The housebreaking process can be a long and tedious one at that. Most pet owners and West Highland White Terrier breeders prefer to crate train their Westie puppies. This is the most practical way to house train any puppy. This method starts by having a schedule where your Westie puppy either goes to the bathroom in the crate or is allowed specific time to go outside to eliminate. You must choose your times during the day and night and stick with them. This is where positive reinforcement comes into play. You will want to reward and praise your West Highland White Terrier when they go to the bathroom in the correct place and simply state a firm "No!" when they go to the bathroom anywhere else than the correct area.

The crate is a big part of the training process. Your Westie puppy will not eliminate in the crate if the crate is the primary resting area. This being said, you must understand that your West Highland White Terrier will also need to go outside upon waking up and also right after eating. You must remember this and if you hear your West Highland White Terrier puppy crying in its crate this probably means that they may need to go outside. Also it is important to remember that Westie puppies cannot hold their bladder all night long. They frequently will need to go outside a number of times in the middle of the night.

Most importantly you have to be consistent. Never use harsh methods to correct when housebreaking Westie puppies, this will only scare them and be counter-productive. The use of positive reinforcement techniques will train your puppy to want to learn, listen, and please. The crate is your main tool to training; you have complete control of the entire process.

These puppy tips come from Westie breeders for you!