Thursday, November 30, 2017

Col. Potter Training Tips: Teaching "Look at Me!" is Easy, Essential, and Forever!

Written by a CP Volunteer

Teaching "Look at me!" is easy, essential, and Forever!

So you find yourself trying over and over again to get your stubborn Cairn to listen to whatever command or instruction you're attempting to give him or her.  And your voice gets louder and louder each time you repeat, with increasing urgency, your futile attempts to get him to respond.  Does this sound familiar?

"Buffy... Sit! ...Sit!  Buffy.. SIT! ...SIT ..SIT ...SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT!!!!!!!!!"  And there he stands, oblivious to your demands.  What's wrong with him anyhow?  Is he deaf?

No, let me assure you his hearing is great.  In fact, Cairns' hearing is incredibily acute.  He hears you alright.  But he isn't listening to you at all!  Why?  Because there's nothing in it for him to do so, and because, well, because he's a Cairn Terrier, with all the stubborn, independent, mischievous attitude that implies.

So what can you do?  How do you get them to listen to you so that you can get them to do what you want, and sometimes absolutely need them to do?  I've found a very effective technique, that is very simple to teach.  It's the "Look At Me!" command.

OK, we're looking!  What's next?

You see, before you can get most Cairns to do what you want them to do, you have to get their undivided attention.  Not an easy task, as we all know how easily distracted they are and how focused they can become on heaven knows what...but certainly not on us.  The "Look At Me!" command is what I like to call an "interim command," in that its purpose is to redirect their attention from whatever they are focusing on in preparation for whatever follow-up command you want to issue to them.  It can also serve as a very powerful "luring" technique (more about that later).  What the "Look At Me!" command does is gets Buffy to, as its name states, LOOK at you.  That's half the battle with a Cairn Terrier.  And it's one you can win easily, I assure you.

Here's how to teach this simple, and very effective, command:

  • Gather some "high value" treats (small bits of cheese, freeze dried liver, etc., something the dog LOVES that you reserve for training).  Have them readily available in your pocket or the palm of your hand. Pick a quiet time, where there are no distractions and get Buffy to SIT.

  • Once he's sitting, place the treat between your thumb and index finger, so a portion of it is showing, but the majority of it is firmly grasped between your fingers.

  • Stand up reasonably straight, with just a slight bend at the waist (do NOT bend down at the knees, you don't want to be on his level)

  • Place your fingers (with the treat, of course!) just beyond the tip of his nose and draw it STRAIGHT up to the tip of your nose from his.  As you do so, say, in a firm and deep voice, "Buffy LOOK at ME!"  (emphasis on the LOOK and ME).  [A small aside here, females make the mistake of issuing commands to dogs in a high sing-song voice rather than a DEEP authoritative one.  Become accustomed to giving commands in a LOW, deep voice...imagine your voice if you were a male.  It's far more effective than our higher pitched voices.  Also, if you reserve that voice register for commands, it sounds different to the Cairn and will arouse his curiousity if nothing else!]

  • Because you've drawn the treat (which Buffy wants desperately) directly from his nose to yours, by necessity, his eyes will follow the treat toward your face.  That's what you want to happen.  As soon as your fingers with the treat touch your nose, and assuming his gaze has followed your fingers, tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat!

  • Do this 3 times in succession, 3 times per day to begin.  A total of 9 repetitions.  Most Cairns will be so eager for the treat that they will begin anticipating the command by looking at your NOSE as soon as you begin to draw the treat from his nose to yours.  THAT'S GREAT!  But remember to say (in your low, deep voice), "Buffy, LOOK at ME!" as you're drawing the treat toward your nose.  When he focuses on it, hold it there at the tip of your nose for a few seconds.  Tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat.  Your goal is to get him to anticipate the command by following it immediately AND to lengthen the time he focuses on your nose before you treat him.  Ideally, you can hold the treat at the tip of your nose for at least 3 seconds (count, 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000) and he'll focus on your face.  He's looking at you!

Now that he looks at you almost immediately AND he watches you intently for 3 seconds, it's time to begin treating him randomly rather than every single time.  Give him the treat 2 out of 3 times (or 4 out of 5), and gradually reduce the number of times you treat him until you no longer have to SHOW him the treat at all to get him to "LOOK at ME!"  This will take a week or so of work, but believe me, it's worth every single 90 second interval that you do it.   Always POINT at your nose, however, even if you don't have the treat.  It will become sign language to him.

"Look at Me!" is a great portable tool you can take anywhere!

When the command is firmly established in his or her repertoire, you should be able to get him to sit and LOOK at YOU simply by pointing at your nose (if he's already looking in your direction).  And if he isn't, by simply saying the command (in your best low register voice!).

