Though it seems difficult, achieiving success in training a westie is not impossible at all. In fact, training a dog is just like training young kids in which consistency, determination and knowledge of effective methods are big factors.

If you are having difficulties training a westie, here are some simple tips that can help you go by:

• Understand that having a new puppy is more than just having a cute and furry little dog you can cuddle anytime you want to. Having a dog requires great deal of determination and patience. If you are not patient and forgiving enough to understand his occasional mistakes, what would become of him? If you are not determined enough to continue the training, do you think you will be able to correct the occasional mistakes? Know that dogs need responsible owners to able to grow happy and healthy. Be ready for that!

• It would be a great idea to start training a westie as early as possible. Appropriate socialization, in which should took place between three to 12 weeks old, is vital in every dog's life. It gives them the opportunity to explore new things. Negligence of providing proper socialization and early training can cause minor issues and can later result to serious ones without due attention.

• Know that dogs, though they are of the same breed, may differ from each other. It is therefore normal when a certain training method that works on a certain dog is not effective when used to a different dog. Don't stick to a training method when you noticed that your dog does not respond to it. Try other ways until you have determined what method works best for your dog. Then be consistent in using it.

• Absolutely no cruelty or physical punishment should be imposed. Violence is not the answer no matter how stubborn or difficult to train your dog is. Punishing a dog, be it slapping or hitting the rear with rolled paper won't do him any good. In fact, it may lead to behavior related problems such as aggression.

• What would you feel when somebody, particularly your boss, praises you? You are motivated and want to accomplish more, right? The same it goes in dog training. Praising your westie when he has done something good increases the probability of him doing the same behavior again. So don't forget to give your dog lots of praise!