Featured Doggy: West Highland Terriers!

                
(picture credits: http://www.aldella.com/westies.shtml (: )

One of the liviest and most loving little ones around, little Westies (West Highland Terriers) can be the biggest joys to have around! They are known to be most affectionate and are an easy-going bunch!

However, being the Terrier they are, little Westies are also known for "character" and need to be properly trained. It is most important for owners of little Westies to (as we always emphasize!) to display pack leadership at home, and to stay very firm with the rules and boundaries set with this little fella! Terrier are hunting dogs, so some may display digging, chewing and a fair amount of barking behaviour! But these are certainly traits that can be corrected with proper training! (:

The average lifespan of a little Westie is about 15years, but with a good diet, some Westies have lived up to 18years of age! The Westie is also another doggy with a dense undercoat, which has to be dried thoroughly after bathing! Westies shed minimally, or none at all, and has a very easy-to-maintain coat. But do note that it is not advisable to bathe the Westie too often as the loss of the layer of oil on his skin could result in shedding and skin issues!

Westies generally do pretty well indoors, but it is highly advisable to at least walk this little one once a day to burn off excess energy (and if you wanna save your favourite furniture!)!

Just like the familiar face we see on our canned foods in pet marts, a smiling Westie is one little face we would wanna see when we wake up in the morning!
Join us in welcoming our new litter of little Westies!
Contact us if your keen on a little Westie! :D

Helpline: Giving a Timid Pup Some Confidence

 

Hi there! Just a Quick lil' helpline adapted from Sarah Hodgson!

Giving a Timid Pup Some Confidence

Timid puppies look so pitiful. Like shy kids, you want to soothe them. But, puppies aren’t kids, they think your soothing is a sign of your fear, which means you’re both afraid. That’s a big problem.

To help your puppy, you must act confident when she’s afraid. You’re the leader. Stand up straight. Relax your shoulders. Breathe deep. Smile. Whether the fear producing item is a bag blowing in the wind, a sharp noise (like thunder), or an unfamiliar face, act calm, face the feared object, and ignore your puppy until she starts to act more like you.

If your puppy shows aggression when she’s fearful, call a professional and avoid knowingly putting her in threatening situations.

Remember NEVER soothe a timid pup when he/she is experiencing anxiety. This will only reinforce that level of fear and make it worst!

Take it one step at a time, if your pup is fearful of the steps, give him/her some time to build that confidence; associated something positive with the stairs, lure him/her with a treat, make it fun! If your pup is fearful of the vacuum cleaner, let him get used to the sound, slowly introduce it to him.