Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one of
rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a chance to find a loving new homeIn many ways, this is simpler than going through 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 way dog might grieve for its previous family. People who volunteer keep dog's needs foremost, and are choosy about 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 dogs are waiting for placement, so most charge an adoption fee to cover these expenses. Additionally, you will be required to have dog spayed or neutered, if it has not already been.
Many perfectly behaved Westies find their way into rescue. However, stress of change, long stays in kennels, and grief at loss of an owner, may make even 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 moment it arrives in your home, just as you would with a puppy. At 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.
