Saturday, January 31, 2015

Got a Light?

Illumination by Adventure Light*

Whether you walk your dogs in the neighborhood or let them out in a securely fenced yard, using a night light for your Cairn is a great idea!  When you’re walking down the street, a light makes you and your dog more visible, and being visible to drivers – as well as other people walking their dogs - is always the safest mode of exercise.

In the yard, there are usually dark corners where your dog may not otherwise be visible, and those dark corners are often where the critters of prey are lurking!  God forbid, should the worst possible situation happen – the fence has an unknown weakness that your clever Cairn finds and exploits in pursuit of a creature – you will have a much better chance of quickly finding your dog out there in the dark.

Caruso models a dangling steady green light

A quick look online and you will find there are many products and styles to choose from, and the cost is quite reasonable.  Some lights blink, some are steady, and some give you both options.  These photos show the Adventure Light* which some of our CP Volunteers are very happy with.  This product gives you a choice of illumination mode and can dangle or be fixed to the side or top of the harness by a strap, which is included.  Your options are only limited by the style of harness you use.

CP Ruffles nka Emmie models a fixed white light strapped to her harness

Whatever you do with your dogs, always think “Safety First!” and you will be well ahead of the game!


Read how Divinity wore a blinking red light when venturing out at night:


*Adventure Light is a safety light that attaches to a harness for safety when walking at night.







Friday, January 30, 2015

Friday's Funnies!

Off the Leash

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Crate Training is Important!

CP Ruffles knows her crate is a comfortable and safe place to take a nap anytime - and especially after a nice walk!  Illumination by Adventure Light*
Puppies and Rescued Dogs have a lot in common, faced with learning the house rules in their new home, having to figure out what is acceptable and what is not.  Guidelines for Puppies are always applicable, to one extent or another, to sound management practices when welcoming a Rescued Cairn into your home, especially when it comes to using a crate.   

Limit your Rescued Cairn's access to your entire home initially.  Allow him time to get familiar with  his new immediate space.  Let him observe the household happenings from a crate or baby-gated kitchen.  Don't block him from seeing where he now belongs, but take your time introducing him to his new environment, and you will find the transition will go much better than if you rush to give your Rescued Cairn too much freedom too quickly.  It is always better to go too slow than too fast!

The Importance of Crating Your Dog: 
An Owner's Perspective
Town and Country Veterinary Clinic
by Allie Mac,  Originally Posted October 8, 2011

I have had so many owners call the clinic either trying to give away their pet or looking for training tips because their best friend is tearing their home apart in their absence. I always suggest crate training because it’s the easiest way, not only to house train your friend, but also to keep them safe when you are not home. A kennel also serves as a travel lounge for your dog when traveling by car or by a plane. It is important to realize that this is not imprisoning your pet; it is creating a safe place for them to be when you are not there.

Your dog’s crate should be big enough so that they can stand up and turn around easily. If you have a bed or blanket, that can be put in there as well for added comfort. This way you know that when you’re at work, your baby is safe in his little den, not running around chewing on the walls or peeing on the floor. Making a safe place for your dog also prevents them from getting into something that will harm them and cost you a lot of money either in home repairs or emergency surgery.

Furnishing Your Puppy's Crate

Toys and Treats: Place your puppy's favorite toys and dog treats at the far end opposite the door opening. These toys may include the "Tuffy", "Billy", "Kong", "Nylabone" or a ball. Toys and bails should always be inedible and large enough to prevent their being swallowed. Any fragmented toys should be removed to prevent choking and internal obstruction. You may also place a sterilized marrow bone filled with cheese or dog treats in the crate.

Water: A small hamster-type water dispenser with ice water should be attached to the crate if your puppy is to be confined for more than two hours in the crate.

Bedding: Place a towel or blanket inside the crate to create a soft, comfortable bed for the puppy. If the puppy chews the towel, remove it to prevent the pup from swallowing or choking on the pieces. Although most puppies prefer lying on soft bedding, some may prefer to rest on a hard, flat surface, and may push the towel to one end of the crate to avoid it. If the puppy urinates on the towel, remove bedding until the pup no longer eliminates in the crate.

Location of Crate

Whenever possible, place the crate near or next to you when you are home. This will encourage your puppy to go inside it without his feeling lonely or isolated when you go out. A living room or kitchen in the apartment or a large hallway near the entrance is a good place to crate your puppy.

