Friday, October 31, 2014

A Col. Potter Halloween Treat!

Happy Halloween!

Friday's Funnies!

Off the Leash

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Follow the Leader!

Who does your dog see as the Leader in your pack?

"…From the dog's perspective, only someone they respect has the right to control, direct or inhibit another dog's behavior..."    Suzanne Clothier

Leadership Basics
A simple guide to regaining your dog's respect in pleasant, non-confrontational ways.

There are three basic aspects to leadership: 

-  Control of or Undisputed Access to Resources

-  Proactive Intervention

-  Ability to Control, Direct or Inhibit the Behavior of Others 

Behaving like a leader means that you must demonstrate 'to the dog's satisfaction!' that your behavior is that of a higher status animal.  Each dog will have different criteria for what constitutes adequate leadership skills on your part.  And his expectations may change considerably as he grows and matures, requiring that you also make shifts in your approach. 

Directing, Controlling & Inhibiting Behavior 

From the dog's perspective, only someone they respect has the right to control, direct or inhibit another dog's behavior.  Turned around the other way, this means that if you can't control, direct or inhibit your dog's behavior (especially at critical or highly exciting times), your dog is making it quite clear that he does not consider you higher status, in other words, he doesn't respect you, a clear sign that your leadership is inadequate for that dog (though it may be quite adequate for another dog with a different personality). 

Your dog will grant you precisely the respect you have earned.  No more, no less.  And he will adjust that constantly.  If you begin to act in sloppy ways, he'll downgrade the respect.  Clean up your act, and he'll respond accordingly.  You are not voted leader for life in the world of dogs, you earn the dog's respect daily.  The more intelligent, confident and ambitious the dog, the more likely he is to quickly notice tiny shifts in your behavior on any given day, and to test you and the rules regularly.  This is why when changes occur in our lives, which result in changes in our behavior (as simple as being rushed for time to moving, changing jobs, or other bigger life shifts) prompt new behavior from the dog - he's testing to see what the changes mean for him. 

Basic training is important to help the dog understand that you can control and direct his behavior, something you will also be teaching him through your resource control actions.  But you must earn the respect and the right to control the dog's behavior.  If you do not have control of the dog in non-stressful times - like meals or playing ball or even walking (pulling?) down the street - I guarantee you he's not going to listen to you when something he thinks important happens (like a cat dashing across your path or a jogger going by or another dog appearing on the street, the person at the door, etc.).

Practice self-control with your dog frequently, as well as basic obedience in every place you can think of, and with you in every possible position.  Act like a leader, earn the respect! 

Proactive Intervention

Good leaders are watchful, protective and quick to act to defend.  When you are with your dog, really be with him, and watching his responses to the world around him.  Plan ahead how you will handle situations you know may be troublesome.  Be someone he can rely on no matter what.  If it helps, think of him as a guest at a party or family gathering who is unsure of what may be the polite or appropriate thing to say or do.  If you were helping such a guest, how would you do this?  By paying close attention, anticipating situations where help may be needed, and avoiding those situations that he couldn't handle. 

How do you know if your leadership is adequate for any given dog? 

If you can control or have access to ANY resource without the dog challenging your right to it AND the dog allows you to control, direct or inhibit his behavior in highly exciting or critical moments (quiet times with just you and the dog do NOT count;  Controlling the dog when a cat dashes past or someone knocks on the door or when guests comes DO count) AND your dog trusts that you will step in if necessary to protect him from other dogs or people, and is willing to defer to you on these occasions.

If there are weak points in any of these areas, you may need to make some changes in your leadership style.  One easy, non-confrontationnal way to gain your dog's respect is through resource control. 

Regaining Resource Control 

What Matters To Your Dog? 

Make a written list of the top 5-10 resources for your dog.  This may be food, treats, toys, attention, play, special resting places, walks, car rides, etc. - Hopefully you are on the list!  Don't waste your time or the dog's by trying to control resources that don't mean much to the dog. 

What Can You Ask From Your Dog? 

