Instructions
Determine exactly who will undergo training. Westies are an intelligent if willful breed and demand a firm, patient leader in order to be trained. Get in the habit of offering your Westie copious praise. Positive reinforcement is an excellent motivator for this terrier.
Choose a traditional lead over retractable leashes. It is too difficult to administer proper correction to your Westie on a lead with too much slack.
Anticipate antic behavior from your Westie, especially a puppy, while lead training. She will flip around, squeal, and potentially gag. Understand that a moderate amount of such behavior is part and parcel of the Westie training process. Ensure your Westie avoids injury by fitting her collar properly; two fingers held side by side should fit snugly between the collar and the Westie's neck.
Choose an enclosed area with ample space for training for your first session. Put the collar and leash on the dog. Move with your Westie as she chooses places to go. Don't try to direct her or order her movements. Continue this process for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Encourage your Westie to move alongside you for your next session. Expect some resistance on her part. Gently pull on the leash and lead her regardless, using praise all along the way. Go through this exercise slowly, for up to 10 minutes, twice a day.
How to Train Westies on Leads
West Highland White Terriers, colloquially known as Westies, have earned a reputation as adorable petite dogs with an elfin face. That precocious appearance belies a strong, astute personality that requires a trainer just as bright as the canine. An education in properly walking while leashed can help Westies and their owners bond and appreciate one another's smarts. A properly fitted collar and appropriate leash are fundamental to successful leash training of all dogs, not only Westies.