Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one of the rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a chance to find a loving new home
In many ways, this is simpler than going through the arduous process of training a westie terrier puppy. However, there still are steps you will need to take.
Westies that have found their way into rescue shelters sometimes have special needs, if only an owner who is patient and understanding of the way the dog might grieve for its previous family. People who volunteer keep the dog's needs foremost, and are choosy about the homes in which they place rescued terriers. Expect an application process, an interview, and probably a home visit before you will be approved to take home a dog.
Westie rescue organizations need funds to pay for food and veterinary care while the dogs are waiting for placement, so most charge an adoption fee to cover these expenses. Additionally, you will be required to have the dog spayed or neutered, if it has not already been.
Many perfectly behaved Westies find their way into rescue. However, the stress of change, long stays in kennels, and grief at the loss of an owner, may make even the best Westie forget some of its good habits. Do not allow your adopted Westie dog to behave badly because you feel sorry for it.
West Highland White Terriers, and all dogs, crave routine. Establish a firm, consistent discipline and habits with new dog from the moment it arrives in your home, just as you would with a puppy. At the very least, you will need to train your Westie into your expectations, and out of his old ones. Do this gradually, to avoid causing even more stress.
Adopted dogs that have been abused or neglected may need continued veterinary care. If you are willing to take on the extra commitment of caring for this kind of dog, you should be prepared for the extra expense and lingering health problems. Find your veterinarian right away, and keep in close contact with him or her.
After your Westie is settled into your home, you may still expect at least one last home visit from the organization that provided your dog. Westie rescuers are determined that the terriers will be well placed. In many cases, you can turn to them for advice that will help make the adoption process a joy for both you and your dog.
(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.
Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
So you just loved that sweet little puppy that you... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
Pet Pet |