Make a list of EVERY behavior your dog knows - whether formal commands or tricks.  From this list, you will draw your 'request' of one or more behaviors which must be completed promptly, on one quiet command, and executed exactly before you will provide the resource.  For access to any resource, insist that your dog 'give' you something before you provide the resource.

A sit or down is a basic starting point;  However, as the dog's skills allow, make the dog work harder.  Put 2 or 3 behaviors together; Do not be predictable!  Too many folks stay with a simple sit or down, never progressing to much more demanding requests as the dog's skills allow.  Remember how your mom got all excited when you were finally able to write your name?  Well, it's good to remember that these days folks take that for granted and expect much more from you.  Asking a truly intelligent dog to merely sit is like asking Bill Gates for $100 - it's not exactly requiring him to give something meaningful.

Making the request meaningful relative to the dog's skills will sharpen him up - he must really concentrate and pay attention to you.  Ask for any and all skills the dog has, and all the tricks he knows, and mix them up in an unexpected order. 

The goal is the dog's complete attentive cooperation, not a habituated response that requires no thought from the dog. 

No Grading on the Curve.  Set your baseline for acceptable responses and hold tight.  If you want the dog to sit within 2 seconds, then accept NO responses that are slower.  Being consistent is an important part of leadership.  Smart dogs will push you hard to see if you'll accept less or slower responses - that's what got you both into this situation in the first place! 

Consistency Counts!  Be relentless.  Your dog views you as his leader 24 hours a day.  He cannot and will not understand your annoying boss, your in-law problems or your IRS woes as the reasons for your inconsistency.  He believes what you say - every time! 

Too Bad!  If the dog offers a wrong or slow response, you can repeat the command, try again, or even gently remind/help him, you can offer verbal praise and encouragement BUT do not provide the desired resource till he gets it absolutely right.  If the dog blows you off, quietly turn away and make the resource unavailable.  This may mean putting the food bowl in the refrigerator and walking away for a few minutes before nicely asking again.  It may mean walking away from the door you would have opened if the dog had played by the rules.  It may mean ending the game of fetch.  Try again in a few minutes to see if the dog is more willing to cooperate, but be sure YOU are the one who chooses to start again, not the dog pushing you to it.

Stay Cool.  No need to be harsh, angry or confrontational.  Simply draw a direct line from the dog's behavior to the consequence.  If you do this, this happens.  For example, you ask the dog to lie down before throwing his ball, and he refuses.  Oh well - game is over;  You pocket the ball and walk away for a bit (maybe just 5-15 seconds; maybe much longer; all depends on the situation and the dog's behavior).  Take home message for the dog: If you do not cooperate, I don't play. 

Earn Your Oscar!  When necessary, be dramatic in your responses - acting shocked or deeply disappointed with the wrong response from the dog, sweetly encouraging if he's almost right, and dramatic in your withdrawal should he really blow it.  Often, handlers offer such "mushy" information that the dog has a hard time telling the difference between what's right and what's wrong.  Harsh or angry is not necessary; but clearly delighted or disappointed can help the dog figure things out.

Educate The Dog!  The more your dog knows, the more ways he has to cooperate with you.  Polish up his current skills, and keep adding new ones;  more and more tricks, for example, gives your dog more ways to be right and earn what he wants.  Training is communication, and communication is critical to healthy relationships.  Besides, it's just plain fun!


"Copyright © 2013 by Suzanne Clothier. Used by permission of Suzanne Clothier. All rights reserved. For more information about Suzanne please visit SuzanneClothier.com"

Read More Training Tips from Suzanne Clothier:











Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Halloween Safety Tips from Pinterest!

Originally posted 10/29/13

image via News.Easybranches.com

Pinterest isn't all fun and games.  Col. Potter also pins information on safety, health, behavior and training.   Here are some important tips for keeping your pet safe this Halloween.

















Please share these safety tips with your fellow animal lovers.

Wacky Wednesday!



Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or out reach purposes.

 A big shout out to Harper, our Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Skip-ping Tuesdays!

Contributed by CP Skip in CA

CP Skip is Available for Adoption in CA!


