BIGGEST mistakes we made raising our puppy!

[@Festvangelist]

After the passing of our Westie Lucy we immediately started looking for another. We purchased Dougie and he flew to our home in Florida where we picked him up. Immediately hired a trainer to show us additional methods on training which was great. The best advice was how to train him with a small special prong collar. He patiently waits at the door before we release him, the collar does not have a choke point and became a key for his perfect demeanor on leash. Westies can be very tempted to run outside especially if they see a squirrel. We keep him on a lease every time. The exception is if we let him run to us in the park. He does not to be far from us always looking where we are. When we brought him home he did not want to be caged but the trainer told us to feed him in the cage and that worked well. Also trained him day 1 in a portable fence and would not let him out until he went. In 2 days he was trained to potty right away. Now we walk him often around the neighborhood. At 12 weeks old we traveled to Wisconsin 1100 miles with our camper. He became highly socialized and loved being in the truck and camping for a3 month summer stay visiting family, etc. Westies make life so much fun, and with training a love they are simply the best. We have been married 44 years and always had a dog. Every breed is unique but for us Westies are awesome, smart, very engaged and so cute too. We love your video and yes we watched the whole thing. We have made choices that the trainer does not advise like he sleeps with us but Dougie still knows the limits of good and bad behavior. Our neighbors all love him because he loves people and wants to say hi to anyone and catch a back rub, the most people friendly breed we have owned. My apologies for being long winded but you understand how much we love our Westies !

[@Helena-ig4jj]

❤😢 miss my Teddy too 😢💔💔

[@tchoney100]

I lost my girl in January and it was not the same. I am getting a new Westie pup at the end of this month. I had a terrible situation with my first puppy and she got lost coming to FL by plane and they flew her to Dallas/Ft Worth instead so a one day flight turned to 2 days and she got very sick. I am glad you had no issues........I am going to be driving to Atlanta to pick her up. :) I am learning so much from her videos. Had my Westie for 16 years and I seem to be learning so much from Sami.

[@Helena-ig4jj]

@@tchoney100 💔💔😢😢🌈💔😢🌈💔🌍. Thank you ☺️ 🥰🌹🌹

[@Helena-ig4jj]

❤😂🎉. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🙀🌈🙀😆🐾🐾🐾🐾🌈😄🌍😄😎🌈. Love 💕💕💕💕💕💕🌈😎🌍. Everything you. Wrote 😅🎉❤. AMEN to. THAT 😅. My friend. Benny. Had. Five 5️⃣. Westies. In the past. 22. Years ❤😂. They. Gave us. All. Lots of. Joy and happiness 😂💕💕💕💕🙀😄💕💕💕🙀😆🌍😎🌈💕💕💕💕💕💕🌈😹🚗🚗🚗🌈🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🙀🐾🐾🐾💕💕💕💕😄🌈🤣🌈🚗🌈🤣🌈🚗🌈🤣🌈🚗🌍🎶🌍😎🌍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@DonnaSmith-pq5tv]

My westie has a neighbour dog he hates. We also call it “Nemesis” , and when he gets out that’s where he goes. Actually he has several nemesis dogs in his life and they’re all huge dogs

[@katyt111]

My one regret is not making Elvis my westie more sociable with other dogs. He is so aloof ❤️❤️ love your sami videos

[@WestieVibes]

I don't think it's on you honestly! ❤️ We socialized Sami from an early age, he went to dog school 3x a week and even now, 5 years later, he still spends one day a week there among dogs. And he is still not interested in playing with them, he is either reactive or he just minds his own business and doesn't want to be bothered 😅 I think some dogs are like that no matter what we do. So don't beat yourself up, there was probably nothing you could do.

[@matomato65]

Westies usually teach their owners. ❤

[@Ronmacabeo]

My name is Ron and I have an 8 week old male Westie named Jack here in Torrance California. I appreciate these advice videos for westie parents. Jack and I enjoy waking up every morning watching Sami’s videos. Keep up the great content that help me raise and care for my dog Jack! Regards, Ron Macabeo…and Jack❤

[@barbaraoaker972]

I had to smile about Sami sleeping with you. I always say, “First they steal your heart and then they steal your bed!” Sami’s a wonderful Westie!

