THE PUPPY

Once you have found a pet shop/ breeder that you trust its time to think about a puppy again. Take your time. You might have to wait weeks or even months for the "right" litter to be whelped, and it can be well worth the wait. If you are fortunate, and more than one good litter is available at the same time in your area, you can compare puppies, pedigrees and parents. You may be asked to put a deposit on the litter of your choice if the puppies are not yet eight weeks old. Good litters seldom go begging, and it is not uncommon for a choice litter to be completely spoken for by the time the puppies are eight to twelve weeks of age and ready to go to their new homes.

Be sure that the breeder knows if you want the dog for a particular purpose other than a companion (such as show prospect, a competition obedience dog, and/or working dog), and have the breeder help with the selection of the puppy. Very few litters have more than a few real "show prospects" in them, but a "pet-quality" puppy from a well-bred litter has all the potential of growing up to be a sturdy, healthy Westie of proper size and temperament.

Almost all Westie puppies are appealing, but you need to look for more than "cuteness." They should be sturdy in build, with straight legs. They should feel firm and muscular, and be squirmy and active at first when picked up, but be willing to relax and accept being held and cuddled for a short time. Coats should be clean and thick; eyes, nose and ears free of discharge or irritation; and the puppies should not be pot-bellied. Gums should be pink, not pale.

If the breeder offers you several puppies to select from, take each puppy you are considering away from the rest of its litter mates and observe its reactions to its environment and to you. Puppies at seven to ten weeks should be willing to explore their environment, and although perhaps a little bit cautious at first, they should investigate new objects and be fairly self-assured. Speak to the puppy and see if it will follow you as you move away. Roll a ball or other toy to see if it has any instinct to watch, chase, carry, or possibly even return to you with the ball.

Most Westies do not have a retrieving instinct, but you should be wary of the puppy who does not show some interest in or awareness of a moving object. See if the puppy exhibits the type of personality you would want to live with. Perhaps the bold, brash puppy that never stops getting into things would be too much for you, and the more easy-going fellow whos agreeable and a bit more receptive to your guidance would be a better choice. Again, the breeder can advise you. Remember, they have observed the puppys personality over a long period of time, while you may only have done so for an hour or so.

While observing the puppies, observe the dam as well.

Any excessive shyness or aggressiveness on her part is indicative of a poor temperament, and the puppies might inherit these undesirable traits. A Westie bitch should be watchful and patient with her puppies, and should be happy to show them to you. If the sire is available, ask to meet him too.

THE OLDER DOG

If you arent prepared to go through the trials and training of a baby puppy, an older puppy or even a mature dog can be a good alternative, especially in households in which the family pet may have to spend much of the day unsupervised. The older Westie who has been well socialized at the home of his breeder adapts to a new family readily. This is not a "one man" dog.

A Westie spreads his affection around to all the family members. There are many reasons that older dogs are available. Breeders often hold a puppy until it is old enough to determine its show or breeding potential; a brood bitch that has been bred once or twice is retired; or circumstances change and the breeder is helping someone place a much-loved pet they have had to part with. The reasons are myriad, but whatever they may be, the grown dog is available.

He may be housebroken, knows many commands, and has formed many behavior patterns. If the dog has been loved and well taken care of, he will continue to give love and devotion to his new family. Never be hesitant to take an outgoing, good-natured older dog into your home. Although it may be confused at first and cause a few problems, patience, consistency, and reassurance are the key words. The dogs self-confidence will return, and it will adapt readily to your routine.

Try to find out all that you can about the older dog that you are considering, so that you can determine if his temperament is compatible with yours. Learn as much as possible about his habits, daily routine, likes and dislikes, diet and past history. Be sure to find out if he is housebroken. It is important that all family members meet the dog before its adoption, and agree that this is the dog they want.

It is best to acquire the dog when the household member with primary responsibility for the dogs care and training will be at home full time for the first few days. Time must be taken to make clear that the dog knows where it is to sleep, relieve itself, where and when it will eat, and what it can and cannot do in the house. In short, it has to learn the routine it will be following and what is expected of it.

Give the dog a month or so to settle in to its new environment and gain confidence in its new owners before beginning formal obedience training. Even if the dog has had some obedience training, attending class is an excellent way to brush up on its training and help you understand its responses and personality more completely. Youll enjoy working together.

If you rescue a mistreated or abandoned West Highland White Terrier through a Westie Club Referral/Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)/ Canine Love (k9) service or a humane society, and give it your affection, it will reward you with eternal love and gratitude. These dogs may well be of unknown background, and bring you a few more problems than those with a more favorable history, but the rewards can be great.