Introducing the Crate to Your Puppy

In order that your puppy associate his/her kennel crate with comfort, security and enjoyment, please follow these tips:

1. Occasionally throughout the day, drop small pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the crate. While investigating his new crate, the pup will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing his positive associations with the crate. You may also feed him in the crate to create the same effect. If the dog hesitates, it often works to feed him in front of the crate, then right inside the doorway and then, finally, in the back of the crate.

2. In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters. Do not try to push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. At this early stage of introduction only inducive methods are suggested. Overnight exception: You may need to place your pup in his crate and shut the door upon retiring. (In most cases, the crate should be placed next to your bed overnight. If this is not possible, the crate can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or living room.)

3. You may also play this enjoyable and educational game with your pup or dog: without alerting your puppy, drop a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call your puppy and say to him, "Where's the biscuit? It's in your room." Using only a friendly, encouraging voice, direct your pup toward his crate. When the puppy discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve as a primary reward. Your pup should be free to leave its crate at all times during this game. Later on, your puppy's toy or ball can be substituted for the treat.

4. It is advisable first to crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog. Getting him used to your absence from the room in which he is crated is a good first step. This prevents an association being made with the crate and your leaving him/her alone.

5. Accidents In The Crate

If your puppy messes in his crate while you are out, do not punish him upon your return. Simply wash out the crate using a pet odor neutralizer (such as Nature's Miracle, Nilodor, or Outright). Do not use ammonia-based products, as their odor resembles urine and may draw your dog back to urinate in the same spot again.

Crating Duration Guidelines

9-10 Weeks Approx. 30-60 minutes
11-14 Weeks Approx. 1-3 hours
15-16 Weeks Approx. 3-4 hours
17 + Weeks Approx. 4+ (6 hours maximum)

The Crate As Punishment

Never use the crate as a form of punishment or reprimand for your puppy or dog. This simply causes the dog to fear and resent the crate. If correctly introduced to his crate, your puppy should be happy to go into his crate at any time. You may however use the crate as a brief time-out for your puppy as a way of discouraging nipping or excessive rowdiness.

*Adventure Light is a safety light that attaches to a harness for safety when walking at night.


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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  Peggy, Mac and Dougie, our Wacky Wednesday models this week!

Sunday, January 25, 2015

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.).

Archie and Hamish fka CP Molito

Emme fka CP Ruffles

Skye La and Sadie Jo

Buddy

Brewster fka CP Story

Cammie Lou

Gilly

Monty fka CP Moffat

Rocket Man

Rocky

Tartan and Ty

Sandy

Foster Tommy R

Stutz

Dandi and Reenie













Friday, January 23, 2015

Friday's Funnies!

Off the Leash

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Ask and You Shall Receive!

Contributed by a Col. Potter Volunteer

Tartan and Ty "Wait!" for Mom... well, maybe for the cheese!

Are you thinking about adding a new Rescued Cairn to your family?  There are many things to consider, and lots of planning to do.  You can expect to get many great tips to help you integrate your New Cairn into your home, so it is good to know that some of this advice will also will apply to your current resident dogsLearning to establish and maintain your Alpha placement is a great example.

Whatever your new dog did in the Foster Home, or what it didn't do, is a good indicator for you of the dog's nature, but it doesn't always translate neatly when they leave the safety of that environment.  It is your responsibility to be clear on your own house rules and know how to communicate your wishes as you build your relationship with your new dog.

From day one, it's important that you understand that your new dog must accept YOU as the leader of the pack in order for there to be peace and harmony in the home.  Follow the great advice in It’s Always Best to Start at theBeginning!and add to it with this very easy training tool: "Nothing in Life is Free!”

How to Establish and Maintain Harmony at Home!

Are you looking for a good, easy way to develop peaceful, harmonious relationships among your dogs? 

Ask and you shall receive!

Really!

Every day, throughout the day, however you choose to set the pattern, you simply need to Ask the dogs to respond to a simple command, offer praise, then reward with a high value treat.

Nothing in Life is Free!

When you ask your dog(s) to “Sit!” for a treat - and make them wait just a bit for the treat - you are really saying “I am Alpha!” and when you are Alpha, you will ease any tensions in the pack.

Do not ever give a treat of any kind without Asking your dog(s) to do a simple task.

The list of possible commands is long:

 "Sit!"

"Down!"

