The Sporting Westie Terrier

Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is well suited for a number of dog events. Some competitions it might participate in are geared toward the Westie's natural instinct to hunt down prey and pursue it into its den. There are other events, though, in which it can compete with dogs of all breeds.

Being bred for using its sense of smell in hunting, a Westhighland terrier dog will do well in tracking events. In these competitions, a tracklayer walks through a specified course, leaving behind small objects that belong to the Westie terrier's trainer. The track is aged, and then the Westie terrier must lead its trainer through the track to retrieve the objects. Advanced tracking goes through or over obstacles like streams, fences, and woods, so tracking is a sport that gives a work-out to both the Westies and its trainer.

Earthdog Tests are specifically designed for small terriers, like the West highland white terrier, as well as Dachshunds. These tests are designed to simulate the underground hunting that it was bred to perform. In the simplest test, the Quarry test, a man-made tunnel is constructed. It is about ten feet long, with one ninety-degree turn. The tunnel is scented, and has caged rats at the far end, which the terrier dog must find and 'work' - pawing and snarling at them - for at least sixty seconds. The rats are then removed before either animals are harmed. More advanced Earthdog Tests are longer, and include more turns, and false trails.

The westie dog is also known to compete in Agility events. In these exciting, fast-paced competitions, the Westie terrier is challenged to run through an obstacle course at high speed. There are seesaws to navigate, obstacles to jump, tunnels to traverse, and sets of poles for it to weave through. Because of the jump requirements, in Agility competitions the Westhighland terrier is pitted against dogs of similar size.

In the past, it has also done well in Obedience Trials. These competitions take the normal obedience training that anyone should give their pet, and raises it to a standard of perfection. The dog is expected to show superior performance at a series of commands that are executed in a show ring. Some of the tested commands are 'heel,' with and without a leash, 'sit' for a period of one minute, or 'down' for a period of three minutes. More advanced trials include retrieving articles and finding hidden objects that have the trainer's scent. The Westie terrier competes against dogs of all breeds in these competitions.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com

Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com

---

Dog Doors: Giving Your Pet Freedom to Come and Go as They Please Helps Solve Behavior Problems

Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More

Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to ?Speak? on Command

All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More

Heartworms Alert - Know The Warning Signs To Save Your Pets Health!

Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More

Horse Training Techniques From The 1800s

Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More

Life with the Rat Terriers

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Keeping The Aquarium Clean

You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More

Heartworm Treatment for Cats and Dogs

The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More

Dog Aggression: How to Recognize & Respond

Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More

How To Load A Horse Into A Trailer - Easy As Pie!

If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More

Why Build Your Own Reptile Cage?

When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More

Westies for Sale - Avoiding the Perils of Purebred Puppy Purchases

In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More

But My Pet Will Never Run Away (or Why We Need Licenses)

The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More

How To Adopt A Shelter Cat - Your New Cat Will Thank You For Reading This Article

If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More

Care for Your Dogs Ears

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More

Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?

Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More

How To Install An Emergency Brake On Your Horse

Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More

5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Create a First Aid Kit For Your Family

1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dog And Frustration

Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More

What You Need To Know To Keep Your Dog Safe In Your Car

Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More

What Type Of Food Should You Really Feed Your Cat?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part Two

Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know

You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More

Dog Worms -- Dont Let Them Get Started

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More

The Need for Pet First Aid Kits

Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Essential Oils and MRSA

Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!

The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More