As pet parents, we are aware of the physical, emotional, mental, and financial responsibility that comes with welcoming a new westie puppy into our homes.
This decision should bring to light several considerations that revolve around how the puppy can impact your life and vice versa.
Unless you’re living on your own, make sure everyone is on board and happy about welcoming a new pup.
Every single family member should agree with the decision and must assume a role in caring for the puppy.
Knowing how to take care of a westie puppy isn’t easy, but raising a dog never is.
You have to care of it like you would your own child and provide it the life it deserves.
When you do, you’ll be on the receiving end of countless benefits that include an exercise buddy, a loyal friend, and a companion for life.
How to Take Care of a Westie Puppy
Here are some of the best ways to make sure you take good care of your westie:
1. Purchase the Puppy’s Needs
Your new westie pup needs quite a few things, including food and water bowls, a crate, toys, and treats.
Considering that westies are a tiny breed, make sure to purchase bowls that are just the right size for them.
2. Set Up the Yard
The yard should have a potty pen set up.
You will also need to determine which areas you want your pup to explore and which parts are off-limits.
Once you’ve made your decision regarding this, you can use baby gates to block off these “restricted” areas.
3. Introduce the Pup to Your Current Pet
If your current pet is a dog that’s known for being friendly around other dogs, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble introducing your westie pup to it.
However, if you own one of those territorial pooches, then make sure to ease them into this new arrangement.
Set-ups should be done at least a week before when you actually plan on bringing your pup home.
You don’t want to spring the new environment changes on your dog on the same day you’re welcoming a new pet, as that really wouldn’t be fair.
4. Have Shirts With Your New Pup’s Scent
You’ll want to bring a shirt or a towel that has your new pup’s scent on it for your current dog to sniff.
This helps your home’s current canine resident to get used to his or her new family member.
5. Puppy Proof Your Home
Your westie pup will be curious about its new place as any new resident would.
To keep your pup from making a mess of things, move some of those knick-knacks, trash cans, cleaning solutions, shoes, socks, and more from their areas in your home that can easily be accessed.
Your reading materials should be kept out of reach, as well.
While you’re at it, transfer all items that can be easily knocked over, chewed on, or grabbed by your new little resident.
6. Get a Supply of Puppy Food and Treats
The puppy food you purchase should be the same one the breeder has been feeding your pup.
If you plan on changing the food, make sure to ease your dog into it.
Try putting half old dog food and half new dog food for the first week before completely changing your dog’s meal; otherwise, the little pooch could potentially have diarrhea.
Establish a reward system with your dog that includes giving the best dog treats whenever he or she does a good job.
Treats are typically incorporated during training as an affirmation of a job well done.
If your westies have been good, then they surely deserve a treat.
7. Bring Them Home When You’re Home
It would help if you also were very particular about when to bring your westie pups home.
Don’t schedule the welcome home party for when you won’t be around or when you constantly have to be away.
It would be ideal if you got the pup used to his or her new environment with you around.
You want to be the person that makes your pup feel safe.
Remember that you are entering into this relationship as the parent and can’t afford to not be around during the first week your pup is home.
During this time, you want to devote a good amount of time and attention to your new pup.
Make sure they’re able to adjust to their new home, know your other pets, and just get used to the conditions.
8. Meeting in Neutral Territory
It would be a good idea to introduce your new pup to the old canine resident in neutral territory so that the latter won’t feel threatened about a new animal invading its space.
Somewhere around the neighborhood or the park would be great locations for this meeting.
9. Don’t Neglect Your Old Friend
Don’t neglect your current dog by putting too much focus on your new westie.
In situations like this, it’s very easy for the old canine resident to resent the new family member.
Don’t always get mad at your dog for barking or wanting your attention because that’s normally how most dogs would react when they feel jealous.
If you’re petting or playing with your new dog, make sure you say hi or show attention to your old one, as well.
Special attention should be given to all your dogs without a single one left out.
10. Don’t Let Your New Pup out of Your Sight
If your westie is only just beginning to explore its new surroundings, make sure never to let it out of your sight.
When your pup can’t be spotted, it’s probably doing something you might not be too happy with, like chewing on your phone or pooping in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Being a westie parent is a lifelong commitment that begins even before welcoming the pup into your home.
You and the rest of your family should be ready for the responsibility and be dedicated to assuming your roles in caring for the puppy.
To learn how to take care of a westie puppy effectively, you must also consider how having the new pup impacts your current dog’s life and vice versa.