[@WestieVibes]

It's true! He did! 😂❤️

[@01.Allegra]

This video for two is very nice... something new! and the interruptions of images with Sami... well he is a spectacle! Mickey wears a harness and I like it too, but when we go on holiday to new places he doesn't know, I put on a leash, he obeys me more...! Then, when he was a puppy I had placed the pee pad and he quickly learned to do it there... because I put a few drops of "attractant" on it and he, smelling the smell, just peed. (some advised me to leave a few drops of his pee). Then, I always left him free to jump on sofas (because I have them low) and on the wicker chairs that he likes so much (I cut off the legs of some because they were too high).. at home he goes wherever he wants because he doesn't cause any damage .. not anymore, now he turned 4 on June 20th. Listening to you, while you talk about your experiences with Sami, made me think about mine!! Well I made my mistakes... which I then avoided with "Cicci" who was 1 year younger. But everything was easier for him because Mickey taught him everything!! You really know, Cicci overcame many fears with Mickey's presence and then, they play together, yet they are different but loving. Can't you imagine what Sami would be like with a little brother?? Be happy.... now j go, bye bye Allegra (Bravi ! Bravi! applausi)

[@paulam8382]

My comment isn't related to this specific video, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy following all of your social media accounts. You're both so happy and seem so nice - and Sami is so sweet - just the cutest little family ❤

[@christhorpec]

My Westie dislikes motorbikes! Also black dogs, cocker spaniels, younger kids treating her like a cuddly toy, also walking in bridges with panels - vertigo!

[@patticarnevale2360]

When I had my Westie he got out once and it was almost comical. We had gotten over a foot of snow, and my husband used the snow blower to clear a path in the yard for the dogs to go out. We didn't notice a pile of snow had accumulated against the fence, but Milo did. I opened the back the door to let my dogs in and only one was there. Milo went up over the snow and over the fence! He was deaf, so now I'm yelling for a dog that couldn't hear me, a dog that is is short and white, and there is a lot of snow everywhere so I couldn't see him. Luckily I didn't have to walk far, he was on the street adjacent to us, and as soon as he saw me he calmly walked up to me acting like it was no big deal!

[@WestieVibes]

Omg, that made me anxious just reading about it 🙈 They are resourceful, that's a fact!! I am glad you found him and he was well! The calm attitude cracks me up 😂😂 He has no idea why you'd worry, he was just exploring 😅

[@dee8269]

Loved to hear about your experience with Sami🐶. I had very similar experiences with my 2 y old Westie: - picky eating, pee on the pee pad after walkies (he was potty trained at about 8-10 months and still some accidents at 1 y😬) - trusting him off leash when he was under 1 y old and running off after a rabbit on the streets🙄(luckily nothing bad happened) - the stubbornness and pulling in the leash because he's so excited about life and to explore as fast and as much as he can, or getting stuck with sniffing a pee forever if I would let him🙂 - not allowing him to sleep in bed either but he has his dog bed and the crate made out of canvas just like you have, so he sleeps next to bed but mostly next to the walls or other corners😴 - he hates brushing, is scared when the brush even touches him, hates showering too, the paws are ok to shower and the belly🤯(he was panicking since I got him at 2 months with both shower & brushing and couldn't teach him not to be scared, maybe is also sensitive, I don't know) - skin allergies & ear infections with the previous Westie who crossed over the the rainbow 🌈🐶2 y ago

[@LindaRossiter-hf8fc]

I too did exact the same … I’m Just about to get my third westie in two weeks and I will be brushing her teeth every day from when I get her home. Fortunately I don’t have children to promote bad habits .., although with westitude I’m sure she will pick some up Anyway … the first few months I know are going to be challenging for both of us

[@debmurray2734]

Very interested to hear about the diet. We feed our Westie a HIGH protein diet and have noticed this approach mostly resolved a night time vomiting issue he had. We also gave him digestive enzymes to help fully digest his food. I have worried that such high protein food would cause other issues.

[@WestieVibes]

Get a urine test every now and then. It tells you whether the kidneys are working well and whether the protein is making the PH too acidic, which can lead to crystals or stones later on. If the urine tests are good, then the diet is working for your Westie 👍🏻 Sami might have sensitive kidneys, because for him it wasn't so good. I try to limit protein to about a third of his diet.

