Bringing home a new West Highland White Terrier puppy is exciting — and a little daunting. A calm, prepared start helps your puppy settle in and sets the tone for the years ahead. Here’s how to make those first days go smoothly.
Before your puppy arrives
Puppy-proof your home and gather the essentials: a properly sized crate, food and water bowls, the food your breeder has been feeding, a collar and leash, safe chew toys, grooming basics and an enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Decide in advance where your puppy will sleep and eat.
The first night
The first night away from littermates can be unsettling. Keep things calm, place the crate somewhere your puppy can sense you, and expect a bit of fussing. A consistent bedtime routine helps your Westie learn that the crate is a safe, restful place.
Feeding and house-training
Stick with the food and schedule your breeder recommends, and change diets gradually if needed. For house-training, take your puppy out frequently — after waking, eating and playing — and reward success generously. Consistency and patience are everything; accidents are part of the process.
Early socialization and training
The early weeks are a critical window. Gently introduce your puppy to new people, gentle handling, everyday sounds and other vaccinated dogs. Keep experiences positive and low-pressure. Short, reward-based training sessions build good habits — the Westie’s clever, food-motivated nature makes this rewarding. For more on what makes them tick, see our Westie temperament guide.
Start grooming early
Get your puppy comfortable with brushing and handling from day one so grooming becomes routine, not a battle. Our grooming guide covers the full routine.
For everything else about the breed, see our complete breed guide. Questions about your Cedar Creek Westies puppy? We’re always here to help.