Westies and Cats
Some advice from a West Highland Terrier owner…
West Highland Terriers can get along very well with cats and once they have grown used to each other they make excellent companions for each other. The integration needs to be performed carefully, though, because of the nature of Westie Terriers.Because they are a small breed, people often perceive Westies to be lapdogs. Nothing could be farther from the truth. These dogs were bred to hunt and they remain hunters and fighters to this day. One trait that all the terrier breeds share, Pit Bulls to Yorkies, is that if something runs away they will chase it. If they catch what they are pursuing they grab it and give that terrier headshake that kills so fast. So, when you try to bring a cat and a Westie together you need to do everything you can to protect the cat. There are two basic situations:
- Introducing a dog into a household with an established cat.
- Bringing a cat into a household that already has a Westie.
In either case, the main thing you must ensure is that the dog learns to submit to the cat. This may not meet our standards of fairness, but its the only way to guarantee the safety of the cat.You also need to know for sure that you can control the dog under all circumstances. In practice that means the dog needs to be leashed in the house for the first while. The best way to do this is to put the dog on umbilical. Get a six foot leash and tie it around your waist with the dog attached. This keeps your hands free to do other things and also means that you can’t accidentally lose your grip on the lead if the dog gives a sudden lunge.So, put the dog on umbilical and just sit on the couch with both animals in the room. What we want to see is that the animals first ignore each other, then become curious and sniff each other. You may be able to hasten the process somewhat by presenting each animal with the others butt and letting them get a good sniff.If your Westie starts lunging and snarling, lay it down on its side and make it submit ala Cesar Millan.There really isn’t much more to know or do for success. The only caution is that the process takes at least a couple of weeks. Before that time has elapsed you really can’t count on the dog. Keep him on umbilical whenever hes around the cat. This training is good for him in many other ways anyway and you’ll find he’s much more respectful and attentive to you after a couple of weeks of umbilical training.
Westies and cats can definitely be friends. Look here for more information about the training of West Highland Terriers.
If you have a problem with balloons attacking you or your property, this video shows how a Westie could save the day…
Category: dog training, General Dog Information
I work with these dogs and as far as animal behavior goes, I’m a strong believer in nurture and training. I have met Jack Russell Terriers that I wouldn’t go close to once again, but have in no way had a negative encounter with an American Staffordshire Terrier. If you’re talking about their owners- well, that’s a diverse story. People are animals as well, and we often each have our very own tips about “moral concepts”.