[@debmurray2734]

​@@WestieVibes Great idea! Thank you!

[@FlowerPower1000]

Bless you guys!! Looking forward to hearing how you go about his diet. XO from Athens

[@briannamckenzie3894]

Enjoyed hearing about your westie experiences. I have a 13 year old female westie and I made Lots of mistakes, I didn't expose her to much when she was little and she makes sure I know it now, she yells at children, older people who walk funny, bells, laughter, if you move too fast, horses... you get the idea. She believes she's ten feet tall and rules over everyone. She was also crate trained and made similar "puppy pig nose" faces by mushing her muzzle between the bars. She quickly learned how to unlock her crate by using her paw, tongue and nose! I also wanted to mention the skin issues that westies are known for, their skin can turn black and they can loose their hair if they eat the wrong things (bread is a big issue) which I found out the hard way. I used to only enjoy larger dogs like labs, but my westie has won my heart and I don't think I'd choose another breed despite her westietude 🙂

[@Helena-ig4jj]

❤😂🎉. Love 💕 Westies 💖😅❣️❣️❣️❣️ they are. Very. Unique 😂❤🎉🎉

[@angelrose7906]

My Westie wears both a collar and a harness when we are out. And I have a small chain which attaches to the two together. So if either the collar or harness should break, the lead will still be attached. At home, he only wears a collar. Right now, he's barking at Sami while I watch this! :)

[@LindaRossiter-hf8fc]

Please do a video of home cooked food

[@WylieWestie]

This video rings so true in so many ways, thank you for making us know we aren’t alone! Older men walking funny, OMG totally this! Shufflers are high up on my hate list too, dragging their feet or walking real slow, especially older people here in Japan who are hunched over (of which there are many 🤦🏼‍♀️😂) How cute is Sami sleeping in the background ❤❤❤ The story of the nemesis so rings true as well 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ we had a German Shepherd neighbour in Singapore that was my nemises and I would be exactly the same every single time I saw him or even sniffed him nearby! We totally weren’t prepared for getting a Westie if humans are honest and they learnt along the way. But in hindsight we think that no matter how much preparation you can do, every Westie is slightly different and you have to learn along the way 😂 In the early days I was so good with children and strangers but these days I can easily be triggered by anyone, especially kids, small people and just some total random strangers. Sometimes I can meet someone many times then one time I decide nah I don’t like you any more and go crazy every time I see them after that 🤷🏼‍♀️ humans do worry about it quite a lot as I am very strong and can have a vicious bark so they have to be on high alert all the time 😩 being so cute and fluffy it can be tough as kids always want to pet him but we can never allow any more 😩😩😩

[@WestieVibes]

I am so happy to hear that you can relate too!! ❤️ Hahaha, I respect you for picking a GSD for your nemesis 😅💪🏻 I know what you are saying about humans not being prepared for a Westie. We were also a little blindsided by the strong personality and quirks, especially early on! 🙈 And I also think dogs can change quite a bit as years go by. They get older and grumpier just like us, haha. Sorry to hear you are moody when it comes to strangers. I know about having to be on high alert, we do that when we spot other doggos on the street. Sami can be vicious too and has a surprisingly strong pull 😅 It's not easy. We can totally relate ❤️

[@TrailStrider909]

Hello, Just found channel! Will follow for more info on westies!

[@Shontushontu]

amazing video guys, we got a 7 month old super active puppy, love your inputs :)) Looking forward to the food video! my partner has already implemented some of the food tips from the little snippets form different videos, works great!

[@wombewonderful8846]

We have 2 cairns at the moment and we have had totally 4 cairn terriers. They all run away if they have a chance. Cairn can’t be trusted without leach. Never. 3 of them has escaped from us, some of them several times. So, use leash and high fenches and keep an eye, always.😁

[@WestieVibes]

Yes, exactly! I am glad they were okay. Cairns and Westies are like one and the same in terms of behavior 😂❤️

[@suzanne-bl2ec]

Our Westie is 13 weeks! We made the same mistake with the pee pads--long walks no pee and then pee in the house. Our vet told us it was a bad idea to use pee pads. Oops. We're crate training now and walking her about 12 times a day. The stubborn independence is incredible. We are learning! Also, thanks for the advice about jumping, stairs, and about collars. Thanks for the video. So honest and helpful!

