More Westie Training And Advice – Earthdog Trials
Westie training can be very interesting when you go beyond basic obedience. This breed can be trained to do many things including Earthdog trials. What is that? It is an outdoor exercise that is designed to specifically test the natural instinct and working ability of small, short-legged terriers. The west highland terrier was originally bred to control the population of vermin and other quarry, such as rats, foxes, otters, etc., that live in dens underground. He would go under the earth, find the den of the pest, bark to alert his owner of its whereabouts, who would then dig down to capture the animal.
In terms of westie training, an earthdog den trial features artificial underground tunnels through which the dog moves while following the scent of the quarry (usually two rats are used). The canine must continue tracking until he finds the vermin, at which point he then must proceed to “work” the prey. The type of “working” permitted depends on the organization in charge of the test but typically includes, barking, staring, pawing, digging, scratching or any similar active behavior. Note: The live bait used is protected; thus, neither it nor the westie is in any danger.
How will I know if this is the right competition for my pet? Carefully observe how your pooch reacts to the little creatures in your backyard or when you are out on walks. When he sees a chipmunk, squirrel, etc., does he ignore them or does he bark and attempt to chase them. If these little critters seem to bother him, there is a good chance your west-highland terrier still has some hunter in him, so it is likely he will enjoy this westie training.
When should he be trained? You can begin earth-dog westie training as soon as your puppy becomes active and playful. Start with a large cardboard box (I.E. shoebox) and cut a hole on both sides. This will allow your poochie to become accustomed to crawling through holes and being in a somewhat dark enclosed space. Next, you will want to introduce him to a pipe (I.E. PVC pipe) that is 6 inches in diameter and is 12-15 inches long, so he can practice running. Just make sure the pipe is secured to something to prevent it from rolling when he’s inside. Finally, as he grows, upgrade the tube to one that is 6- 8 inches in diameter and 3 – 10 feet in length (I.E. plastic drain pipe).
Earthdog tests can be a lot of fun for your companion and it can also be very rewarding for you to watch your pet enjoy himself and compete. If you are serious about this form of advanced westie training, be sure to find out the necessary requirements for the trial and consult with an experienced trainer to ensure the best outcome for your pal.
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