West Highland White Terrier training

West Highland White Terrier Training Guide

Join 4,000+ Westies owners who finally got their dog to listen -- without force or frustration

About the West Highland White Terrier

Known for their confident and spirited terrier with a strong prey drive, an independent mind, and the classic terrier conviction that they are always right, West Highland White Terriers have a feisty confidence and terrier stubbornness packed into an adorable white package that thinks they're the boss of everything.

Size: smallEnergy: moderate-high
West Highland White Terrier personality and temperament

Common West Highland White Terrier Training Challenges

The most common challenge West Highland White Terrier owners face is digging and terrier stubbornness. Other frequent issues include digging, barking, terrier stubbornness, and prey drive.

Sound familiar?

Picture your Westies barking at every dog, person, and squirrel in sight, digging up the yard, and completely ignoring your commands because they have more important things to do.

The Right Training Approach for West Highland White Terriers

The key to training a West Highland White Terrier lies in leveraging their natural curiosity and food motivation that breaks through their stubbornness when training is kept short, fun, and rewarding. Work with their instincts, not against them.

Breed-Specific Training Tip

Westies were bred to hunt rats. Their digging and prey drive are genetic, not behavioral problems. Provide a designated digging area and accept that squirrel chasing is hardwired.

Westie puppies develop prey drive early. Begin recall training with high-value rewards and accept that off-leash reliability in the presence of small animals may never be achieved.

The Transformation

Whether your Westie is a barky puppy or a stubborn adult who has been running the household since day one, the right training approach transforms them. Imagine your feisty little Westie walking past distractions with a jaunty trot, leaving the garden alone, and checking in with you on walks because good things happen when they listen.

Well-trained West Highland White Terrier

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this specifically for West Highland White Terriers?
Yes! Every technique is designed for the West Highland White Terrier's unique temperament and challenges. Generic training programs do not account for the breed-specific behaviors that make West Highland White Terriers special. This system does.
My West Highland White Terrier is already 3 years old. Is it too late?
Not at all. West Highland White Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement at any age. We have members whose Westies started training at 7+ years old and still made significant progress.
How quickly will I see results?
Most West Highland White Terrier owners notice behavioral shifts within the first week, especially with digging. Deeper behavioral changes typically take 2-4 weeks of consistent practice.
What if it does not work for my dog?
We offer a full 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the results, we will refund every penny.

What West Highland White Terrier Owners Say

Our West Highland White Terrier had terrible digging. Within two weeks of following this system, the improvement was dramatic. I wish I had found this sooner.

Brian X.

-- West Highland White Terrier owner

I tried three other training programs before this one. None of them understood Westies. This guide was written by someone who actually knows the breed.

Isabella K.

-- West Highland White Terrier owner

The barking section alone was worth the price. Our West Highland White Terrier is a completely different dog now. Calm, responsive, and actually listens.

Patrick X.

-- West Highland White Terrier owner

The Complete West Highland White Terrier Obedience System

Whether your Westie is a barky puppy or a stubborn adult who has been running the household since day one, this breed-specific system was built for West Highland White Terriers.

Get the West Highland White Terrier Training System

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