[@LindaRossiter-hf8fc]

Absolutely agree with the skipping … please don’t beat yourselves up about this one … I’ve had two Westies who had this because of my lack of consideration with jumping and slippery floors !!! My new princess is coming home with me in 2 weeks time / can’t wait … and I will Try my best to stop my girl From jumping as much as I can .,,,

[@lidiagraca1546]

❤❤❤

[@Giannas1096]

In English we would normally say “stay” instead of place.

[@bethsiler1688]

I can totally relate to your experiences with Sami; I have a 15 month Westie, Axl, that sounds (and looks) a lot like Sami and with whom I have made many mistakes. There are still plenty of things we need to work on, but it is gratifying to see some of our good work in action and hard to get mad at him when he looks up at me with that face. I love seeing Sami shake hands with the air in your videos and his Crocs are hilarious. Enjoyed seeing both of you share your stories and tips :)

[@wombewonderful8846]

Great video! Thank you❤

[@joygallagher2531]

Wow your experience with loosing Sammy I have experienced too! I learned very quickly that I could never let Taz off a leash out side the yard! He is so quick that he thought it was a game if he got out without a leash! Taz at 11 still sleeps in his crate! I have carpet on my stairs and use the steps for the couches and beds! It seems all westies are the same! Listening it’s like you are talking about my Taz!

[@debmurray2734]

You asked about the word "Place" ... Any word the dog can understand will work, so that is what matters ... We taught our Westie to "Go to Bed" and he goes to his designated "Place" 😅😅 ... I believe the word "Stay" or "Sit" might work in a similar way as "Place"

[@WestieVibes]

That's a good point! True, any other word will do. I love the "go to bed" one!

[@katyt111]

😂😂

[@Sarah-tm4nn]

I love your videos. They are so accurate. My Westie, Bailey Blu is a delight. He is my professional trained

[@Sarah-tm4nn]

Service dog.

[@Sarah-tm4nn]

Service dog.

[@WestieVibes]

I'm so glad you like them! Aw, I love the name Bailey Blu ❤️ I'm glad to hear there is a Westie service dog! How was training him? Did you find it difficult, easy? I am curious, because Westies can be so stubborn and selective with what they want to do and don't want to do 😂

[@Sarah-tm4nn]

@@WestieVibes Hi, I had a professional trainer for about 6 mo. Then I carried on with it. He is stubborn and selective at times. But he always does his job. He wants to do good and get praised. One thing he alerts on is if my heart rate drops below 60. He will alert and he picked up on that all by his self. So once I figured out what he was doing I encouraged him with praise and treats at first. Now he is very accurate. (If I stand up I will collapse with a low heart rate.) He is my sassy buddy.😄

[@Guyver09]

Westies are all doppelgangers. The number of times he escaped and ran through the neighborhood are uncountable. They are fast little buggers and when on a mission they do not listen. Thank goodness he never got hurt but he did get in fight with the neighbor dog, was more show than anything else. Both were fine but they never became friends. 😮

[@WestieVibes]

I'm glad they were both fine and nothing bad happened. I always wondered what would've happened if Sami met the other dog (his nemesis). If they would get along had they ever had a chance to interact. Now I know. Thanks for sharing!

[@debmurray2734]

The collar versus the harness was very helpful to me. I worried about the collar because of the trachea risk. But my Westie does NOT like his harness one bit. We have never let our Westie up/down the stairs. He learned quickly and at 5 years old he does not attempt to climb the stairs.

