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Sam is our first male dog that we have decided to not neuter. He has been a perfect gentleman and has shown no tendency to hump pillows, mark or mount Rosie. It started off as our vet recommending that we wait till he reached adulthood before neutering. I know back in Scotland many years ago, with my great uncle and his sheep dogs, which never were spayed or neutered, they seemed to live long and healthy lives. Some interesting facts... upon doing more research it seems that it is against the law to neuter dogs in Norway and I think some other Scandinavian countries . They have very strict rules to dogs running at large and after two heavy fines third time you lose ownership of your dog. Also interestingly enough a lot of the negative traditional thoughts on keeping animals intact have been debunked. For me it makes sense...we were all born with body parts for a reason..not only do hormones control sexual behaviour but also a miriad of other functions. One of the up sides of keeping a dog intact is that muscle and bone development is more developed plus in our Sams case, a lean muscular body. It’s not for everyone that’s for sure but for now Sam will remain the way he is with all parts still in place. 😋
- Today
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Drug-resistant salmonella from raw chicken sickens 92 people https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/drug-resistant-salmonella-from-raw-chicken-sickens-92-people/ar-BBOwoHt?OCID=ansmsnnews11 (excerpt below) Consumers and retailers are advised by the CDC to handle raw chicken carefully and to cook it thoroughly. “This outbreak is a reminder that raw chicken can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and make you sick,” the investigation notice read. Washing raw poultry and other raw meats before cooking is not advised — as germs can spread to other kitchen surfaces or utensils. The CDC also recommends washing hands frequently and to avoid feeding pets raw food. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-10-18/index.html (excerpt below) The outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis has been identified in samples from raw chicken pet food, from raw chicken products from 58 slaughter and/or processing establishments, and from live chickens. Samples collected at slaughter and processing establishments were collected as part of FSIS’s routine testing under the Salmonella performance standards. Furthermore, WGS showed that the Salmonella from these samples is closely related genetically to the Salmonella from ill people. This result provides more evidence that people in this outbreak got sick from handling or eating raw or undercooked chicken.
- Yesterday
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angus13 changed their profile photo
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Josie changed their profile photo
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I am seeing good results from what the Dog Trainer/Pet Behaviorist/Dog Shrink has me/us doing. He is more attentive, better-minded, and the potty training is actually going well. No accidents in the house -- it was always peeing, never pooping -- in over four days now. He is SO incredibly treat-motivated until the biting has taken care of itself. Twice. he has been attracted to shoes, laundry on the floor in our closet -- our b-a-d -- his brother, Rupert's toy or treat, and each time, I say, 'Toto.' He looks at me, anticipates a treat, sits, and is rewarded. The trainer also has me saying "Yes!," when he does what I want. I feel like an idiot, but it's working. I hope my sharing helps someone else struggling a bit, or who is frustrated. I liked the comment made about having to be re-trained, in reference to Katie Cairn (cute name, by the way). That, and repeating the obedience classes. Years ago, my daughter and I took Cosmos to obedience classes -- the instructor, who had a number of JRTs at her barn -- gave Cosmos an A+ and she gave my daughter and me, D's. It still all worked out. In spite of us.
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Thank you ALL so much for the comments, the support, the encouragement, and the laughs. I would NOT, for all-the-world have another dog, another breed . . . I only learned about 8 years back, that a Cairn was even a breed of dog. I had thought 'Toto' in The Wizard of Oz was just a cute, scrappy little guy that shared an enviable bond with Dorothy. My first experience with a terrier had been a JRT we adopted from the Humane Society when our daughter begged for a dog. She had done the research, and narrowed her choices down to the Westie, the JRT, and a Bichon. We never could find a puppy of any of the three breeds born at the right time, to consider getting a puppy, and Cosmos, the JRT, was the right dog, for all of the right reasons, at the right time and place. He was less than two, and had been badly mishandled. It was about the time the movie My Dog Skip was released, and the JRT was the 'it' dog for a good while -- Cosmos had been a little boy's Christmas puppy (their family 'dog of choice' had been a Lab). It was an incredibly l-o-n-g haul, but we enjoyed his delightful antics and loyalty for almost 20 years. Fast forward. Daughter grows up, Cosmos grows old, and is with us while she attends college. I decided the next dog was for Momma. It, too, was a rescue -- a Cairn. Imagine my surprise, and utter delight, to discover Toto had been a Cairn. He even came to me, already named 'Toto.' This little guy has a BIG harness to grow into, and I know much of what I am dealing with is growing pains, but from those growing pains will come Unbelievable gains -- as you all so aptly put it, 'the best little pal in the world.'
