How to Crate Train a Westie

Westies, or West Highland Terriers, are strong, small and white with muscular legs and a strong personality. The true white westies were believed to be bred by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Scotland. They were bred white in order to be more easily seen while hunting. Today, westies are loyal members of many families. Like most breeds, potty training a westie can be one of the most difficult challenges any new dog owners can face. One way to make this process go more smoothly is to employ a dog crate, both at night and during the day.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Puppy treats
  • Soft blanket
  • Toy
  • Clothing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the crate in a room that is frequented by the family during the day. This could be the living room, the kitchen or even a bedroom. Allow the dog to sniff around and explore the crate. The westie should eventually sit inside the crate and still feel like a member of the family.

    • 2

      Place a few dog treats inside the kennel. Allow the westie to enter the crate and retrieve the treat without shutting the door behind it.

    • 3

      Place a soft blanket, a toy and a piece of recently worn clothing inside the crate. The dog will be more comfortable inside the crate if it can still smell one of its people.

    • 4

      Shut the crate door once the westie feels confident enough to move in and out of it. Do not take the dog out if it begins to whine or cry because it will begin to believe that this behavior will result in removal from the crate.

    • 5

      Move the crate into the bedroom at night. The dog will feel more comfortable not sleeping alone in a strange room. This will also make it more convenient if the westie must exit the crate to void in the middle of the night.