westie

[tinkerbell23]

im getting a wee westie n 4 weeks...any info you could email me or personal experience would b amazing......i really want to get it right- i know u must lay down the law straight away as they are independant and will push the rules!!! xxxx

[LoftyLottie]

All I know is that they can be very naughty little dogs and, as you say, independant. They need a real firm hand. Unfortunately, so many elderly people get them thinking they are going to be very sweet and easy little dogs to look after and they are run ragged!! (The elderly people, not the dogs)

My friend had one whose hobby seemed to be rolling around in muddy puddles. Another friend had one whose hobby seemed to be biting her whenever he got told off!

However, the are very loveable and full of character and I can't help liking them. I just love terriers probably more than any other dogs because of their spirit.

Good luck! He/she will keep you fit!

[craft1948]

I got my Westie as a 2 year old re-home. He is perfectly house-trained, but has never been lead-trained so is a nightmare to take for walks.....and he's amazingly strong.
He is a lovely dog who demands a lot of attention and loves playing games.......no way can you ever ignore him. Having said that all my friends, without exception, have offered to have him if I find he's too much for me to cope with, but I'm loving the challenge..................
http://s576.photobuck...ew¤t=Casper.jpg

[LoftyLottie]

He's just lovely Craft. You are right though they are very strong. Stocky little dogs. A definite mistake for a lot of elderly people! They just see them as pretty little dogs.

[craft1948]

Lottie I have arthritis so can't walk him as much as I should. He does have the run of the garden but I also pay my neighbour's lad to take him for a long walk each evening...

[LoftyLottie]

I'm arthritic too Craft. Am having real problems at the moment and I can't manage proper walks with my very active JR cross. The yorkie is old and arthritic like me!! Fortunately I have a good neighbour who enjoys walking the JR during the week when Mr LL isn't about. We do have a good garden for the dogs to run about in too.

Here they are

http://i37.tinypic.com/2wdzi21.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/2a9r2a8.jpg

[craft1948]

they look great Lottie............I couldn't cope with 2.....

[LoftyLottie]

The Yorkie just potters about and sleeps and eats with an occasional slow walk - He's just easy. I'm like that at the moment!!!!

[tinkerbell23]

thanks guys!!!! i will post pic when i learn how and when i gt him !! mostly what i have read tht thy can be little tearaways hahaha!!!!!! as you suggest though its all part of their characters! going to have a good read up on them and enrol in a training class!! xx

ps all ur wee furry friends are GORGE
ANY name suggestions would b great!- possibly pablo or paulo after my dad paul hehe xx

[pericat]

all the dogs are just gorgeous - good luck with yours tink - a class does seem a good idea