West Highland White Terrier Training: Tips for a Well-Behaved Westie

Training your West Highland White Terrier can help you build a happier, well-behaved companion. Learning the right techniques will make it easier for you to connect with your lively terrier and guide them toward good habits.

With the right approach, you can enjoy a stronger bond with your Westie and create a peaceful home together. Your efforts will pay off as your terrier learns how to behave and follow your lead.

1. Start training early to shape good behavior from puppyhood.

• Begin training your West Highland White Terrier as soon as you bring your puppy home. Early lessons help your puppy understand what is expected and teach good habits right from the start.
• Training can start as early as eight weeks old. Short, regular sessions work better than long lessons, as young puppies have short attention spans.
• Teaching your Westie basic commands early on is important. Obedience skills like sit, stay, and come will set a good foundation for your puppy’s behavior.
• Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or gentle praise, to reward your puppy for following commands. Patting their chin or giving a small treat helps your puppy know they did the right thing.
• Consistent training helps to prevent stubborn or unwanted behaviors as your Westie grows. Making time for regular lessons also helps you build a stronger bond with your dog.
• For more tips on starting early with your West Highland White Terrier, visit this training guide and advice on teaching basic obedience.

2. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise consistently.

West Highland White Terriers respond well to reward-based training. This means you should give your Westie treats, praise, or even playtime every time they follow a command or show polite behavior. The key is timing and consistency. Give the reward right after your Westie does the correct action, so they connect the behavior with the treat or praise.

3. Teach basic commands: sit, stay, come, heel, and down.

• Start with short, daily training sessions for your West Highland White Terrier. This breed responds well to consistency and clear cues. Use treats or praise to reinforce good behavior.
• Teach the “sit” command first. Hold a treat above your dog’s nose, move it back slowly, and say “sit.” When your Westie sits, give the reward.
• The “stay” command helps keep your dog safe. Ask your dog to sit, then show your palm and say “stay.” Take a few steps back. Reward your Westie if they wait until you release them.
• “Come” is important for recall training. Get your dog’s attention, crouch down, and say “come” in a cheerful voice. Reward your Westie when they come to you. Practice this in different places to help your dog learn.
• Teaching “heel” helps your West Highland White Terrier walk calmly beside you. Hold treats at your side and say “heel” as you walk. Reward your dog for staying close.
• For “down,” ask your dog to sit first, then move a treat to the ground while saying “down.” When your dog lies down, give the treat. This command can help calm your energetic Westie.
• Focus on using basic commands to build a foundation for good behavior. These commands are commonly recommended for all dogs and are especially helpful for lively breeds like Westies.

4. Incorporate short, frequent training sessions to maintain focus.

• Short and regular training sessions work best for West Highland White Terriers. Their attention spans are not long, so long sessions can lead to boredom or frustration.
• Aim for training times that last around 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat these sessions a few times each week to support steady learning and to keep your Westie interested in the process.
• Frequent breaks and a mix between training and play make it easier for your dog to focus. Short, upbeat lessons help your Westie absorb commands without feeling overwhelmed.
• A schedule of short, repeated sessions also helps you maintain consistency, which is very important for this breed. Regular practice and positive reinforcement will help your Westie become responsive and well-behaved.

5. Train the ‘Quiet’ command to manage excessive barking.

Teaching your West Highland White Terrier the “quiet” command can help manage excessive barking at home or outdoors. This command lets you give a clear signal for your Westie to stop making noise. Begin by waiting for your dog to bark. When your Westie barks, calmly say “quiet” in a firm but neutral voice. Once your dog stops barking, even for a second, reward them right away with a small treat or praise.

6. Use potty pads indoors if outdoor bathroom breaks aren’t feasible.

Potty pads can help your West Highland White Terrier if you live in an apartment or have limited access to outdoor spaces. This method also makes sense during harsh weather or for owners with busy schedules. The goal is to offer a clean, specific spot for your dog to use when going outside is not an option. To teach your Westie to use potty pads, place the pad in a low-traffic area. Bring your dog to the pad after meals, naps, or playtime, and use a cue like “go potty.” Give praise or a treat every time your dog uses the pad correctly. Over time, your Westie will learn this is the right place to go.

7. Be consistent with rules and commands across all family members.

• Everyone in the house should use the same rules and commands with your West Highland White Terrier. This helps your dog know what is expected every time and stops confusion. Repeating the same words for commands and praising good behavior will create clear boundaries.
• If one person lets your Westie on the couch but another says no, your dog will not know which behavior is correct. Mixed signals can lead to stubbornness or unwanted habits. Consistency from all family members makes training faster and more reliable.
• Talk to your family and agree on what your Westie can and cannot do. Share your training plan and commands so everyone is on the same page. Staying consistent helps your Westie feel secure and makes learning easier for them.
• Using clear and steady rules builds trust and respect between your family and your dog. This technique is especially helpful because Westies can be independent and sometimes stubborn. For more advice, see tips from the West Highland White Terrier Club of America.

8. Socialize your Westie early to reduce territorial barking.

• Start socializing your West Highland White Terrier when they are still a puppy. Early socialization helps your Westie learn how to act around new people, animals, and everyday situations.
• By exposing your Westie to a variety of places and faces, you help them feel more confident. This lowers anxiety and makes them less likely to bark out of fear or defensiveness.
• Arrange for your Westie to meet friendly dogs and gentle people in calm environments. Take short walks around your neighborhood and let your dog watch from a safe distance before getting closer.
• Positive experiences are key. Use treats and praise when your Westie stays calm. Done regularly, these simple steps can help your dog stay relaxed at home and reduce territorial barking.

9. Implement leash training for controlled outdoor walks.

Leash training is an important step for your West Highland White Terrier. Westies are lively and curious, so good leash skills help keep them safe when exploring outside. Start indoors or in a quiet area without distractions. Attach the leash and let your dog get used to the feeling. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, when your Westie walks calmly beside you.

10. Keep training fun to match the Westie’s lively personality.

West Highland White Terriers have a lot of energy and enjoy staying busy. You should use this natural excitement to make training interesting for your Westie. Games, toys, and short activities help keep their attention. Try using activities your Westie already likes, such as fetch or tug, during lessons. Mixing play and training helps your dog learn faster and stay motivated.