"Here!” or “Come!"

“Look at Me!”

“Wait…”

“Crate!”

“Bed!”

Anything you can ask your dog to do – that he or she will understand – is a great and easy training tool for harmony.   It establishes a calming pattern that carries over into other aspects of their life.

This is not to say that there won’t be dust-ups from time to time, but as a strong Alpha leader, you will find it easier to anticipate and diffuse any issues that might naturally arise.

Just remember, Nothing in Life is Free!  

Doing simple training exercises, every day, you will keep things clear as to who is in charge, and if you are in charge, harmony will reign!

**NOTE** Great training treats are small bits of block cheddar cheese or high quality grain-free kibble.  You should factor your training treats into your puppy’s daily meal portions so you don’t accidentally end up with an unhealthy weight problem.


Good luck! And thank you again for opening your heart and home to a rescued Cairn!

Rescuing one Cairn will not change the world,
but it will surely change the world for that one Rescued Cairn


Read More About It:

It’s Always Best to Start at the Beginning!

I’m Not Sure we’ve been Properly Introduced!

There’s No Place Like Home!

Easy Housetraining Tips!


Toto: The Other Side of the Story!


Col. Potter Needs a Few More Beginnings! 
Please Volunteer to Foster and help us help give a new start to every Cairn in need!

Please  Consider being a CP Volunteer!

CP Foster Home Application form:

CP Transport Volunteer Driver form:

CPCRN Volunteer form:

Col. Potter’s Name a Rescue Cairn Program










Wednesday, January 21, 2015

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  our Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Sunday, January 18, 2015

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.).


Oscar

Gracie fka CP Glacier

Gracie fka CP Roberta Flack

CP Ruffles and her Bunny slipper

Dandi and Reenie

CP Sprout

Ty

Miss Lily Beth fka CP Tessie


Mattie fka CP Freedom from Fear

Tessie Trueheart

Lexi fka CP Mexico


Daisy and Buddy

Georgia Belle fka CP Cheeto






Friday, January 16, 2015

Are You and Your Cairns Ready for the Cold!

Contributed by a CP Volunteer

Brody considers his options...

Winter is one of the most dangerous times of the year for our dogs.  Are you prepared for cold weather care?

Just because our Cairns (and other dogs) have natural "coats" to keep them warm, that doesn't mean they don't feel the chill.  Falling temperatures can be just as brutal on your dog as they are on you, especially when they are so low to the frigid ground.

It is our responsibility to help keep our dogs warm, safe, and healthy all Winter long, so take special precautions to keep your dog comfortable, both indoors and out.  A nice warm sweater, a comfy plush bed, a sunny spot by the window... These small things can make a real difference inside, but going outside is the bigger challenge.

Teddy and Mom bundle up!
Going Outside
When harsh weather hits us, especially when the temperatures dip below 20 degrees, plus wind chill, it is much more uncomfortable for your dog to go outdoors.  Out he must go, however, several times a day - a necessary fact of life.  Think ahead and be sure the closest potty area is as protected as possible from the wind.  If possible, clear the snow in the potty spot, down to the grass, to make it more attractive for your dog and easier for him to use.  The pads of your dog's feet can quickly freeze up if they have to stand on ice or snow, so it is worth the effort to mitigate this, whenever possible.

Always Go Out With Your Dog
Praise him for getting his business done quickly and promise "Cookies in the house!" as soon as the deed is done.  Also, keep a close eye on his feet.  If his paws are bothering him and he has only done #1, and has not started to squat, pick him up and get him back inside.  When you take him out again later, he'll quickly take care of that unfinished business and give you the opportunity to praise and reward him!  If you are familiar with your dog's natural patterns, you should be able to manage this without suffering "accidents" in the house.

Outside the Safety of Your Own Yard
During the cold snowy months, your dog will run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice, and chemicals on his paws every time you take him beyond the safety of your own yard, out onto the sidewalks, driveways, and streets.  Dogs will naturally lick the salt off their paws, and this can cause serious inflammation in the digestive tract.  Wipe your dog's paws thoroughly every time he comes inside, and make sure there are no ice balls between his toes or on the soles of his feet.  If your dog will wear boots and if you can manage to put them on so they don't fall off along the way, this is another great way to protect your dog's paws.  Just be sure to wipe their undercarriage thoroughly to remove any undesirable debris that might otherwise end up in your dog's tummy.

