with other animals?

Dogs? Cats? Every situation is unique. Westies can get along with other animals under the right circumstances. Dominant, male Westies often have difficulty getting along with other unaltered male dogs.

Are Westies hypo-allergenic?

The AMA reports that Westies have relatively low dander (ranked number 7) and may be acceptable for individuals with asthma or allergies.

Do they shed?

They do shed a little. However they do not shed profusely and their hair is easily vacuumed or removed with a lint brush. Regular brushing will reduce shedding to a minimum.

Do they run or roam?

Yes. Westies are hunters and even the most well-trained and obedient W