West Highland White Terriers are small-bodied, tireless, inquisitive dogs that also make amazing pets. But circumstances also vary. Their small built means not all family settings may be good for them, e.g. homes with small kids, or homes that will still grow. The West Highland White Terrier Club of America says the dogs are not appropriate for homes with kids aged ten or younger, but this has since become a matter of contention. Differing groups say it is enough that your dog and your kid are under constant supervision. The basic ups and downs of a westie pet are quickly tackled below.

Diminutive dogs like westies need a lot of rest in between exercises and and play sessions, and sometimes prefer to “hide” when they rest. An accident is likely to happen if the dog is given to crawling unnoticed under a blanket or pillow, and the child steps or sits on it. The problem may end up becoming bigger if your pet gets back by biting. Rough play can also hurt your westie, as the children’s enthusiasm sometimes overtakes gentleness when playing with pets.Should the worst happen and your westie does end up biting, certain procedures need to be followed, among which include informing the local police and the health department, or animal control division.

Lastly, the rough and loud play of your child, coupled with his ungainly movement, may scare your west highland white terrier, which leads on to a high-strung, or excessively shy dog. Treatment for pets with tense temperaments are now available, but some owners prefer to postpone administering these.A lot of westies have matured with their families, or met new additions in the family with no complexes. Eventually, for westies and children to be in harmony at home, what is needed will be considering your westie as a full member of the family, socialization, and good obedience training.

Obedience training and good socialization skills need to start early in the case of all dogs, and westies are not exempt from this. Socialization at an early puppy age will aid the westie in having a grasp of what is expected of them, even up to the finer points of behaving around people of varying ages, and learning friendly body language. Teaching the limitations of westie behavior is very much a part of obedience training. If the children will need to be involved somewhere, then this point is the best. They can even attend the westie training classes together with you and your family pet. Examples of what your children will pick up along the way are: how to teach the westie the limits of its actions, how the dog ought to be treated, and what acceptable behavior with the family is.