Small breed · Popularity #43
West Highland White Terrier Training
The West Highland White Terrier is a hardy, self-confident little dog bred to hunt vermin among the Scottish hills. Friendly and spirited, the Westie is more people-oriented than many terriers, but it retains the classic terrier traits: a love of barking and digging, a strong prey drive, and an independent streak. Training works best when it is fun and reward-based, keeping the busy terrier mind engaged. Early socialization and consistent boundaries curb nuisance habits. Sturdy and adaptable, the Westie enjoys moderate daily exercise and mental games. Well-trained and socialized, it is a bright, entertaining, and affectionate companion full of character.
Trainability
Energy
Barking
- daily exercise
- ~45 min
- size
- Small
- guides
- 30
Temperament
ConfidentSpiritedFriendlyHardy
Common training challenges
BarkingDiggingPrey driveStubborn streak
8 guides
Obedience
How to Leash Train a West Highland White TerrierTeaching calm, polite walking without pulling on the leash.BeginnerHow to Train a West Highland White Terrier to Come When CalledA reliable recall is the most important safety skill you can teach.IntermediateHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier to SitThe foundational obedience cue every dog should learn first.BeginnerHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier to StayBuilding duration, distance, and distraction control with the stay cue.BeginnerHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier to Leave ItImpulse control around food, objects, and hazards.IntermediateHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier to HeelPrecision loose-leash walking in the heel position.IntermediateHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier to Lie DownThe down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control.BeginnerHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier the Place CommandSending your dog to a mat or bed and holding a relaxed stay.Intermediate
6 guides
Puppy
How to Potty Train a West Highland White Terrier PuppyA step-by-step house-training routine for reliable results.BeginnerHow to Crate Train a West Highland White TerrierMaking the crate a safe, calm den your dog chooses willingly.BeginnerHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier Puppy From BitingCurbing nipping and teaching gentle bite inhibition.BeginnerHow to Socialize a West Highland White Terrier PuppyBuilding confidence during the critical socialization window.BeginnerHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier Puppy From Crying at NightSettling a new puppy for peaceful, uninterrupted nights.BeginnerThe Ideal Training Schedule for a West Highland White Terrier PuppyA daily routine balancing training, play, rest, and potty breaks.Beginner
10 guides
Behavior
How to Stop a West Highland White Terrier From BarkingIdentifying triggers and reducing excessive or nuisance barking.IntermediateHow to Treat Separation Anxiety in a West Highland White TerrierA gradual desensitization plan for dogs that panic when left alone.AdvancedHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier From Chewing EverythingManaging destructive chewing and teaching appropriate outlets.BeginnerHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier From Jumping on PeopleTeaching polite greetings instead of jumping up.BeginnerHow to Handle Aggression in a West Highland White TerrierUnderstanding and safely managing aggressive behavior.AdvancedHow to Fix Leash Reactivity in a West Highland White TerrierReducing lunging and barking at dogs or people on walks.AdvancedHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier From DiggingRedirecting the urge to dig into acceptable outlets.IntermediateHow to Stop Resource Guarding in a West Highland White TerrierSafely resolving guarding of food, toys, and spaces.AdvancedHow to Help a West Highland White Terrier Overcome Fear of StrangersBuilding confidence in a shy or fearful dog around new people.AdvancedHow to Stop a West Highland White Terrier From Counter SurfingKeeping paws off counters and food off the menu.Intermediate
6 guides
Advanced
How to Train a West Highland White Terrier to Be Off LeashDeveloping the reliability needed for safe off-leash freedom.AdvancedHow to Clicker Train a West Highland White TerrierUsing marker-based training for fast, precise communication.IntermediateHow to Teach a West Highland White Terrier TricksFun trick training from shake and roll over to advanced chains.IntermediateHow to Start Agility Training With a West Highland White TerrierIntroducing your dog to agility equipment and courses.AdvancedHow to Prepare a West Highland White Terrier for the Canine Good Citizen TestPassing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, step by step.IntermediateAdvanced Obedience Training for a West Highland White TerrierProofing advanced obedience under real-world distractions.Advanced