08 Mar 2008 12:28:06 | Jeff Cuckson
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing
games with your west highland white terrier pups creates an
opportunity to train them to obey your commands, gives them
valuable exercise, and helps to build their strength,
coordination, and agility. It is also fun for everyone.
Before you start playing games, there are some rules you should
know, and safety precautions you should take. Your pups need to
really run, not just walk on a leash, but be sure any area you
play in has a fence. If they are city dogs, try finding a
fenced-in tennis court for play. As a last resort, keep the
puppy on an extra-long line. You do not want them to wander free
until you are certain they will return on your command.
Never encourage your west highland pups to jump. The young bones
are fragile, and not able to bear the stress of jumping until
the growth plates are fused. Games like Frisbee, or serious
agility training, are for older dogs, although there is still
much you can do with your westie puppies by having them working
at ground level. If you are eager to start these kinds of games,
at about one year of age you can take your westies to their
veterinarian for an x-ray, to see if the growth plates are
completely fused.
Westie pups first learn to play in the litter by roughhousing
with their littermates, but at six to eight weeks, the mother
westie begins to discourage this behavior. You should discourage
it as well, by never roughhousing in ways that allow them to
bite, nip, or claw at your hands. A nip from a puppy may seem
harmless, but if a full-grown westie nips, you have a behavior
problem. It also teaches them that they can dominate you through
aggression. If they do manage to get a nip in during play,
discourage it in the same way dogs do, by imitating a 'yelp'
sound.
Always remain in control with your pets. You want to teach them
you are the 'alpha-dog.' Towards this end, never reward them by
chasing after them when they run away from you. Instead, 'hide'
from your pups, making them come after you. Tug of War games are
good, but never allow the dogs to take the tug toy from you. You
should be in control of it at all times, deciding when to end
the game by taking it from the dog with a 'give' command. Never
allow your west highland terrier puppies to grab a ball or other
toy from your hands.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to
various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or
other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes
only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided
by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information
contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You
should always consult and check with your own vet or
veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
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By Jeff Cuckson
