| Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is | | | | events. In these exciting, fast-paced competitions, the |
| well suited for a number of dog events. Some | | | | Westie terrier is challenged to run through an obstacle |
| competitions it might participate in are geared toward | | | | course at high speed. There are seesaws to navigate, |
| the Westie's natural instinct to hunt down prey and | | | | obstacles to jump, tunnels to traverse, and sets of |
| pursue it into its den. There are other events, though, in | | | | poles for it to weave through. Because of the jump |
| which it can compete with dogs of all breeds. | | | | requirements, in Agility competitions the Westhighland |
| Being bred for using its sense of smell in hunting, a | | | | terrier is pitted against dogs of similar size. |
| Westhighland terrier dog will do well in tracking events. | | | | In the past, it has also done well in Obedience Trials. |
| In these competitions, a tracklayer walks through a | | | | These competitions take the normal obedience training |
| specified course, leaving behind small objects that | | | | that anyone should give their pet, and raises it to a |
| belong to the Westie terrier's trainer. The track is aged, | | | | standard of perfection. The dog is expected to show |
| and then the Westie terrier must lead its trainer | | | | superior performance at a series of commands that |
| through the track to retrieve the objects. Advanced | | | | are executed in a show ring. Some of the tested |
| tracking goes through or over obstacles like streams, | | | | commands are 'heel,' with and without a leash, 'sit' for a |
| fences, and woods, so tracking is a sport that gives a | | | | period of one minute, or 'down' for a period of three |
| work-out to both the Westies and its trainer. | | | | minutes. More advanced trials include retrieving articles |
| Earthdog Tests are specifically designed for small | | | | and finding hidden objects that have the trainer's scent. |
| terriers, like the West highland white terrier, as well as | | | | The Westie terrier competes against dogs of all |
| Dachshunds. These tests are designed to simulate the | | | | breeds in these competitions. |
| underground hunting that it was bred to perform. In the | | | | (Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site |
| simplest test, the Quarry test, a man-made tunnel is | | | | relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions |
| constructed. It is about ten feet long, with one | | | | of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for |
| ninety-degree turn. The tunnel is scented, and has | | | | informational purposes only and is not meant to be a |
| caged rats at the far end, which the terrier dog must | | | | substitute for the advice provided by your own |
| find and 'work' - pawing and snarling at them - for at | | | | veterinarian. You should not use the information |
| least sixty seconds. The rats are then removed | | | | contained herein for diagnosing the health of any |
| before either animals are harmed. More advanced | | | | animal. You should always consult and check with your |
| Earthdog Tests are longer, and include more turns, and | | | | own vet or veterinarian.) |
| false trails. | | | | I do hope that you have found the article of use to |
| The westie dog is also known to compete in Agility | | | | you. |