Finally getting my wish!!

coco_lola

Hi all!

Posted a thread here a while back asking for advice on whether or not to get a dog with my work hours etc! So I am now lucky that my hours are being changed in the next few weeks to more reasonable hours, and my housemates have also offered to make sure the pup gets his midday feed and gets let out to the toilet on the days that I do work!

After alot of research, I have finally decided on getting a Westie, have researched pretty much everything possible, have the list of things I need ready etc, and have the financial aspect budgeted. I have some friends who work in rescue who have been fantastic in giving me advice, and some friends who have just been through the "puppy phase" who have all been great with advice!

I just have some queries:

Could someone possibly point me in the direction of a reputable Westie breeder? I would rather pay more for a pup I know has been health checked, considering the skin problems with Westies!

Also, I know I need to gradually introduce any new feed from a breeders feed, and have read threads here on it, but can anyone recommend a good dog food brand to feed my Westie pup?

FINALLY (ha!), does anyone have a recommendation for the best training book from pup to adult? Was looking at Cesar Milan's book, but any tips are welcome?

boodlesdoodles

Congrats on your decision! I don't know any breeders but if you google Maureen Byrne she's the utmost Irish Westie expert. She runs a Westie rescue and she's great for advice and knows her stuff! She'll also steer you in right direction. My advice would be to stay away from internet advertisers maybe get onto the IKC website for registered breeder.

We have a Westie ourselves and we got him off a family friend who bred accidentally. He's a gas man but he needs a firm hand! That's the thing about Westies they're extremely strong willed that said, he's been the best thing that's ever entered our lives and we adore him. They are truly crazy, comedic, testing, belligerent, loving and intelligent at the same time. Best of luck!

P.s. if you teach em to kiss you when they're puppies you are always guaranteed to have the best welcome home!

suziwalsh

Gwen Bailey - The perfect puppy is a good book to start with as is Ian Dunbars website www.dogstardaily.com

Best advice I can give is SOCIALISATION as much as possible so that your pup loves everyone and other dogs and is not fearful

paultf

coco_lola wrote: »

Could someone possibly point me in the direction of a reputable Westie breeder? I would rather pay more for a pup I know has been health checked, considering the skin problems with Westies!

Also, I know I need to gradually introduce any new feed from a breeders feed, and have read threads here on it, but can anyone recommend a good dog food brand to feed my Westie pup?

Best of luck with the new pup!

I just checked out the Irish Kennel Club website (www.ikc.ie) and the only Westie club/society they have is:-

All Ireland West Highland White Terrier Association
Mr. G. Fitzpatrick
Simonstown, Navan, Co. Meath.
(046-9022259)

Your best bet is to go through the IKC rather than other sources.

As for feeds, there are many good ones out there. The top ones (and more expensive) are Orijen, Burns, Arden Grange, and James WellBeloved. Mid range would be Red Mills Leader. No one food suits all dogs so you'll have to research them and try it out on your new pup until you get one that suits.

coco_lola

thanks all for the tips, I am so excited! been heartbroken since my old labrador died last year, and now am ready to take on a new pup!

The more I read the less I know it seems, so much training! Am looking forward to it, have got in touch with some friends who have recommended puppy socialisation classes at well which will be interesting!

Just sent Maureen an email and will give her a ring tomorrow, have heard fantastic things about her!!

Keep the tips coming guys, first time puppy owner here, my mother raised our Lab when he was a pup so its all new to me!! Thanks in advance!

coco_lola

hey all, heading to look at a puppy tomorrow, registered breeder, they sound nice, lots of information for me, and have offered to hold her until im ready to take her (im in the process of moving house) if Im interested (deposit secures). they have been vet checked, ears/eyes/heart/skin etc, and that they are up to date with all vaccinations! She has told me that they will IKC reg them for me as well. Pups have been socialised, with young chiildren etc, and were raised in the home. Sounds good, Looking forward to seeing them!:D

Millymac

sounds ideal!

As Westie's tend to have skin complaints, we give our Westie Cod Liver oil it's supposed to help keep skin complints at bay. so far so good.

Nic'name

Did you get your Westie?? I am soooooooooooooooo jealous!!! I will give you ONE word of advice PET INSURANCE. Our baby cost us upwards of 10,000€ in vets bills over the year.

2 cruiciate ligaments replaced
exploratory laparotomy
2 trips to UCD to be investigated for intestinal problems....he made a miraculous recovery when they gave him their recovery diet after his surgery....never found the problem
kidney failure
skin problems

They're also prone to intestinal problems. We fed ours on Walthams Tapioca and Chicken but any type of good quality pet food will do. I always fed him hard food (more nutrients, cheaper, less poop) and a tiny bit of wet food (because he liked it) Refrain from giving your westie treats from day one as their skin and stomachs can't take it. What I used to do with Tiny is take a cup of his food in and throw him a few nuggets.
I did a vet nursing course in college and brought him to my animal behavior classes, he was a model student (when no one else was looking).

My westie was so sick because we got him from the ISPCA and he wasn't found in the best of conditions as a pup, poor thing. Don't let any of that turn you off your westie. Here's a vid of mine (RIP) they make the best footballers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7sPOW8JZws