Now, here's how you use this command after it's entrenched.  LOOK at ME! is what I refer to as an "interim" command.  In other words, it should be used as a bridge between a dog's not paying any attention to you whatsoever and the command (or direction or behavior) that you WANT him to perform.  It can be used to calm an overly excited dog.  And, as I indicated earlier, it's a GREAT way to "lure" a Cairn.

What do I mean by "lure" him?  Well, here's a true story.  My Cairn, Max, began exhibiting strong signs of wanting to chase cars at a very early age.  He'd tug and lunge on his leash whenever a car would approach us on our daily walks through the neighborhood.  I tried all the "tried and true" training techniques for breaking a dog's car chasing tendencies.  His obedience trainer instructed me to use the "leash correction" on him.  I did.  It not only didn't stop him, it made it worse.  I tried the alpha roll.  Another dead end.  I tried verbal corrections, again to no avail.  I had friends drive by and pitch coin-filled soda cans out the window as they passed Max and me.  They thought I was crazy, the neighbors were sure of it, and Max was more determined to lunge at the passing cars than ever.  His behavior was escalating rather than diminishing.  Frankly, I was desperate.  So, in the true spirit of desperation, I changed courses entirely.  I decided to change from negative training, which all the other techniques were, to a positive approach.  In other words, I decided, out of sheer desperation, to REWARD good behavior rather than trying to correct/change unwanted behavior.

Keep it positive!  Reward good behavior - Positive training works!

I resorted to the LOOK at ME! command I'd taught him as a very young puppy.  I loaded up with high-value treats and we set out for our walk.  Since we live in a suburban neighborhood with many winding streets, you can hear cars coming before you can see them.  As soon as I'd hear a car approaching, I'd give Max the LOOK at ME! command and I'd move the treat from the tip of my nose to approximately 1/2 way between his nose and mine.  As the car came closer, I'd repeat, "Max, LOOK at ME!" with the treat closer to his nose.  As soon as the car passed, I'd exclaim "GOOD BOY!!!! and would give him the treat immediately.  The trick, I soon learned, was to gain his attention with the "LOOK at ME!" command, hold his attention by showing (luring him with) the treat, then REWARDING him immediately through praise and the treat when he did NOT lunge at the car.  Rather than having him continue to SIT while I was "luring" him with the command and the visible treat, I began really luring him with it as I kept walking while keeping the treat out in front of him.  I kept PRAISING him as he continued to focus on the "lure" of the treat rather than lunging at the car.  And, as before, I'd give him the treat as soon as the car passed us.

To my amazement, it took only about 4 or 5 cars worth of high-value treat luring before I saw how a Cairn mind works!  I heard a car approaching and I immediately gave the "LOOK at ME!" command, with the treat at the ready.  I saw Max quickly look toward the car and then back at the treat... and I could see he'd made his decision.  The treat was worth more to him than was the car.  We were over the hump!  Within 2 or 3 days, Max would immediately LOOK at ME! as soon as he heard a car in the distance.  I began gradually (and randomly) reducing the times I gave him a treat, until, in a few more days, he didn't get treats at all and he was no longer interested in trying to chase cars.  

I have since used the same technique to redirect his desire to lunge at and chase bicyclists and motorcycles.  I also use it to distract him from other dogs while we're out on walks.

Even a rambunctious little boy can learn "Look at me!"

I have taught this command to every one of the 10 Fosters I've had, and they've all learned it quickly and effortlessly.  It's truly a wonderful training technique for your Cairn and can be used for so many things.  I use it all the time when I want to teach him a new behavior, or when I simply want to gain his attention.  Every now and then, when I issue the LOOK at ME! command, I'll surprise him with a treat, just to keep the command interesting to him.

Try it with your Cairn - and Good Luck!

Michele
CRM
2/5/05



Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY!  Each week we will showcase a terrierific Cairn picture with an appropriate caption.  If you 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 outreach purposes.

A big shout out to Zach for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!


Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Tuesday Tails: Foster Dooley!

Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Tuesday is full of Tails!  Each week we will showcase the Tail of one of our Col. Potter Rescued Cairns, either Post Adoption or still looking for that Forever Home while in a wonderful CP Foster Home.  If you have a great CP Post Adoption story (and photos!) and would like us to consider them for an upcoming "Tuesday Tails" 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.).

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR photo 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.).

Foster Carlotta

Foster Charco

Foster Dandie Mac

Elish

Foster Jib

MB fna Moreno Blue

Millie fna CP Mathilda and CP Buddy

Foster Mr Quincy

Riley fna CP Tramp

Foster Melly

Tai

Sadie fna Gladwyne 

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Lynch Creek Farm for Great Wreathes and More!

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 10th, 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 full 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 10th
20% of all proceeds and 100% of all donations
during this time will be sent to

Check out some of our Sunday Sweets Favorites, featuring many Rescued Cairns and friends who have been helped by the generosity and hard work of so many Col. Potter Volunteers - the best gift in any season!



