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Old 29-04-2009, 01:01 PM
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ejacks ejacks is offline
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Re: New westie pup owner, please help?!

Every puppy is different, but i think you're on the right track. I think you should have him in a room where he has no distractions. He needs to learn to exist on his own. I put mine in his crate in the kitchen, but i left the crate gate open so he had the run of the kitchen on his own. (I toilet trained him on training pads in the corner of the kitchen, but after a few weeks he automatically scratched the door to the garden go pee, as that's where I would take him) Give him plenty of toys and always be calm assertive with him, and be consistent with discipline. Not sure how old he is, but exercise is good - but no longer than 30-45 mins walk as they get too tired when they're very young, but you can up the time as the weeks go on. Just watch their tiredness, and be careful of their legs etc.

As the other reply says, ignore them when you first walk into a room, and reward for quiet behaviour.

Always act like the pack leader. Insist on them sitting for their food, treats, walks etc.. and soon they will learn who the boss is. Make them earn everything until they understand, and then you can be more relaxed with them. Make sure all family members act consistently around them as they get confused.

i was lucky because my puppy never barked, and he still rarely barks.. he's pretty good.

My westie gets exercise, discipline and then affection, although now he's trained, he mostly gets exercise and affection!

Good luck.
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