I have had my Westie Lucy for about thee months. She was rehomed and came from a good home but one where she didn't get taken anywhere much. She is three and half.

First of all she seemed to be a good little thing - she has a good temperament with people and children but we have started having a problem with when taking her out, with other dogs. We have a 18 year old JR boy with whom she gets on well.

She adores her walks and get so excited from the moment you get the lead. We have been taking the dogs across moorland, vast stretches for them to run. Problem is this: as soon as she sees another dog she starts pulling on the lead, howling, barking and whining in a quite uncontrollable way. Yesterday another Westie off its lead (a boy) came running up but whenever he got close she was growling and snapping which she has not done before. She was on her lead at the time.

If we let her off her lead she takes off (runs like a greyhound) and makes a beeline for any dog she sees - albet way off in the distance. She normally return to us without attacking it (thank God) but I am now nervous about letting her off her lead. Strange thing is she is a good little thing at home - this business with other dogs is new. Also she may prevoke an attack from some big dog and she is only a little thing.

Can anyone offer advice? I am used to JR's, our old boy youd could never let off the lead because he would go for the jugular (he has mellowed) but I thought Lucy would be fine!

Sixpence

Hi Sixpence,

Not sure how much I can offer but can only go on my own experiences and those I have from others when discussing this same subject, Westies are terriers which is a prevalent factor the like the rough and tumble of things I think anyway. Most will chase anything.

I personally think they are best kept on their leads when there is other dogs or animals around, extendable ones will give you a litttle slack.

The only time I have any of mine off the leads is when I know I am somewhere were we are unlikely to meet other dogs. My little bitch who is 2 if she sees a bird will run and not stop until the bird is out of sight then return which sometimes frightens me I can tell you.

Life is easier when you have them from puppies as you can train the from day one. My male dog does not budge from my feet for anything. Both were trained the same way but my little girl is more devilish.

My only suggestion is to try and spend a great deal of time re training her especially the come commands. It may be worth joining a local training class failing that keep her on the lead.

BFN

Pam