Westies and Winter
Westies and winter conjure up pictures of the westie sleeping contentedly on a cushion in front of the fire or curled up with you watching TV. But, let’s face it lying around all day and sleeping all night doesn’t make for a happy, mentally healthy dog. Exercise of course is the answer. But exercise can all too easily be set aside for the winter season. There is no doubt that it takes more effort - there are all those clothes to put on and take off, and the weather is at least cold, if not plain miserable. However, the effort is well worth it for the overall well-being of both dog and handler.
Classes Winter is the ideal time for those classes you have always thought about taking. A lot of people immediately think about obedience classes but there is a lot more to it than the formal obedience leading to a title. If your dog has not yet tried classes, look at one promoting good manners, as it will have all the basics. A most popular one for adult dogs is the CKC program for getting the Canadian Good Neighbour title.
The obedience learned here is simple everyday, useful dog manners. This is not formal precision drilling but fun exercises such as teaching the dog which of you goes through the door first. Another dog sport is Rally Obedience. For this, the dog needs a little obedience training, in that she should be able to walk reasonably well on leash and keep her attention on your for a few seconds at a time. Whatever class you look at, be sure that it is a fun type class using only positive training and rewards. Don’t hesitate to change training facilities if you are asked to do things to your dog that make you uncomfortable. The purpose of training is to build a happy working relationship with the dog, not to turn him into a robot.
Walking
Walking the dog is the most basic of exercises and the one that is most often used. Walking is good for body, mind and spirit of both dog and handler. However, in winter, walking must be tailored to the dictates of the winter. Extreme cold or extreme wind make the whole experience unpleasant, and there is always the risk of frost-bite. The length of the walk should be such that the dog is a little tired when getting home, but certainly not exhausted. When you get into the habit of walking regularly you will find that both dog and handler enjoy increasingly longer walks. If you walk alone, always take a cell phone with you, and baggies for the pick-ups. Sandwich bags are the right size. Some parks supply these, but they are rare indeed. The back yard Not every day is suitable for walking, but the back yard can be made to substitute. Westies love snow - they’ll run and play and bury their faces in the snow. To expand this activity you can dig narrow paths all over your yard, making them go under garden benches and around trees. Then, from time to time, throw a ball or some tiny treats for the dog to find. Providing a bird feeder in your back yard which can be seen from the house by the dog provides lots of interest to both dogs and humans. If you also feed squirrels, the excitement level for the dog goes way up and when she is outside she’ll run around the yard looking for them.
Winter dangers
There are certain dangers for dogs in winter, and anti-freeze and de-icers generally top the list. The dog is attracted to anti-freeze by its sweetness, and will lick it up. This product is fatal, so if you even suspect anti-freeze has been ingested, treat it as an emergency and go to the the vet at once. De-icer products can get trapped between the toes and the dog will lick or chew them out. Even the so-called ‘safe’ de-icers were never intended to be eaten, so always wash the dog’s feet after a winter walk, or consider boots. Check the temperature. Westies, ones with ‘pet clips’ especially, must be careful going out on winter walks when the ear hair is cut very short, or the feet have too little hair. Skin freezes easily at low temperatures.
Folks don’t often think of their yard gates as being a problem, but in winter, when the snow keeps the gate from closing properly, or the latch doesn’t work well, the dog can easily escape. Westies, in the excitement of the new-found freedom can travel a long distance from home in a short time. Because of their short legs they can become trapped in deep snow, unable to free themselves, and their colour makes them almost invisible. If out over night in sub-zero temperatures, they can freeze to death. Gates must be regularly checked. Children especially, must be alerted to the problem and taught that every time they close the gate properly, it will save little Toto ‘s life. If you teach them well, they will likely watch that their friends also will close the gate properly.
Clothing
This brings us to the question of clothing. Is it necessary, or useful, or just ‘fashion’? Dog boots, for example, will greatly protect the feet from cold and chemicals and of course from being wet. Many westies have itchy skin ranging from the very mild to the very severe. Wet feet aggravate the itch sensation, and thereby encourage more ‘chewing’. If you choose not to use boots, be sure you clean and dry the feet thoroughly after each walk and inspect them for de-icer bits trapped in the fur around the toes.
For those who want to use boots, the choice is wide and they are available in big-box stores, pet shops, pet supply stores, general feed stores, and even some drug stores have them. Dog boots have become a fashion item. The walking boots generally have a leather bottom, waterproof fabric top and a secure fastening strap like velcro. One of the biggest manufactureres of top quality boots is‘Muttluks’. Many people like this product as it fits well, stays on and wears well. The Westie size in Muttluk is xx small. No matter where you get your dog boots, do compare before buying. Many pet and feed stores will let you take the dog in for a try-on. Also, compare prices - the same product can cost much more in one store than another in the same area. Coats are often a good idea for the westie’s winter walks, particularly as most pet westies are clipped, and so don’t have the fuller harsh coat of the ‘stripped’ westie.
Coats for dogs are also a fashion item. The walking coat should be warm, but neither stiff, nor heavy. It should let the dog walk easily. Many owners prefer to use sweaters, as they fit the dog’s body well, and allow for easy movement. They also wash well and have not fasteners to bother with. Sweaters with turtle necks provide pull-up protection for the ears in extreme wind and cold. Many people prefer a walking harness to a collar and leash. The harness eliminates pressure across the throat and cannot be easily slipped if the dog should pull away. It allows the dog to move freely and gives the handler good control. Be sure you fit the harness on the dog before you buy, and be sure it is sufficiently adjustable to go over top of sweater or coat.
Winter grooming
Assuming you use the services of a groomer, you need only be sure that the dog’s coat is not clipped too short for winter temperatures. The hair between the toes should be no shorter than flush with the pads. Brush the coat out every day or two. Westies do a lot of lying around in winter and part of keeping the skin healthy is keeping good air circulation to that skin. Teeth and ears need regular inspection and cleaning as they do for the rest of the year.
Indoor fun
Here are some things you can do to both enjoy and build your relationship with your dog, and also give him a little extra exercise.
Games
Gloves - There are several types of games you can play with your dog (‘tug’ is not one of them). A favourite at our house is what we call‘gloves’. Put the dog on a sit-stay or have someone hold her, let her sniff a couple of gloves, (use clean old gloves, or old socks) and then you hide the gloves where they can be easily seen. Release the dog and go with her. Talk to her in an encouraging voice to help her find a glove. When she finds it, she gets a treat. She’ll soon put two and two together after a few repetitions, and be dashing around to find them on her own. Work up to six or eight gloves, hiding them no more than eighteen inches off the floor, and always leave a bit showing. Keep the treats very small but give several when she finds the last glove. If you have taught her to retrieve, she can bring the gloves back to you for the treats. Hide and Seek is also fun. Put the dog on a sit-stay, then hide, and call her to come. The first time, you may have to call her more than once. She gets a tiny treat when she finds you. Keep playing this game and your dog will learn quickly to come when called.
Doorbell
Teach the dog to sit and stay on command for a few seconds. Then place a towel near the front door, and teach her to sit and stay on the towel. Now hit the doorbell once and get her sit and stay on the towel. Practise in very short sessions each day. Gradually fold the towel a little smaller, and then remove it. Soon she will run to the spot and sit-stay when the doorbell rings, and remain seated when you open the door.
For more on teaching tricks and training, you’ll find good information in a little book called ‘Clicking with your Dog -Step by step in Pictures’ by Peggy Tillman. (ISBN 1-890948-08x)
Author: Anne Matheson.