I have fallen out with the neighbor more than once, over our Westie barking. I keep telling her that it is a perfectly natural and normal behavior in dogs, but that doesn't seem to satisfy her. God I wish she would get a life.

However he does seem to go on a bit at times, because he is a terrier and it's the nature of the beast. But realistically you can't expect your Westie to turn completely mute.

Here are 5 steps which I have found has helped to curb the west highland dogs barking habit.

1) This first step does seem so logical, but try and establish why your westie dog is barking. It might something like a separation or grooming issue, but knowing the cause can help so much to setting up a cure.

2) Praise your west highland terrier for barking once (This is important) by saying "Good Dog" If he keeps barking tell him/her to be quiet in a loud but firm voice.

3) Have a special treat at hand and wave this in front of the Westies nose. Believe it, the dog will be quiet. Would You not concentrate on your favourite sweet if it was in front of you.

4) If he is quiet for 4 seconds let him have the treat. If he starts to bark again after he has eaten the treat, wave another treat in front of him. If he barks again before the 4 seconds is up, tell him to be quiet as before and in a firm voice. Give him the treat once the quiet period of 4 seconds has elapsed. Your Westie will soon learn (They are very intelligent and fun loving animals), that after a certain period of quiet time, he will be rewarded.

5) Increase this period to 8 seconds and then to 16 seconds and so on. Over a period of time you should see a significant increase in the reduction of the barking.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this article relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)