Westie doesnt like my son

Question
I have a west highland white terrier. He is 4 years old. My 17 year old has teased him in the past and so the dog acts like he doesn't like my son. If my son(mike) just looks at the dog(Baxter) funny he starts barking and growling at him. If we are goofing around at all the dog attacks Mike. Today Mike was having a pillow fight with a younger sibling and Baxter bit him pretty hard. This isn't the first time this has happened. Baxter doesn't like any physical playing between anyone in the house. I certainly don't want him biting my son but I think the dog is scared or protecting especially me. He is much worse when I am around, they tell me. He is totally my dog~follows me everywhere I go. How can I make the dog like Mike? Does the correction need to come from me when the dog is barking and growling? Sometimes all Mike has to do is walk into the room and the dog starts barking and growling at him. I am always yelling at Mike-Saying he has given the dog a mean look or something-Of coarse he denies it. I am very frustrated.  

Answer
Hi Kris,  Unfortunately dogs never forget, especially someone who has teased and/or hurt the dog in the past.  The biggest problem you have is that it is a Westie and their memory for someone doing something to them is better than an elephants.  If Mike teased him at a crucial age in his life, then it would imprint with him and the dog will never trust him, and will be defensive whenever Mike is around.  Mike caused this problem and pretty much will have to live with the consequences of it for the rest of the Westie's life.  Westies can also be very protective, since they are terriers, and what is worse is that teasing a terrier can bring our more aggression in them and also more protectiveness whenever the pack leader is around (which would be you).  You can start using a spray bottle filled with water and spray the dog everytime he displays the behavior you do not want.  When you spray him, make sure and say "no" so he understands the behavior that he is currently displaying is not allowed.  Hope this helps,

Dawn