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I've trained quite a few different dogs in my life and Cairn Angus was by far the hardest - in every way. So smart so independent. Dianne's comment has been my experience and I know from the folks on this forum also that of many many cairn pup owners. Just read a few of the cries for help in the Behavior section and you'll know you are not alone. You'll make it through like we all did and the reward will be "the best little pal in the world"!
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Hairy joined the community
- Last week
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I completely agree with Hillscreek. Lucky you!👍
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I love the butt-to-butt photo of Abby and Betsy. My Buffy and Ziggy used to do that.
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Marcus Aureillius Perez changed their profile photo
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Looks all cairn to me with those dark intelligent eyes, shaggy rough coat and big front feet. She lucked out when she came to live with you - and no doubt you lucked out too! Hope years of good times ahead.
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Letting nature take its course: Wolves in Yellowstone National Park
Rss Bot posted a blog entry in Science Daily: Dog News
Since the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, the park's ecosystem has become a deeply complex and heterogeneous system, aided by a strategy of minimal human intervention. The new study is a synthesis of 40 years of research on large mammals in Yellowstone National Park. View the source article -
DawnD changed their profile photo
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It absolutely is. Good eye (pardon the pun). Vet is aware and we’re watching it. Doesn’t seem to cause her any pain and she still responds to light and movement.
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Classic nasty Cairn weather at the park today. Temperatures dropped from the 90’s to the 50’s overnight
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Sounds good. Glad you are working closely with your vet. Thanks for the update. PS: Is that a cataract developing in her right eye? Nothing to be alarmed about if that is the case. Just keep an eye on it, your vet will advise you accordingly. One of my dogs had cataract surgery (I don't recommend it) that is why I notice these things.
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Thanks for the input, all! We’re working with the behaviorist on leash reactivity and the “Look at That” technique is working really well. Crate training is moving along. She’s great with practice sessions during the day, we just have to extend the time alone. She’s now down to just 10-15 minutes of whining at night. Meds are still on the table if it gets worse but the vet is feeling optimistic that most of the crate noises are demand rather than outright panic.
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Brian G. changed their profile photo
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Tyler B's Mom changed their profile photo
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calgaritaville changed their profile photo
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Yes, hang in there. We are only a couple of month ahead of you with Katie who is now 16mos. Both of us retired and experienced with training our previous Westies. The first year we often would look at each other and say "what were we thinking!!!" She seemed to settle down more at about 8 - 10 months. We were fortunate to have a gentle dog trainer and puppy classes. I was very surprised as to the new techniques for training. It soon became apparent that we were the ones needing re-education and training! It has been a challenge. She is bright but stubborn and it takes extra time and patience to convince her to do anything our way. She has to think it is her idea. We have been in regular obedience training weekly since January. Now repeating the intermediate class and I predict that we will be repeating this class again! We have learned to relax with it. We are not competitive and accept she will learn in her own time: two steps forward, one step back... Its a a Katie Cairn thing... If you need a laugh about life/adventures with a Cairn, I suggest the book: Born to Bark by Stanley Coren. Cheers!
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Katie is groomed by a former Cairn show groomer every 2 - 3 months. In between we use a Mars rake and have her nails trimmed. Infrequently > before a road trip we bathe her. After she is kenneled, we bathe her. Crisp Coat. Our local SPCA has a small dog social, 1 hour on Sunday. 12 dogs run amuck in a fenced artificial grass compound. They run, roll, slobber on each other. When we take her back to the car, I use a hand sanitize on my hands and then dab a bit on my hands and rub it on her coat. Walgreen's Coastal Sea Breeze Scent. Its a quick fix before brushing and damp toweling at home. Cheers!
