Socializing a Westie Puppy is particularly important in the early weeks of the pup’s life. It is generally concluded that this period, which extends from approximately the fourth to the twelfth week, is the optimum time for the dog to develop social attachments. If pups are raised in kennels with little human contact during the period of socialization, subsequent training for specialized tasks is generally quite difficult. 

Generally, group housing of compatible animals is the least stressful type of confinement and, therefore, should be provided wherever possible.  Over the years that we bred Westies, we had a Doggie House that gave our dogs full run of their home with doggie doors to go outside to eliminate in their dog runs.  Those runs were cleaned three times daily and sterilized.  All of our Westies got exercise in the larger fenced area you see on our website. 

Upon moving to GA, we spent thousands of dollars to provide our dogs housing in our basement.  They had a couch, love seat, toddler beds to sleep on, 2 TV's, and over 1,200 square feet to run and play.  It was basically a self-contained area with a whelping room, nursery, grooming quarters, bathroom, and large play area. 

We now have only Chloe, Paris and Darby in our home. They live upstairs with us all of the time. They only stay in their living quarters in the basement when we have to be away from home for a period of time.

Your Responsibility

During the early weeks, we handled each pup by cuddling and weighing him daily, clipping nails weekly, and brushing him.  We expose the pups to environmental stimuli such as the doorbell, music, TV and a ringing telephone.  After a few weeks they are carried outdoors several times a day to get a head start on good housetraining habits.  Unfortunately, a pup left to soil where he eats and sleeps will have little regard for cleanliness later in life; consequently, he can be more difficult to housetrain.

Buyer’s Socialization and Responsibilities

A daily examination should be part of your young dog’s life.  Place a bath towel on the washing machine and make him stand while you examine his ears, mouth, eyes, and each foot.  It is extremely important that he accept handling in a position where he has no control.   

A daily, brisk, fun walk, with no peeing or sniffing allowed along the way is good exercise.  Tennis balls are great for retrieving; a big beach ball is a fun game for chasing and exercise. 

Be consistent; dogs are creatures of habit.  What a puppy learns in the first 16 weeks is imprinted in him for life!

Responsible Breeding 

A puppy purchased from Down South Westies came with a loving, caring dedicated person that will stand behind your new best friend forever.  You had to wait some time to get a pup from us, but you did discover it is worth the wait.  We always had a long waiting list!  Responsible breeders, who may or may not be show dog breeders, are knowledgeable about their breed, perform applicable health checks and certifications on their breeding dogs, socialize and evaluate their puppies, and stand by the dogs they sell. We chose to breed dogs based on their genetic compatibility.

Westie Official Breed Standard

The West Highland White Terrier is a small, game, welll-balanced hardy looking terrier, exhibiting good showmanship, possessed with no small amount of self-esteem, strongly built, deep in chest and back ribs, with a straight back and powerful hindquarters on muscular legs, and exhibiting in marked degree a great combination of strength and activity. <<MORE>>