Hey there!  Are you ready to Skip Tuesday?!! Hehehehehe!  My Foster Mom thought I should Skip that joke, but I really just had to do it!

See, that’s me: Always following Foster Mom around and really paying attention to everything she says – even though once and a while I don’t do what she wants. Nothing bad, but like when she wants me to go out in the yard and play, I always do that if she comes along, but if she wants to stay inside, that what I want to do too…  So I follow her lead, but I also know what I want – and I want to be with Foster Mom!  …or You!!!

Oh!  Almost forgot: Here’s the Link so you can Apply to Adopt me!

I told you about my rather exotic one-half Australian Koolie blood, but I also have Chihuahua and Pekinese blood too!  Did you know that both Chihuahuas and Pekinese are very old breeds?  My Chihuahuan ancestors lived with the Mayans and Toltecs in Mexico, and my Pekinese ancestors lived in palaces in Imperial China.  You had to be royalty to own one!   Pretty special!  Don’t worry!  I won’t let any of this go to my head!  I’m not a snob, in spite of all this exotic DNA, and I will be your devoted companion no matter what your DNA is!

Do You Have a Lots of Toys?

I do – but I can always use more!  I am very neat with my toys, and I really take very good care of them too!  Take a look and let me know what you think…








Monday, October 27, 2014

Keeping our Cairns Safe on Halloween!

Information taken from Halloween Safety Guide, HSUS, Pet Safety on Halloween.

Ellie and Merlin fka CP Curly are ready to party in safety!
Jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treaters, haunted houses and costume parties. Halloween is full of fun things for you and your family to enjoy, but it's one of those holidays that is enjoyed more by people than by pets. 

Keep the following precautions in mind when preparing for the frightfully fun festivities and help ensure that everyone in your family - including your pet - has a safe Halloween:
  • As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate may be deadly to them even in small amounts.

  • Keep your pet in a quiet place, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. You may know that the miniature monsters and goblins who come knocking on Halloween aren't real, but pets don't. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and could become frightened or agitated by the unaccustomed sights and sounds of costumed visitors. In addition, frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Be sure all pets are wearing collars and ID tags in case of an accidental getaway.

  • Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over the place. Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

  • If you are having a indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won't be disturbed. Unless your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people you should keep them separate for the night. Also, be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door as you hand out candy. Best bet is to just put them in a crate with some food and water for the night and check on them once in a while to let them know everything is fine.

  • Candy wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making homemade dog and cat treats, you can always make them their own Halloween treats.

  • Don't let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing. Children may have a difficult time handling a pet during the festivities and your pooch could get loose, especially if your dog is scared by the strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.

  • Don't leave your pet outside on Halloween: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night. Plus with all the things happening that evening it can be more than a little frightening for our animals.
Col. Potter wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets!" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).

All Treats for Halloween!!!
Ellie and Merlin fka CP Curly

Buddy, Duffy, Rudy fka CP Trudeau, and Billy Ray Cyrus

Foster Darleigh

Kallie

Kenna fka CP Turnip

Katie

Foster Rockford

Zander, Bea, and Neha

Tori fka CP Toronto

Foster Tessie

Tabasco finally Home!

Rosie and the Spider!

Foster Sprout










Saturday, October 25, 2014

Col. Potter Giving Green with Lynch Creek Farm!

Please Feel Free to Cross Post!

Lynch Creek Farm is pleased to partner with Col. Potter again to bring you a special Fundraiser Campaign Col.Potter Cairn Rescue Network Giving Green!  Now through Sunday, December 14th, you can order any beautiful, high quality wreath, centerpiece, or other decorative item for the Holidays, as a Gift, or for your own home, and Lynch Creek Farm will donate a 20% of your purchase to Col. Potter to help save another Cairn in need!  You can order now for December delivery, easy as 1.2.3!  Not ready to shop?  You can make a straight-up donation via the Lynch Creek Farm campaign and 100% of all donations will go to the Cairns!  100%!!!  A fantastic opportunity to donate or to give a gift that gives twice!

