My Westie is nearly 10mths old. He is being a bit if a handful at the moment; he is the first dog we have had so I was just checking a few things. He doesn't seem to have a good digestive system. His tummy has been rumbling today and he has been very bad tempered, snapping and going for feet. He isn't normally aggresive; he is a softie-he loves cuddles etc. What things can upset his tummy? He is also sick sometimes, just in the morning normally when he has been excited before bedtime.
Can anyone tell me what age the fear period stops?? He has been really good with his house training but he has started weeing in the house; he has also become frightened of planes and big dogs something he had overcome.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks

Laura,

Sounds like there a lots of things going on with your Westie.  First, at 10 months his hormones are kicking in big time.  Lots of dogs revert to bad behaviour when that happens.   He might be starting to mark his territory in the house - you have to watch him closely and catch him before he does it, just like you would watch a small puppy.   I've never had male dogs, so I cannot give you any better tips on that I'm afraid. 

If his stomach is rumbling a lot he may have a bit of gastritis and feeling poorly.  Feed him chicken and rice for a couple of days, if it does not improve I would take him to the vet.

I don't understand when he is throwing up .. you say in the morning but then before bedtime.   If he is throwing up yellow bile it's because his stomach is empty.   Westies and Cairns are prone to doing this, unfortunately, my Cairn does the same.  However, I prevent it from happening by feeding her more often.   She eats breakfast, a small snack early afternoon, tea in the evening, and right before I go to bed she gets a small dog biscuit.   Just about the only time she throws up now is if I am travelling and my husband forgets to feed her the between meal snacks.

Adolescent dogs often go through another period where they become fearful.  The best you can do is to treat him gently, keep exposing him to other people and dogs, and make it a positive experience for him.  (If you see a big dog approaching, a small tasty treat would be in order.)

Stacey

Hiya Laura

I posted a question about my 8 month old basset being sick and whether it was connected to her 'season' - still don't know whether it was or not (hormones etc), but I was kindly advised to give her a biscuit (Boneo etc) before her bedtime....and as ever...with the advice I've received off this site...it worked a treat :D    (thanks Jeangenie ;)  )

HTH
Jo

My pleasure, Jo! I'm glad she's fine again now.
:)