I have a 13 week old Westie puppy and am really struggling to come to terms with being her mum. I know I probably sound really pathetic but I am looking for co westie owners who can give me some reassurance that she will get better. Before I had her I did so much research into westies to try and make sure that I got it right and now she has reduced me to a nervous wreck within weeks. So if anyone wishes to reassure me that she will eventually turn into this loving dog I long for please do so.
PJB

Hi PJB,

I don't have a Westie, I have a Cairn - so very, very similar.

You don't say what is driving you crazy about your Westie. If she runs around the house like a lunatic, at top speed, jumping, nipping, gets into absolutely everything, seems unphased if you scold her, and it seems like you will never get any rest for the rest of your life -- well, that's normal. At 13 weeks, she's probably not housetrained yet either.

My first terrier - in heritage if not in breed classification -- was a Yorkie. Before her I only had a GSD, they were like night and day as puppies. After two weeks with my Yorkie I wanted to take a big rock and .. well, never mind, too horrible to think about. She died at nearly 13 this past August and I shall miss her for the rest of my life. She became my shadow and a joy to me every day of her life (post early puppyhood!)

My Cairn puppy, Abby, is now 7 months old. She is my husband's first experience with a terrier pup. He's had daschunds, border collies and others, but no terriers. He was absolutely astounded by her. Kept telling his friends, "she's like greased lightening." Abby got into my fireplace twice and tracked soot all over the carpet. My husband actually believed if he told her not to go in she would not - silly man. The second time his friend advised him to put the fire on (it's a gas fire) and she would stay out. Not a chance - but she did try to enter on the cooler side. :-)

At about five months Abby finally found a speed between sleep and full on. At which point she broke her leg rolling off the sofa. Can you imagine what it would be like trying to keep your puppy quiet with a broken leg? The only surprise is that I've survived the experience. :-)

It gets better. Terrier puppyhood can be very daunting. It's worth it.

Regards,

Stacey

Poor you! but don't despair, you sound as if you are suffering from typical 'new puppy mum' syndrome!! At 13 weeks your Westie is still a baby and you are both just getting used to each other. I am not an expert but currently have my third Westie. What can I tell you, Westies are independent, tough, lively, selectively very intelligent (!!) (and deaf!!), great fun, manic, cute and totally and completely adorable!! :D I have found all of mine have taken about six months to become housetrained and properly settled in, but without us noticing when, they have all become completely one of the family.

Losing my two boys only a year apart broke my heart and I still think about them often but smile (and have the odd tear) when I look at their pictures. Now I have a little girl Westie who is 15 months old and who, like the boys did, brings me huge joy and affection and I can't begin to tell you how much I have loved them all. Sound like a right soppy old bird don't I??! :) but it's all true.

So please don't give up, things should slowly get easier and then you'll suddenly realise you have a wonderful little girl who you wouldn't part with for the world. Good Luck! :)