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.

Early help protects the dog and the family

When to call a professional

Professional help is not a last resort. It is the correct next step whenever safety, health or a dog’s ability to recover is in doubt.

Veterinarian examining a puppy with a stethoscope while its owner supports it on the exam table
Sudden change, pain, illness or recovery concerns go to a veterinarian before being treated as training alone.

Who to call, in this order

  1. Veterinarian · first stop Rule out pain, illness, sensory changes and other medical contributors before treating a behaviour as “training only.”
  2. Qualified positive-reinforcement trainer Look for positive-reinforcement credentials and professional commitments such as Delta Institute (Delta Society Australia) certification or Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) membership.
  3. Veterinary behaviour specialist For anxiety, fear, compulsive behaviour or aggression, ask your veterinarian for referral to a veterinary behaviourist who can combine behaviour care with medical assessment when appropriate.

Perth general resources

Use the aftercare contact page—no stale phone numbers here

The FluffyWA aftercare page points to Perth 24-hour emergency hospitals, RSPCA WA, Dogs’ Refuge Home and local council dog-management resources. Check the current details before travelling.

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.