Dog owners give up their pets for a variety of reasons, and many of them have nothing to do with animal's temperament or behavior. Perfectly loving, well-behaved Scottish Terriers are rescued every year because their owners have died, moved into retirement homes, or are suffering from ill health. Other dogs find their way into shelters because of allergies, divorce, or new babies.

Scottish Terrier rescue organizations do find strays, dogs with behavioral problems, and dogs who have not been housebroken. A dog that has lost its owner, for whatever reason, will probably grieve, so it is crucial that adopted terriers be matched with very best new owner. Rescuers will want to determine that home terrier is destined for is loving, secure, and committed to keeping dog permanently.

Being bred for using its sense of smell in hunting, a Westhighland terrier dog will do well in tracking events. In these competitions, a tracklayer walks through a specified course, leaving behind small objects that belong to Westie terrier's trainer. The track is aged, and then Westie terrier must lead its trainer through track to retrieve objects. Advanced tracking goes through or over obstacles like streams, fences, and woods, so tracking is a sport that gives a work-out to both Westies and its trainer.

Earthdog Tests are specifically designed for small terriers, like West highland white terrier, as well as Dachshunds. These tests are designed to simulate underground hunting that it was bred to perform. In simplest test, Quarry test, a man-made tunnel is constructed. It is about ten feet long, with one ninety-degree turn. The tunnel is scented, and has caged rats at far end, which terrier dog must find and 'work' - pawing and snarling at them - for at least sixty seconds. The rats are then removed before either animals are harmed. More advanced Earthdog Tests are longer, and include more turns, and false trails.