Dog Community

Westie question

Posted : 10/1/2006 7:32:53 PM

I'm looking to buy a Westie. The one we're interested in is very timid. Shes runs when you try to pick it up. But.....my daughter and wife both love the dog. Will the dog grow out of this type of behavior?

Katie M.

Posted : 10/1/2006 7:37:57 PM

Most likely not. That is very un-terrier like behavior. My Westie was like that, but my fiance' took him anyway. He was socialized and trained properly, but yet is a fear biter and is a resource guarder. Especially since you mentioned you had a child, I wouldn't recommend it.

whatsh0uldmyl0ginbe?

Posted : 10/1/2006 9:08:46 PM

Westies are a BIG commitment. They require alot of excersise which increases as they get older. (Less naps = more exercise) Westies are also good pets, but there probably won't be a big chance that she will completely grow out of it if she does at all. Does she act scared (ears down, tail tucked) when she runs away? My westie runs away, but is obviously playing (tail up, barking, and taunting me to come closer).

Good luck with your decision!

Jenn D

Posted : 10/1/2006 10:12:48 PM

djm welcome

I have had westies in my life for as long as I can remember. We actually have a litter of 7 week olds right now

I wouldn't recommend getting a westie that is fearful. It would make me think that those pups either weren't handled enough, or that it is going to be a very fearful adult. Terriers in general are a curious breed, most will come right up to you and want to know who you are. They actually are usually demanding of attention. If you don't mind, who are you getting a westie from (my parents have been involved in breeding for many years and I could let you know if they are a reputable breeder, unless of course you have already checked them out).

daniel murdock

Posted : 10/2/2006 5:33:20 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I;m sure it helped in choosing the right dog. I know the dogs were well taken care of because I work with the breeder, who is a nice lady and kind of an animal nut...Her cubicle looks like a rain forest and her house looks like a zoo. Animals everywhere...So.....its up to my wife and child now.

Thanks again

Julie Stevenson

Posted : 10/2/2006 5:59:27 AM

It is not likely to ever *completely* get over it, but things may improve quite a bit - as others have said, it's a big commitment!

Dean Lee

Posted : 10/2/2006 11:08:07 AM

I have a westie,too.
But she has skin problem...
It bothered me for a long time.
It still doesn't cure.
The vet said it can't be cure... can control only.
So sad.
She was very cute!

Jenn D

Posted : 10/2/2006 11:25:50 AM

Sonnhwon,
what kind of food do you feed? A lot of westies are prone to food allergies so if you get a brand that is low in grain it should help a lot with the skin condition. Also, westies can be highly allergic to fleas that can cause hot spots and cause hair to fall out. We give our crew brewers yeast daily and have only had one flea in 5 years