Please Feel Free to Cross Post!

 

 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Flashback Friday: Trigger Celebrates Two Years in Forever!

Written by CP Trigger
Originally posted 11/30/2014 on the Post Adoption Blog
CP Trigger enjoying two years Forever in Maine!
Howdy, flatlanders!  What’s that, Mom?...  Oh, ok…  Well, I guess you all might not qualify for that nickname.  I’ve been a Down Easter now for two full years, but I guess I still have some things to learn.

Anyway, you might call me a “Maniac” now, but I prefer “Down Easter” – even though some people think you have to be born here to get that title!  I don’t know where I was born, though, so I think I get a pass on this one.  See, Col. Potter rescued me way back in July, 2012, and sent me up to the wilds of Minnesota.  My skin and coat were in really bad shape, but after Foster Mom got my coat all ship-shape and healthy, Mom adopted me and flew me over to Maine.  It is just about the same kind of weather here, though Mom says the Atlantic Ocean gives us a little better range of temperature than at Foster Mom’s house.

Winter is still a great time to hunt…
…but Spring, Summer, and Fall are much better!
She might have a point because I do get more hunting time out here in the yard, even in the Winter.   Mom is always watching me, of course, so I don’t ever really get to catch anything, but it sure is fun to chase squirrels and chipmunks – and to dig big holes!  I also get to go to the beach sometimes!
I love to go to the beach with Mom!
Sometimes Mom lets me come to work with her, and I go to meetings and sit patiently in a chair, just like a real executive.  That’s OK, but what I really love is to go to dog camp once a week and play with all of my dog buddies!  Of course, I have my BFF Titan at home to cuddle up with, and that’s special too.
It’s nice to have a Special BFF, even if it’s a cat named Titan!
I am so happy that Col. Potter Volunteers were there to help me when I needed help.  Between Foster Mom and my very own Mom, I truly, truly know what it is like to be very well loved and cherished!
Read my Intake Story here:

Friday Funnies!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!



Thursday, November 23, 2017

Keep Your Cairns Safe this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy Thanksgiving and Keep Your Pets Safe!
The Wellness Blog

The holiday season is upon us!  Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and give thanks for what we have.  Today pets are a significant part of our families and are included in the celebration.  If you are like us, the Thanksgiving feast is one that you look forward to all year long. While we may be able to throw caution to the wind once a year, we must be careful of what our pets receive on that day.  Both dogs and cats are not used to some of the indulgences of the day and can have serious problems.

Here are 10 things to consider to keep your pet healthy and happy on Thanksgiving.

1. Many of the traditional foods contain large amounts of fat which should be avoided. Gravy, turkey skin, the drippings from the turkey pan and other foods should be avoided. Excess fat can create problems with the pancreas and further aggravate an already overweight animal.

2. Pancreatitis is a very painful condition most commonly brought on by an excessively large meal or a meal with increased amounts of fat (there are other causes, but during the holiday season this is the most common cause). It stimulates the pancreas to produce large amounts of the enzymes needed to digest the nutrients. If there are increased amounts in the pancreas, sometimes these enzymes can’t get out of the pancreas fast enough and begin to actually break down the wall of the ducts and leak into the abdomen. This can cause vomiting diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, discomfort and can even be life threatening.

3. Bones should be avoided at all cost, especially the bones of birds as they are hollow and can break into very sharp pieces which will wreak havoc with the digestive tract.

4. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate should be avoided as there is a toxin, theobromine in all chocolate.

5. When it comes to our beloved family pets, the key word is moderation. Be careful that everyone is not slipping the pets a few tidbits from the table. Set the rules early on for who feeds the pets and when.

6. Watch out for dropped food, especially by our younger family members.

7. Make sure all garbage is secure and not left to tempt a pet when we aren’t looking. Cats and even some dogs can easily get on counter tops when we are enjoying our meal in another room.

8. Pets are also attracted to aluminum foil, wax paper and plastic wrap that has been used to cover foods. These items can cause digestive issues and even obstruction.

9. Some pets become nervous with all the excitement and may need a quiet refuge away from all the noise and excitement.

10. If you have a large family and there will be lots of doors to the outside opened and closed, be careful that there are no escapes into the wild that could ruin the day.

Thanksgiving is a great day full of great food and companionship. Make it the same for the pets in your family by planning ahead for a Thanksgiving turkey meal your pet will love. 



Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY!  Each week we will showcase a terrierific Cairn picture with an appropriate caption.  If you 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 outreach purposes.

A big shout out to Lotus for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!



Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Tuesday Tails: Miss Macie

Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Tuesday is full of Tails!  Each week we will showcase the Tail of one of our Col. Potter Rescued Cairns, either Post Adoption or still looking for that Forever Home while in a wonderful CP Foster Home.  If you have a great CP Post Adoption story (and photos!) and would like us to consider them for an upcoming "Tuesday Tails" 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.).

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR photo 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.).

Foster Midas

Foster Carlotta

Foster Juniper

Foster Penicuik

Foster Pip

Foster Squeek

Foster Shoni

Foster Steve

Foster Carousel

Foster Bongo

Foster Ben Briscoe

Riley fka Falcon & Murphy fna Puffin

Duffy

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Shop Today for Delivery Whenever You Want it!

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 10th, 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 full 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 10th
20% of all proceeds and 100% of all donations
during this time will be sent to

Check out some of our Sunday Sweets Favorites, featuring many Rescued Cairns and friends who have been helped by the generosity and hard work of so many Col. Potter Volunteers - the best gift in any season!



Please Feel Free to Cross Post!

 

 

Friday, November 17, 2017

Friday Flashback: The Natural!

Written by CP Reenie
Originally posted 11/28/2014 on the Post Adoption Blog

At 9 years old, I'm the baby here!  Mac and Molly are 14!

Foster Mom, PK, I have such good news to tell you!!!

You are Not going to believe this!  Well, actually, maybe you will!

You know, I had that really long, long ride the other day and after we said goodbye and I went off with that nice man, Bill, then I finally met my new Mom.  She brought me home and I met Mac and Molly and Dandi and Allie and Gabby and Ashley and Bridgett and Riley and Grace, and Emma.  I might have forgotten someone, but that was a lot to learn!  Everyone was really excited to meet me and I was really happy to find out that they were all my brothers and sisters now.  Mac was my very special new brother, sticking with me like a guide, making sure I got to meet everyone and see all the fun stuff in the house.  I haven’t decided if I like the sofa or the pretty chair best, so I’m just using them both!  Mom got me a new Winter coat and a new bed and some new toys – it was like Christmas!

So, anyway, the next day Mom took me to the vet to get everything checked out and she found out that I am only nine pounds now!  Taking off a leg is a sort of extreme way to lose weight, and I don’t recommend it, but I have to say that I love the new, trimmer me and I am feeling better and better every day!

I really like this chair, but I Love Mom's lap much better!

Well, the next day Mom took me to the “spa” and got me all spiffed up, and then the next day she took me to “specialty” and emergency vets – really just to show me off, I think.  I mean, I didn’t get poked or prodded or anything, but everyone fussed over me and made me feel very special!

But then something special happened! 

Three little children came out of one of the exam rooms and they were all crying and sad.  They saw me and came over and said their dog had just died, so Mom said if they wanted to sit down, I could visit with them for a while – and that’s what I did!  They sat on the chairs and I jumped right up into their laps and let them all pet me while Mom told them the story of my past and how I lost my leg.  It was very interesting because the Mom and Dad of these three kids were both deaf so Mom had to make signs with her hands.  Mom and I spent about a half hour visiting with this family and by the time they decided they needed to go home, the children were not crying anymore and their Mom and Dad did not have that worried look on their faces.

Mom was very proud of me and told me I was “a natural!”  I guess I’m not 100% sure I know what that means, but I loved being the center of attention, and, even more than that, I really loved that I made everyone feel better - and it took no effort at all!  If that’s what Mom meant, then I agree!

I’m a Natural!

Thank you to the wonderful Volunteers of Col. Potter for rescuing me and giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and discover how easy it is to help others.  Thank you Foster Mom for helping me recover and for believing in me!  You did good!

Reenie enjoying her 1st visit to the Lap Factory!

P.S.  I think I found the Lap Factory!  Mom took me to a new place called "Assisted Living" something or other and you would not believe how many laps I found there!  Woohoo!


 

Friday Funnies!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!



Thursday, November 16, 2017

Col. Potter Training Tips: Nothing in Life is Free!!!

Contributed by a Col. Potter Volunteer

A nice "Sit!" is a small price to pay every day for a yummy treat, yet the dividends accrued in terms of ongoing excellent behavior are priceless!

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 dogs.  Learning to establish and maintain your Alpha placement is a great example.

Before your new dog arrives, 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.  Also, give all treats directly from your hand.  It is an easy, easy way to reinforce your dog's understanding that all good things come from your hands.  Toss it on the floor* and you have thrown away a valuable tool.

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.

*Tossing treats on the floor also communicates to your dog that it is perfectly OK to eat off the floor.  Don't expect that your dog will differientiate between what you toss and anything else he might find down there.  You can not 100% prevent having your dog swallow something harmful, but think twice before you encourage them to think that scavenging food is a good thing from any place other than directly out of your hand or the bowl you set down at meal time.

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