Lynch Creek Farm Presents
Now - December 14th
20% of all proceeds and 100% of all donations
during this time will be sent to

Check Out the Results of Our 
2013 Lynch Creek Farm Giving Green Campaign

LB was rescued by Col. Potter last year and had a severely damaged leg which may have cost his leg, or his life.  Through Col. Potter's Giving Green Lynch Creek Farm Campaign, we raised all of the money needed to give LB the delicate surgery needed and the physical therapy.  A year ago, he couldn't walk, but thanks to the great generosity of so many people, LD can now zoom around the yard with ease!  That's Giving Green!



Please Feel Free to Cross Post!

 

 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday's Funnies

Off the Leash

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Understanding Seizures in our Cairns

Darleigh is a wonderful, sweet 4 year old Cairn, looking for a Forever Home that understands and is willing to maintain appropriate preventative measures for seizure disorders.

Seizures in dogs can happen for a host of reasons and with a wide range of  symptoms and presentations, so it’s no wonder that many owners and veterinary practitioners make mistakes when confronted with any form of seizure disorder.  The more we educate ourselves about seizure disorders, the easier it is for us to avoid triggers and stay calm when needed, managing things appropriately, seeking the best result for our dogs.

Recently, Col. Potter rescued a lovely female Cairn from a breeding facility and sent her off to her new Foster Home, several states away.  However well managed, travel for any Rescued Cairn can be very stressful, especially for one who is suddenly experiencing yet another rapid and confusing change in her circumstance.  When Foster Mom got this little girl home, she suffered two small seizures, very likely triggered by the stress.  She may never have this happen again, but appropriate precautions are being taken to keep this beautiful Cairn girl stress-free and stable.

Another Col. Potter Cairn went to his new Adoptive Home and was in the process of settling in, but one morning, after a hot, stressful walk, followed by an encounter with the vacuum cleaner, this little Cairn passed out for several minutes, his little body stiffening up, and he was shaken and clingy for several days after that.

In both cases, there was no apparent medical reason for a seizure to have occurred, so Foster Mom and New Mom are left watching for warning signs and praying they don’t see any.

Sweet Darleigh

A year ago, in September, 2013, Col. Potter took in a sweet and charming three year old named Darleigh who was, sadly, very drugged, taking a staggering cocktail of three major drugs to manage his Epilepsy.  With careful analysis and management, Foster Mom and Dad have gotten him down to two simple drugs and have stabilized him as far as eating an appropriate Rosemary-free kibble with two feedings per day.  His cluster seizures - having three or four daily for two days around the Full Moon – are now well controlled by these changes and he's been almost SEIZURE FREE since December 19th, only having had one single seizure on March 4th.  This is wonderful news, especially considering the horrible weather this Spring, the major storms, and all the barometric pressure changes that can also trigger seizures.  He even made it thru a Full Moon on Friday the 13th!

This is especially heartwarming because Darleigh can now easily enjoy romps in the yard, fetching balls or sticks, and just enjoying life.  He is very sweet and loves to cuddle and get attention, or find a quiet place to take a nap. 

Had his original vet been more knowledgeable and pro-active in managing his seizure care, Darleigh's health and quality of life could have been more stable and richer all along.  He is a very lucky little boy to have found his dedicated and well informed Foster Mom and Dad through Col. Potter – and he will make a welcome and loyal addition to the perfect family, looking to find a loving Forever family member!

Find out More about Darleigh in MO:


What Causes a Seizure and What Should You Do?

In this informative video, Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, discusses the causes of seizures in pets and what to do if your pet experiences seizures.



Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or out reach purposes.

 A big shout out to Katie and Benji, our Wacky Wednesday models this week!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Skip-ping Tuesdays!

Contributed by CP Skip in CA

CP Skip is Available for Adoption in CA!