[@WestieVibes]

As long as he doesn't pull or yank himself, he will be fine. Sami has a tendency to really pull and even choke himself when he sees something he wants 🤦🏻‍♀️ You did great not letting him climb stairs! 👏🏻❤️

[@deb1587]

Loving this...I did pretty much same but that list just wasn't diverse enough...first thing she struggled with was prams and wheelchairs...so we addressed this successfully in first 6 months. Next problem was people with umbrellas 🌂 again sorted Still not sorted after 4 years beanie hats 😂

[@WestieVibes]

Totally! That is hilarious though, imagining your pup barking at beanie hats 😂😂🙈

[@deb1587]

@@WestieVibes yep even bought one myself...she was calm as anything ...friends wore it too on visits.....excited but calm again. Strangers come to door ...excited but calm again Strangers in beanie hats ...won't stop barking until out of sight 🤔

[@paullove729]

Fantastic

[@X3Jane]

We always had older rescue Westies and when we got a Westie puppy, I was determined to do things right this time. I believe we failed at most of those issues, including feeding, training, and socializing more in public spaces. Finn has some of the same issues our older dogs had. PS: Finn goes out of his mind when he sees kids. We can’t understand why and it’s been challenging to desensitize him.

[@WestieVibes]

I'm sorry to hear that. I honestly don't know what Sami would be like if it wasn't for our dog trainer and the fact that I went to classes constantly in the first 2 years. Sometimes I felt judged by other dog parents because of the strict rules we had with him, but without those rules he would be impossible to manage 😅 I totally understand you because some things, no matter how hard you try to change, are just in their nature. For Finn it's kids, for Sami it's other dogs. He turns into a vicious little monster with certain dogs we meet and I tried so many different strategies, nothing ever worked. 🤷🏻‍♀️ At this point we just accept it and cross the street and try not to make a big deal when he becomes reactive. He is our little monster 😂

[@X3Jane]

About twice a week, Finn stays with a wonderful young women who watches other dogs. We feel this is good for Finn because he gets to play with other dogs but we’ve noticed behavioral changes we are not thrilled with. He’s more reactive to anyone at the door-even people he knows and is comfortable with. He basically goes ballistic when the doorbell rings. Another odd thing has happened. If he’s lying in bed resting with me (he doesn’t sleep in my bed) and my husband comes to get him for a walk or bedtime, he growls in a menacing way-it’s very disturbing. Maybe something to do with protecting me? He’s just be some more aggressive in his manners. We had a trainer for a few months when Finn was about eight months old. But our life has been a little chaotic and we’ve not been able to get the trainer scheduled lately. Finally, we’ve struggled with food for his entire life with us-he’s now a year and four months old. I blame myself because I was too quick to hand feed him if he wouldn’t immediately eat and now he demands that. We also can’t seem to find food he wants so I’ll make fish or hamburgers and even then we have to scatter cheese over to tempt him to eat. I’m glad to know about the problem with protein because he’s possibly getting too much. Might you share your recipes with us one day?

[@pltenhagen]

Awesome video! I have an 8 month old Westie. He is such an amazing little guy. Nice to feel not alone during initial training and the teenager phase. Thank you for posting. ❤

[@dawnvanderbur2391]

The word is “place” in English. I agree with your opinion that terriers have a strong prey drive and when that kicks in, they forget all their recall lessons! 😂. I’ve had three terriers and they were all well behaved dogs but I always use a leash. You are excellent dog parents.

[@N_the_murder_drone793]

Thank you for sharing my Westie got out from out front hard and he got out trying to go with my husband following his car and someone got him and try to sale him but before doing that he took him to the groomer and that my dogs groomer and she call me because she knew it was Jax and call police a 64 year old lady try to sale him after that I’m so paranoid and he doesn’t get out to the back yard in less I go out with him

[@tchoney100]

What size soft sided crate does Sami have please?

[@nellybrown9127]

My westie is a happy boy. Strong Alpha Male who likes his own way. Well socialised with dogs. I’m sure there are many things I could’ve done better. He thinks he’s the boss but he’s not really. 😂

[@WestieVibes]

He and Sami would get along so well! ...or the opposite 😂😂😅

[@theartywestie]

Really great video. Do you close the bedroom door at night when Sami is on the bed? We have two Westies in the bedroom and they always wake us up to go outside.Sometimes if they see a cat or hear another dog, they bark and this wakes us up completely.

[@WestieVibes]

Thank you! Yes the bedroom door we always keep it closed. Do you ever take them outside at night when they ask? I wonder if they do this because they know there is a chance they will be allowed to go outside. Sami doesn't do this, I feel like once it's bedtime, he goes into relax mode and he doesn't react even when dogs bark outside. A few times I heard him lift his head, like he was listening to an odd sound, then seconds later he would crash right back down on his pillows and sigh (he does this loud enough that I can hear it haha)

[@theartywestie]

@@WestieVibes We dp let them out because we are concerned that they may want to go to the toilet. Sometimes they do but often times it's because they just want a midnight adventure, or a snack. Our three year old is very headstrong; he will bang on the door and growl if we don't open it.

[@fergusmacduffthewestie919]

Question? Have you ever tried doggy sunscreen on Sami? Wondering if it really helps.

[@WestieVibes]

Yes, when he was a puppy I put dog-safe sunscreen (zinc free) on the bridge of his nose (dunno what it's called haha) and on the inside of his ears. Basically the places where he had less hair and you could see his pink skin showing. I think it helped, especially because we would spend more time with him in the sun (at the beach etc). Now I try to keep him out of the burning sun as much as I can, because since then I learned that the heat is dangerous for them (I wasn't so aware back then). So now if we go to the beach on vacation during the day, he usually stays in the room to sleep. And we walk him in the morning and evening in summer, so he no longer needs sunscreen now 😊

[@fergusmacduffthewestie919]

@@WestieVibes Thanks for your quick reply. My Westie's skin gets very dark in the summer. I was just wondering if perhaps sunscreen would help with that. But thinking now his fur would get all greasy. But agree, best to keep him out of the sun.

[@rfish67]

I corrected most mistakes on my second Westie, except for tooth brushing. It's v. important, but my Westies fought it the whole time, running upstairs as soon as I got the toothbrush out. I gave up. I never found a way to do it. I paid later because they have to be put under anesthesia for dental work, and this is risky for an older dog. Teeth problems also means pain for the dog, and you never know how much pain they are in. One other thing: Find a way to keep the rest of the family from encouraging bad habits. Everyone has to be on the same page and stay there. No table food. No sugar. Dog food only. Westies are constantly pushing the boundaries. You have to be persistent and vigilant. It's impossible to train your Westie too much. They are a real challenge.

[@WestieVibes]

That is great! The first Westie is like the first pancake 😂😅 We are bound to make more mistakes. I understand not being able to get everything right. Sami also doesn't enjoy getting his teeth brushed. But it's important, like you say, being put under is risky and if we don't brush their teeth they can have headaches and we wouldn't even know. I 100% agree with getting the whole family on the same page. When you make even one exception, the Westie remembers and will push the boundaries even more, because they KNOW it's possible 😂 They are little rascals.

[@ir4847]

Yes, you have a wonderful Vestik Sammi and we watch his life with great pleasure Vesti_venya (yes, and he lives in Russia) Unfortunately, now we are having some difficulties with vaccines and pharmaceutical forms for Venya. But for now we are coping. After all, he is everything to us and our favorite) 🥰

[@WestieVibes]

Thank you so much for following us! I am sorry to hear you're having trouble with vaccines 😔 I wish Venya health and hopefully this issue will be solved soon 🥰

[@michaelgrife6964]

To clean my Westie's teeth, I would put on a latex glove and use my little finger to spread the tooth paste. Their tongue does a great job cleaning the inside of their teeth. Its the outside surface of their teeth that needs the toothpaste. If you use flavored, enzymatic toothpaste for dogs you do not need to scrub much. Just a little with you finger, and soon your dog will have beautiful white teeth.

[@WestieVibes]

I use enzymatic toothpaste too. You are doing a great job taking care of your pup's teeth 🦷❤️

[@rfish67]

I tried that. I put it on my finger, and he would immediately lick it off.

[@paulaandrearodriguezrubian5478]

This is good to know! I was using a pet's toothpaste but not enzymatic one, I'll get one of those if it makes a difference. Thank you!

[@eee-ik5sb]

My westie did not like Asian/Oriental people. He would back away from them or if walking on a trail he would go into the bush, run parallel to the path, pass them and come out behind them on the trail just to avoid then.

[@LindaRossiter-hf8fc]

The uk vet fees are now extortionate!!!

[@Helena-ig4jj]

❤😂🎉❤. Hehehehe 😅. Hehehehe He is. Your. Kid ❤😂

[@kwonanthony]

I hope the "wrong" part of the video is 5 seconds long

[@WestieVibes]

We wish it was! 😂😅 But no, because we learned from those mistakes so it's all good!