"Adopting" a Westie
Discussion
DAP can be useful for settling in new dogs (I've used both the collar and a diffuser).
My dogs are insured with Pet Plan, which is generally considered the best pet insurer, though not the cheapest.
Generally, it's best to take a lead from the dog in terms of whether they want to be made a fuss of, or left alone to settle in. I've had both types, don't push it if he is stressed.
Ideally, get the same food as he has been eating, even if you plan to change this eventually.
Good luck
My dogs are insured with Pet Plan, which is generally considered the best pet insurer, though not the cheapest.
Generally, it's best to take a lead from the dog in terms of whether they want to be made a fuss of, or left alone to settle in. I've had both types, don't push it if he is stressed.
Ideally, get the same food as he has been eating, even if you plan to change this eventually.
Good luck
Westitude?
We have fallen on our feet with this little guy!
A little barking overnight (getting used to surroundings and cage, I guess? But settled for most of the night)
Doesn't like people sneezing, not sure how he'll deal with fireworks!
Walks well, doesn't try and jump up on the furniture, eats fine, doesn't bother us at the table, nothing I might have expected from a rehomed dog.
One slight issue...
Absolutely petrified of our smoke alarm!!! Like wetting himself terrified.
Ours is admittedly sensitive, so I may just move it, or try another brand?
As said, all else is good! He genuinely seems glad to be with us, I wish the kids we've fostered had been more like this!
We have fallen on our feet with this little guy!
A little barking overnight (getting used to surroundings and cage, I guess? But settled for most of the night)
Doesn't like people sneezing, not sure how he'll deal with fireworks!
Walks well, doesn't try and jump up on the furniture, eats fine, doesn't bother us at the table, nothing I might have expected from a rehomed dog.
One slight issue...
Absolutely petrified of our smoke alarm!!! Like wetting himself terrified.
Ours is admittedly sensitive, so I may just move it, or try another brand?
As said, all else is good! He genuinely seems glad to be with us, I wish the kids we've fostered had been more like this!
Westitude = Westie attitude
Ours barks at animals on the tv for some reason. From what we have heard, quite a few do. He doesn't like the smoke alarm either, but ours isn't too sensitive luckily. He used to be fine with fireworks, but as he has got older he seems to be more bothered with them. We try not too make too much fuss ourselves, as that seems to make it worse, and just keep the curtains closed and the tv turned up. We bought him a Thunder Vest last year that seemed to make a bit of difference though.
Ours barks at animals on the tv for some reason. From what we have heard, quite a few do. He doesn't like the smoke alarm either, but ours isn't too sensitive luckily. He used to be fine with fireworks, but as he has got older he seems to be more bothered with them. We try not too make too much fuss ourselves, as that seems to make it worse, and just keep the curtains closed and the tv turned up. We bought him a Thunder Vest last year that seemed to make a bit of difference though.
Ours is 10yrs old, NOTHING can get him used to unwanted noise. I changed the smoke alarm and tested it last week, he was shaking and upset for hours. On fireworks night we have resorted to putting him in the car, packing a picnic, and driving out into the middle of nowhere (Scottish Borders usually) for hours of peace. Tried the DAP plugins and he behaved really weirdly so we binned them and decided he just doesn't like noise - great for keeping burglars away.
Ours has skin issues but James Wellbeloved food controlled it, until he got other medical complications that meant a change of diet onto renal food so we have to put up with a bit of scratching but malaseb shampoo regularly keeps on top of things.
Similar attributes to some described above, has never destroyed, chewed or bitten anything in the house, leaves us alone whilst eating and likewise likes to eat in peace.
They're amazing wee dogs, stubborn and untrainable but full of affection and loyalty.
Ours has skin issues but James Wellbeloved food controlled it, until he got other medical complications that meant a change of diet onto renal food so we have to put up with a bit of scratching but malaseb shampoo regularly keeps on top of things.
Similar attributes to some described above, has never destroyed, chewed or bitten anything in the house, leaves us alone whilst eating and likewise likes to eat in peace.
They're amazing wee dogs, stubborn and untrainable but full of affection and loyalty.
Our boy is 8 & has no issues with load noises but hates the smoke alarm & goes bonkers if a buzzer goes off on TV!
He also barks at animals on TV which can be amusing or annoying.
He has no skin issues but we are really strict on what he eats.
Attitude, yep. Never had a dog that makes me laugh so much though, really loving little dog who loves curling up in my lap even with the cat next to him. He'll chase all three cats given half a chance though!
Hates being left on his own, luckily we also have a spaniel but he's 13 so god knows how he'll cope when the inevitable happens.
He also barks at animals on TV which can be amusing or annoying.
He has no skin issues but we are really strict on what he eats.
Attitude, yep. Never had a dog that makes me laugh so much though, really loving little dog who loves curling up in my lap even with the cat next to him. He'll chase all three cats given half a chance though!
Hates being left on his own, luckily we also have a spaniel but he's 13 so god knows how he'll cope when the inevitable happens.
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