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16 month old Katie likes to hide under the bed. She is our first Cairn after years of Westies. My husband takes naps and she usually will lie on the bed with him and look out the french doors. One day It was too quiet...my ears are always peeled for trouble ...what is she into....strange noises or no noise send me on the search. It was quiet... I searched around calling, finally into the bedroom, and there was this little tail sticking out from under the bed skirt. Now when we can't see or hear her, we just nod "under the bed". This forum has given us so many "Ah-ha" moments = its a Cairn thing. She is a little standoffish as compared to our westies and we are learning the subtleness of her affection. Every night she has to give me a lickyface kiss after she receives a full body gentle finger combing/scratch. Much thanks for everyone postings, so helpful to a Cairn newbie! Cheers!
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Scientists chase mystery of how dogs process words
Rss Bot posted a blog entry in Science Daily: Dog News
Experimental results suggest that dogs have at least a rudimentary neural representation of meaning for words they have been taught, differentiating words they have heard before from those they have not. View the source article -
I don't know how severe Abby's anxiety is, however if it gets worse and doesn't respond to the methods described in above posts. I would consider medication. Just my opinion based on a positive experience with a dog that suffered from thunderstorm phobia/separation anxiety. Interesting article and comments: https://www.puppyleaks.com/dogs-with-anxiety/ "Not all dogs suffer from severe anxiety, like many conditions it exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. But for the dogs that do suffer from it medication can be the most humane option".
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Abby looks like she's making herself right at home. Bless you for adopting these beautiful girl! We adopted Nattie at the age of 8 too. It took her quite a while to adjust but our patience and determination has paid off. She does have some issues with becoming overwhelmed at times (due to too much activity with strange noises, too many people around, etc.). We put her in a quiet room, settle her down, take her for a walk and she's fine. Never have resorted to meds and we prefer it that way. I look forward to more posts/pics/updates!
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Oban is just five but has selected definite hidey-holes throughout the house (he has about 5 of them) that he spends his sleeping time in. He will sleep next to me on my chaise if I read in the afternoon, and will definitely sit in my lap at the kitchen counter if Steve is cooking. He will sleep part of the night with us (more in winter) but heads under the bed for most of the temperate to warm nights. The rest of the time, though, we have to go looking for him. He scared the dogsitter once when she didn't find his well-hidden cubby right away. I guess I still consider him cuddly (I have only had cairns, after all.) And I don't consider this odd behavior. Our first cairn, Annie, went into her crate if the world got boring or she needed a nap. When we got home from work, we always found her there - dog open... Long story short now - I don't think, if Ruffy doesn't seem ill in any way, that this is abnormal behavior for a cairn. Each is different of course but I think this denning behavior us pretty common...
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I agree with most of what kjwarnold says, especially re hand-stripping, variation in coat quality, infrequent baths, etc. Also, a good brushing is a relatively quick, easy way to freshen up the coat. I read some time ago that a brief, light spritz with Aqua Velva was a popular method for deodorizing as well. As an aside, the other day I petted a lab at the dog run. Afterward, I kept smelling this strong, stinky odor and it took me a while to realize that it was coming from my own hand that had petted the lab.😵. Now I finally know what people mean when they complain about "doggy odor." I guess another advantage to living with cairns is not having to deal with such heavy duty D.O!👍
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annthegardener joined the community
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Wow, once a month baths! Kirby and Phinney get about two baths a year, if that. Their coats seem to repel dirt and debris (once it’s dry) and they don’t smell at all. I do hand strip them and that helps keep their coats in good shape and able to stay clean. We live on a farm and they get about a mile walk daily, so they have ample opportunities to get dirty. Some Cairns who are not hand stripped seem to lose the ability to stay as fresh as hand stripped dogs. My first Cairn, Willie, was that way. I took him for periodic grooming because that worked for me at the time but he did seem to get smelly and I gave him much more frequent baths. You might give dry shampoos a try to freshen your dog up. Our breeder uses them at shows when her dogs get messy right before ring time. 😆. I’m sure you’ll get some good ideas here.
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messica changed their profile photo
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