Positive training · From eight weeks

West Highland White Terrier Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

A carried plush rabbit provides the West Highland White Terrier with a quiet, legal alternative outlet.

29 chapters · English / 中文

A carried plush rabbit provides the West Highland White Terrier with a quiet, legal alternative outlet.

Breed profile

Training group: Terriers
Origin: The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland as a terrier that worked independently above and below ground in pursuit of small animals.
Shoulder height: Approximately 28 cm
Weight: Approximately 6–10 kg
Coat: White harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat
Coat care: Plan several short cooperative brushing sessions each week and set the professional grooming interval around the individual coat and a qualified groomer's advice. Some individuals may have skin sensitivity; do not imply that a white coat causes it. Do not force grooming through persistent discomfort, redness or a sudden behaviour change; consult a veterinarian rather than diagnosing the cause at home.
Drive keywords: Small-animal pursuit · Digging · Persistence · Alert vocalising
Handling practice: Schedule several short cooperative brushing sessions each week, introducing the brush, comb, coat separation and grooming surface one easy step at a time. Set professional grooming frequency from the individual coat and a qualified groomer's advice. · Check paws, toe spaces, coat and skin comfort after digging or outdoor work. Persistent discomfort, redness or sudden handling avoidance should be assessed by a veterinarian; do not diagnose or force the grooming task at home.

General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Prepare the environment first

The 48 hours before arrival: environment & equipment

A good first week begins with a small, predictable environment—not with a house full of freedom.

Overhead arrangement of dog gear including a harness, lead, bowls, brush, puzzle feeder, bed, blanket and journal — Prepare safety, rest, feeding, grooming and enrichment gear before arrival, then fit every item to the individual dog.

Divide the home into three zones

Zone 01

Safe zone

Playpen, crate, fresh water and a washable bed. This is where the puppy rests, eats calmly and succeeds without constant correction.

Zone 02

Activity zone

Open only when an adult is actively supervising. Keep the area small enough to notice sniffing, circling and unwanted chasing before it escalates.

Zone 03

Restricted zone

Stairs, balconies, the backyard pond or pool, and the garage remain physically blocked—not merely “off limits” by verbal instruction.

Breed-specific safety sweep

Inspect the full fence base, gates, shed edges, deck access and every gap that could become a digging or pursuit route. Create a legal digging area with safe substrate and supervised hidden-food searches before the puppy rehearses fence-line digging. Block the most rehearsable views of paths and gates, and prepare a mat or food-search station away from those triggers. Set up a non-slip grooming station with appropriate coat tools and a quiet camera position for short alone-time recordings.

Equipment list

Use the listed AUD reference ranges where provided. Breed-specific additions without a stable reference range are marked for a current local price check; sizes, brands and prices vary. See the shopping chapter in FluffyWA Puppy Handbook for Australian retailers.

Buy by function: essential, useful, and not yet
Priority	Item and requirement	Approx. AUD reference
Essential	Airline crate or wire crate sized for the adult dog, with a puppy divider, plus a playpen	$60–220 for the crate/playpen category
Essential	Flat collar and properly fitted Y-shaped harness	$35–90 for the base lead + fitted harness category; collar separate
Essential	Short lead, 1.2–1.8 m	Included in the $35–90 base lead + harness reference
Maintains physical control before pursuit begins	Secured long line for supervised wildlife-distance work
Essential	Stainless-steel bowls	$12–35 for two bowls
Supports frequent cooperative care and professional grooming preparation	Brush, comb and coat tools selected for the individual Westie coat
Essential	Enzyme cleaner for toilet accidents	$15–35
Essential	Washable sleeping mat	$25–100
Essential	Soft teething toys	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Useful	Two food puzzles	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Moves inherited digging away from fence exits	Safe legal digging box or designated substrate area
Do not buy yet	Retractable lead: it does not teach a loose lead and can cause cord injuries	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Any collar designed to tighten around the neck	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Hard bones or rawhide chews; puppy teeth and digestion can be at risk, so ask your veterinarian	Ask your veterinarian before choosing a chew

Approximate 2026 Perth retail ranges; actual prices vary by store.

Watercolour front view showing checks for fitting a Y-shaped dog harness — TWO FINGERS FLAT = a snug fit without pinching; Y ON CHEST = the Y sits over the breastbone; CLEAR OF ARMPITS = straps do not rub behind the front legs.

Write the one cue word every family member will use
Skill	Agreed family cue
Sit
Down
Come
Wait
Leave it
Drop / Give
Go to mat / Place
Settle

Training with FluffyWA

Day school, board & train and private sessions are quoted after a chat, and boarding or daycare can be booked online with live prices.

Book a stay See live prices