4Yr Old Rescue Westie Growling And Snapping.

[peachybabe]

I have just taken in a 4yr old Westie male, intact from a rescue centre (had him 5 days now). I also have a 2 yr old Staffy x bitch, spayed. The staffy x is EXTREMLY good natured, loves everyone and loves all the other dogs that she has ever met. Plays with everyone! The male Westie is also a lovely boy in general, but has a couple of typical Westie traits, including being possessive with toys. The bitch has really taken to the Westie, and has been very tolerant of him, but sometimes the dog snaps and snarls at her, especially when she tries to play. Now, I consider myself a very experienced dog owner, had many different dogs of all ages over many years, and often more than one at a time. I suppose I'm just looking to see if my theories about the current "problem" are correct. I think that the new rescue is currently feeling unsure in new surroundings, that being an intact male isn't doing him any favours at the moment (he's due to be castrated in a couple of weeks) and that he is pushing to be top dog. I have no intention of sending him back, as I believe these problems can be overcome with time, patience and castration. Am I being too soft? I know it's early days, but any advice or opinions would be gratefully received.

[silliemillie]

No I don't think you are being too soft at all, the poor little mite needs time to find his feet, it must be traumatic to have to go to a new home.

So many people give up at the first hurdle if the dog does not instantly fit in.

You are not going to do that so he will soon learn that he is with you for keeps.

Good luck & keep us updated.

[woofgang]

I don't think he's pushing to be top dog, I think he doesn't know what the setup is and he feels that attack is the surest form of defence. If you haven't already, then take up all the toys and make your lovely girl give the lad some space...he DOESN'T want to play. If it was me I would set him up a bed in a corner that is his alone and let him know that when he goes there, no one disturbs him, not you, not your lovely staffie, no one. Gradually he will become more confident and need to spend less time in his bolt hole. Bless you for taking on this needy boy.

[pussnboots]

I so admire anyone who takes in a rescue dog, it can be very difficult. I am a cat person and rescued two cats 12 months ago, one is about 10years the other is about 2 years old. The older cat is very affectionate but the young one is frightened of it's own shadow, I put that down to it being left to live wild as a kitten. I just hope that with time it will eventually trust us.

[nungate]

you'll lots of patience. Westies can be lovely dogs but they can also be a "wee wick" as we say (bit grumpy, possessive and bad tempered) just like a lot of terriers. He should settle down in time and having his "pockets picked" should also help, but as others have advised give him his own quiet place where your Staffie isn't allowed. He has to recognise that you are the leader of this pack and he needs to learn his place in the pack. Try to spend a little time only with him and make the usual fuss etc. But at the end of the day it'll take time for him to settle and find his place in your family.
Just remember life is merrier with a terrier!

[peachybabe]

Thanks everyone. This is the third rescue dog I've taken in. The staffy x is a rescue too. I often think that they are some of the best dogs I've had.

[peachybabe]

Quick update on this. Alfie the Westie has settled down WONDERFULLY! It seems like he has been with us for years! As silliemillie said, dont give up. I never intended to, and my faith in love, kindness and patience has proved yet again that its rarely a bad dog, just bad owners!