Keep Extra Bath Towels Handy
Whether you have a dog that loves to play in the snow or one that just dashes out quickly to do his "business" and runs back in, your dog can get caked with snow every time he goes out that door.  Keep extra bath towels by the door so you can wrap him up quickly and keep him warm as you carefully strip out the snow balls and absorb the moisture from his coat.


Rheita warms up with her red plaid coat from CP
Another thought:  Consider a warm coat or snow suit that will greatly minimize this clean-up time.  Many feel they are worth every penny!  Check out out CP shops on Amazon or Ebay and see what we have in stock, or see what's been donated to the CP Web Thrift Store








Friday's Funnies!

Off the Leash

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Trust: A Deadly Disease

Author Unknown
As you now know, Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network was created because a special Cairn Terrier was killed by a car.  Please read this and remember to always keep YOUR new special family member safe, in memory of the Colonel.
 
There is a deadly disease stalking your dog, a hideous, stealthy thing just waiting its chance to steal your beloved friend.  It is not a new disease, or one for which there are inoculations.   The disease is called "Trust".
 
You knew before you ever took your puppy home that it could not be trusted.  The breeder who provided you with this precious animal warned you, drummed it into your head.  Puppies steal, destroy anything expensive left in their path, chase cats, take forever to house train, and must never be allowed off lead!!
 
When the big day finally arrived, heeding the sage advice of the breeder, you escorted your puppy to his new home, properly collared and tagged, the lead held tightly in your hand.   At home, the house was "puppy-proofed".  Everything of value was stored in the spare bedroom, garbage stowed on top of the refrigerator.  Cats separated, and a gate placed across the living room to keep at least one part of the house puddle free.  All the windows and doors had been properly secured, and signs placed in all strategic points reminding all to "Close the door!"
 
Soon it becomes second nature to make sure the door closes nine tenths of a second after it was opened and that it is really latched.  "Don't let the dog out" is your second most verbalized expression.  (The first is "NO!")  You worry and fuss constantly, terrified that your darling will get out and disaster will surely follow.   Your friends comment about who you love most, your family or the dog.  You know that to relax your vigil for a moment might lose him to you forever.
 
And so the weeks and months pass, with your puppy becoming more civilized every day, and the seeds of trust are planted.  It seems that each new day brings less destruction, less breakage, less leakage.  Almost before you know it, your clumsy, wild puppy has turned into an elegant, dignified friend.  Now that he is a more reliable, sedate companion, you take him more places.  No longer does he chew the steering wheel when left in the car.  And darned if that cake wasn't' still on the table this morning.  And, oh yes, wasn't that the cat he was sleeping with so cozily on your pillow last night?
 
At this point you are beginning to become infected, the disease is spreading its roots deep into your mind.  And then one of your friends suggests obedience classes, and, after a time, you even let him run loose from the car into the house when you get home.  Why not, he always runs straight to the door, dancing a frenzy of joy and waits to be let in.  And, remember: he comes every time he is called.   You know he is the exception that disproves the rule.  (And sometimes late at night, you even let him slip out the front door to go potty and then right back in.)
 
Years pass-it is hard to remember why you ever worried so much when he was a puppy.  He would never think of running out the door left open while you bring in the packages from the car.  It would be beneath his dignity to jump out the window of the car while you run into the convenience store.  And when you take him for those wonderful long walks at dawn, it only takes one whistle to send him racing back to you in a burst of speed when the walk gets too close to the highway.  (He still gets in the garbage cans, but nobody is perfect!)
 
This is the time the disease has waited for so patiently.  Sometimes it only has to wait a year or two, but often it takes much longer.  He spies the neighbor dog across the street, and suddenly forgets everything he ever knew about not slipping outdoors, jumping out windows or coming when called due to traffic.  Perhaps it was only a paper fluttering in the breeze, a squirrel, a passer-by, or even just the sheer joy of running....
 
Stopped in an instant.  

Stilled forever - your heart is broken at the sight of his still beautiful body.
 
The disease is trust.  The final outcome: hit by a car.
 
Every morning my dog bounced around off lead exploring.  Every morning for seven years he came back when he was called.  He was perfectly obedient, perfectly trustworthy.  He died fourteen hours after being hit by a car.  

Please do not risk your friend and your heart.
 
Save the trust for things that do not matter.
 
Please read this every year on your puppy's birthday, lest we forget.