FluffyWA

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

Watercolour illustration of a West Highland White Terrier puppy carrying a plush rabbit toy along a garden path
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.

Predictability lowers arousal

The first week: daily rhythm

Move the times to fit your household; preserve the order and the ratio of awake time to sleep.

Example rhythm for an eight-week-old puppy
TimeWhat happens
06:30Wake and toilet
Before greeting or play, carry a small puppy directly to the chosen toilet spot.
06:35Breakfast
Use part of the meal for name response and calm four-paws-on-floor reinforcement.
06:45–07:00Calm awake time
Five to fifteen minutes of sniffing, chewing or gentle handling.
07:00–09:00Protected sleep
One to two hours of rest in the crate.
09:00Toilet
Go immediately after release from the crate.
09:05Micro-training
Train for two minutes, then allow five to fifteen minutes of supervised activity.
09:25–11:00Protected sleep
Keep visitors, children and household traffic away from the rest area.
11:00Toilet, water and meal
Offer the next meal if following a multi-meal puppy plan, then keep activity calm.
11:30–13:30Protected sleep
One to two hours of uninterrupted rest.
13:30–17:30Repeat the cycle
Toilet, a two-minute lesson or brief activity, then sleep; toilet after drinking, play and every crate release.
17:30Evening meal
Use part of the ration for name work, followed by toileting and quiet family time.
18:00–20:30Short awake periods
Alternate brief activity with naps; do not turn the evening into continuous play.
22:00–22:30Final toilet
Settle the crate beside the bed after the final toilet trip.
OvernightQuiet toilet if needed
Take the puppy out without play or conversation, then return directly to the bedroom crate.

Do not do these things in the first week

Introduce family members in this order

  1. Children Ask the child to sit on the floor. No chasing, picking up, hugging or crowding; an adult controls the distance.
  2. Resident dogs Meet outdoors on neutral ground, then begin with a calm parallel walk before entering the home.
  3. Cats Maintain secure separation and prevent every chase rehearsal. If the breed profile requires professional cat or small-animal compatibility assessment, do not progress to visual or direct exposure yourself; the qualified professional sets the plan. The cat must always have an exit route.

Training with FluffyWA

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