This is always a problem with a Westie or any other puppy to one degree or another, until they

reach somewhere around 12 to 14 months of age. Westies are hunters. They were trained over

the past decades to hunt and then, they're also puppies to boot. This is why we always tell

new parents to never trust then "Off Leash" in an open area until, you are SURE the will

come to your call. Being hunters, Westies have a very strong, what we call ,"Critter Mode".

That is, when they get their mind, eyes, and/or nose set on some form of "critter" or even

a smell they will hear all your calling but, the "Critter Mode' strongly filters every sound

you or anything else makes.

At this point the best thing we can tell you is to begin the "Come to Call' training at about

age 3 months of age and work on it for as long as it takes, possibly for the next several

months or, if you lucky, maybe only a couple of months or less. This is the single, most

difficult behavior to train for. Don't dismay though, it will come about, but age plays a

large part in the process. Now, here's what we do and what we suggest you try with

you puppy/dog.

In an rather large enclosed area, allow your puppy to be free. Now, call to him using the

word "COME" of something similar. What ever command you use, try to keep it to one or

two words and ALWAYS KEEP IT EXACTLY THE SAME. Consistency in all commands

is extremely important. He probably will ignore you but, give it a good try for 10-15

 times.

If he happens to come, have a special treat for him and shower him with praise.

Then, try the same thing again and again for 5-6 times.  Don't use any treats he may get

for doing other things unless, he completely, absolutely loves that one. You

might try making some of the home made liver treats that I have listed under "Healthy

Treats" on our Grooming & Health Tips website (click the link under our email address

on our home page). These, if dried, as prescribed, can be stored for a year or more without

a problem. Each time he comes to you via your calling, give a treat and a lot of praise.

Not a bunch of treats, just one or two very small ones. It only needs to be a taste, not a

snack. We don't want him getting FAT, now do we? Fat on a dog is very very bad thing.

Assuming he didn't come to you, you'll will need a helper.

The plan is to have you at a given spot (in the open) with the treats in your pocket

or such. Now, your helper will have your dog on collar and leash. They will walk the dog

20 -30 feet from your position and without guiding him, wait for your commands to

"COME". After you have called the command 4-5 times without a good response, your

helper will turn the dog, while you begin calling again, and lead the dog to you. When

he arrives, give him a treat and much affection.

Again, the helper will walk the dog out (not exactly to the same spot) and the process

will be repeated over and over for no more then 5 times. Do not over do it. This, and

most any other training can be worked for one session in the morning and one session

NOT LESS than 6 hours later. With any training, you never want to over do it. Puppies,

and even older dogs, have a very short training attention span. If the routine gets

old ---- they lose interest, even with treats.

Then, you've taken a step BACKWARDS. Your want to always be going forward. Even

the smallest advancement in a puppies training is a MAJOR SUCCESS! MANY SMALL

STEPS CREATE ONE VERY NICE LONG WALK.

Work with this and your sure to find your puppy's response greatly improving day by day.