Thank God it’s finally Tuesday!!!  My Foster Friend, Tabasco has been so nice, reminding you all about me while he was busy trying to find a Forever Home (and I hear he found a Great one!), I didn’t want to upset his work by changing things too much…  “Tuesdays with Tabasco” didn’t make sense, though, since his new Mom isn’t letting him use her computer yet, and since I’m officially taking over the space, so I gave this matter a lot of thought…

My name is Skip, by the way!  “Tuesdays with Skip” ...not so much... "Sundays with Skip" would be good...  But Tuesday is the day I get to “ping” you with bits of information…   Hmmmmm…  “Skip-ping Tuesdays!”  Hmmmmm…  Works for me!

OK, before I forget – Here’s the Link so you can Apply to Adopt me:

Now, let me tell you a little bit about myself...

A little while back, a very nice lady literally rescued me right off the road - nearly under the wheels of a car!  I was kind of a mess, but Col. Potter welcomed me and packed off to the spa center at the vet’s so I could get treated for fleas, and eye and ear infections.  What a difference that made!  At first they thought I would need eye surgery, but all the great care I got from the vet and Foster Mom helped me recover enough on my own!  Yea!

Anyway, after they got me all fixed up and my hair growing back in, Foster Mom realized I might have something besides Cairn in my DNA – and she was right!

I am not a Cairn at all!  I actually have some rather exotic blood: I’m one-half Australian Koolie, so I am pretty special since very, very few of my ancestors have ever made it to America.  Koolies are very strong, smart, determined herding dogs from Australia’s Outback and one tough cowboy!  Koolies are descended from British Collies, so I guess a Koolie is kinda like a Collie with an Australian accent!  I'm not as big as a Collie, though, because I also have some Chihuahua and some Pekinese blood mixed with something else (I forget what). From all those blood lines, I get my fierce loyalty, intelligence, and a desire for companionship.

Foster Mom loves Cairns, but she says I am just the sweetest, snuggly-est, smartest little guy, and I think you will think so too!  Please, can you put in your application to adopt me?  I would love to be fiercely loyal to you, and follow you around, and snuggle up to you, and make you smile!



Do You Have a Favorite Toy?

I do!  I really love my toys and I take very good care of them!  I look kind of Kool doing it too!  Take a look and let me know what you think…








Sunday, October 19, 2014

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets!" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).

May aka Little Miss Sunshine fka cp Mayflower

Nana fka CP Smyrna

Foster Myers

Skye La

Missy


Foster ShaSha


Shaggy

Foster Bobo

Bridgett fka CP Sweetheart

Lili and Charlie

Ian, Foster Rockford, and Annie

Sadie Jo and Skye La















Saturday, October 18, 2014

Berman Believes in Forever Love!

Written by CP Berman

CP Berman, now Blissful in Forever!


They’re in Love!!!  They are so “crazy” about me (whatever that really means…) and they really seem to be enjoying spending time with me!

Ha!  I bet my Foster Mom is gonna’ be surprised to hear this!  She was like all, “Berman!!!  That’s enough!!!” and that sort of thing, but I have made excellent progress!

I've pretty well figured out that this is my permanent home – Forever! - and it makes a difference, knowing that Mom and Dad will always take care of me.  I mean, it was confusing at first because, almost right away, they up and took me off to some strange place they called “Florida” and I was sure they were going to dump me off somewhere – but they didn’t!  They kept me right with them and then brought me back home – and now I am one contented little camper.

Don’t believe me?  Well, just watch my little movie!  You can’t get much more contented that that!  Mom and Dad love to watch me when I am totally relaxed.  They say I am “a hoot to watch” which I think means I make them laugh! 



Making your Mom & Dad laugh is a great thing to do, and it’s really very simple:  I just roll on my back with a toy bone or ball in my mouth, kick my hind legs out, take the toy out of my mouth with both paws and drop it back in my mouth again – They think it's hysterical!  Unfortunately, I killed the squeaker on the bone in the film, but when I have one with a squeaker, I really get going!  It's so cute to watch Mom and Dad giggle!

Foster Mom’s description of me on the Col. Potter website said I had “the potential for being an awesome dog” and I have to admit, she got that absolutely right!  All it took was an Awesome Mom & Dad!

Oh!!  I think I must be in Love too!

Thank you Foster Mom and Col. Potter!


Read my Intake Story Here: