good starter puppy?

[BrandiNichole]

Hi all.

okay, so im new to all of this and i actually do not have a cairn terrier but i am looking for a puppy and i have some questions.

First off i am 17 years old and looking for a good starter puppy. my family has 2 bichons and a yorkie but i was wondering if a cairn would be a good dog for me to start with on my own. my mother is willing to help me but i will be doing most of the care taking.

If you do not suggest a cairn give me your opinions on what will be a good starter lap dog.

thanks. =]

[pkcrossley]

"starter" and "lap" don't usually go together for me in the same sentence as "cairn." i don't want to say that anybody, even at 17 and looking for a first puppy, is not cut out for a cairn: we would all like to think that the world is full of 17 year olds who would handle cairns brilliantly, because to successfully raise a cairn you need to call on your natural gifts of intelligence, and patience, and above all fortitude. you might be such a 17 year old!

i think cairns are agreed to be among the more difficult dogs to raise. your natural advantage would be that you could keep up with a cairn puppy, which a lot of us adults have a difficult time doing. but in addition to energy you need a lot of discipline and determination and the willingness to wait a LONG time for your reward (an amazing dog). in most cases, experience with dogs, and particularly with cairns, is a big help. in a mere year your cairn will not be finished, but it might be time for you to head off to college, or get an apartment of your own; if you anticipate big life changes like that, it would be very difficult to make such a transition with a one-year-old cairn in tow.

i think raising a cairn right is the best education a person can have. if you like everything you read about cairns --their feistiness, willfulness, tendency toward being bossy, and their relatively long maturation time-- then you could be a natural cairn genius. if you haven't read a lot about them, keep reading. if you find that what you read attracts you, go for it.

however brilliantly you raise your cairn, it is hard to turn a cairn into a lap dog. a lot of cairns, in maturity, decide they like to snuggle and nap with their owners. but not all, and maybe not a majority. most cairn puppies are too busy to do any lap dog business. when i think of a lap dog i think of a shih-tsu, or a poodle. maybe a yorkie (though some are still terrier enough to frown on excessive lap time).

[BrandiNichole]

thank you so much for all the information. it really opened my eyes a little bit. i think before i go getting a cairn i may need more experience with raising dogs so maybe i will with something a little bit more easier.

[Idaho Cairns]

Nichole, I am not as dubious about a Cairn as a first puppy. No one would, I think, consider a Cairn as a "lapdog", that isn't in their character makeup but they are loving and loyal little dogs with just a streak of independence to make them interesting. So long as you have the time to devote to raising one of these little guys, I think they are a good choice simply because they are rugged, generally healthy, are bold and brash enough to run with the big dogs, and, once trained, reliable in the house.

I bought a Cairn for my daughter when she was just a little older than yourself and she did a good job with the puppy and still--eleven years later, has a wonderful companion.

Take a look at lots of reading material available on the net, take into consideration your circumstance relative to Cairns and act accordingly. Much importance has to be taken about the environment you are bringing the Cairn into--other dogs are no problem, Cairns adjust to that. Having a well fenced yard is important tho--it makes raising a Cairn puppy much easier.

I am a great fan of these dogs and think I am realistic about them--they are, to me, the perfect dog-loyal, friendly, smart, fun loving, hardy, and capable of being disciplined animals.

That you're making a mature approach to your "first dog" is indicated by your coming here in the first place--great first step. If you think you would like a Cairn--just get enough info so you won't be disappointed should you choose one.

[avlsarah]

I also have to agree that I wouldn't consider Cairns a lapdog.

I have a puppy, now 6mo. old, who I have had for two months. He is very active and we take a nice walk every evening or go play in the dog park. He is very rugged; we go hiking, swimming, sailing together and he is very excited to experience new things and meet new people. Though he has been a handful, he has not been hard to train. He was crate trained within two weeks and house trained at about the same amount of time. We have also been taking obedience classes and he has learned just as quickly as the other puppies. In fact, he is very smart and learns very quickly. However, because he is so curious he has a hard time focusing during the times we work on his commands and it has taken lots of patience and perseverance on my part.

Raising a Cairn puppy has not been hard. I also, to comment on the poster above, don't have a fenced in yard. It is great to let him out to wander, and so much easier on me, when I visit friends and family who have fenced yards, but with enough walks and romping at the park he is able to get all of his energy out.

Though I say Cairns aren't lap dogs, they are very loyal and loving dogs. My pup follows me everywhere, and is so excited when I come home. Though he wiggles out of my hands when I pick him up and can't sit still long enough to be in my lap, he does like to curl up with me when he is tired and snuggles up at night since he gets to sleep on the bed. When we go to the park, although he will run all over the place, he gets very excited when he sees me and frequently comes to check in with me and get attention.

I chose to get a Cairn puppy because I was interested in having a small, rugged, active dog. Cairns are like having a big dog crammed into a tiny dog body. Before I got my pup, I had a Lhasa Apso. Lhasa's were bred to be lap dogs, and mine adored sitting in my lap getting attention.

What I found to be the best method for deciding on a breed was to think about my lifestyle, and consider what traits I was looking for in a dog, then narrowing down to the few breeds I felt would be best for me. Then I looked at possible health issues, and began to research whether I would be able to find a pup, where, and what the price for buying and also caring for the pup would be.

[BetsyNoodle]

Hi Nichole,

I am coming at this from a little different angle. Not sure what you mean when you say a "starter" puppy. I guess my first question would be, are you going to go away to college in the next year or so? If so, you will likely be very busy. Having a dog on your own is very much like having a toddler. Dogs need a lot of attention, love, and structure, and are a big responsibility. Their needs can sometimes be at odds with your need to be with your friends. Ensuring that a dog is properly cared for can also be expensive. I wanted a dog of my own at your age, but since I knew I had many years of college and graduate school ahead of me, I elected to wait until I graduated. I am not trying to dissuade you from getting a pup if you are intent on one, I just want you to enter the world of responsible puppy ownership with your eyes open.

As far as a lap dog is concerned, my little Miniature Pinscher, Ralphie, was the ultimate lap dog. When he wasn't in my lap, he was trying to climb up into it. He passed away at age 17 last year. Oh, how I miss that little boy.

Best wishes to you!

[Sam I Am]

Nichole,

I totally agree with BetsyNoodle. Cairns can live up to 15 + yrs. You could be into your thirty's before this little animal dies of old age. With so many changes that are bound to happen given that you are so young, can you provide a home for his/her life? Unfortunately the humane society and rescue centers are full of dogs and cats whose owners could not live up to that commitment. And I have to agree also with pk, terriers can and tend to be a bit of a handful! Adorable, sweet but stubborn and willful.

[Aurora5000]

I'm not going to give you any advice. The others have covered it well, but I will tell you as soon as I sit down Chase and Gus want in my lap... one lays on left side of Lazyboy and the other on right. I pet them and talk to them and they enjoy being in my lap. I was also told that Cairns are not lap dogs. Trust your instincts...

Look at the youtube video...

[BrandiNichole]

I really do appreciate all of your advice it is really helping me make up my mind about things.

most of you are concerned about me going off to college, well here is the thing, im not mecessarly "going away". for the most part i am just going to go to a technical school somewhere colse to home so that wont really be a problem.

I do have a job so i would be able to care for whatever puppy i get. I am aware that raising a puppy will be a bit of a challange but i honstly think i am up for it. Mother always said i was very mature for my age .

I mainly came to this forum to see how the behaviors of the cairn were and to get more information to see if it was the type of dog that i wanted, but i am mostly looking for a puppy that will cuddle with me and watch tv and just be there when i need him/her. My mother did say that because they are a terrier that they are sometimes too high strung to be a lap dog. just wanted to do my research and boy have you guys helped me.

just want to thank you all again for all of your advice, but since we have 2 bichon frise's i think that i may just go with one of them since i know how their behavior is and how loving they are, also because my mom breeds them so free puppy for me.

[Sandi16]

Good luck BrandiNichole!

[Tracy A.]

A Cairn is like having a human toddler for the first few years. On the otherside of of puppy hood by 4 years my two boys are just mellowing out. The thoughts of what puppyhood were like drive any thoughts of getting another puppy... I think the wild puppy days need to be meer distant memories before I'll jump in and get anoteher Cairn puppy....LOL

[dinib]

I mainly came to this forum to see how the behaviors of the cairn were and to get more information to see if it was the type of dog that i wanted, but i am mostly looking for a puppy that will cuddle with me and watch tv and just be there when i need him/her.

Buckley is not a cuddler, but he watches TV...too intently. He will bark at any dog, real or cartoon, if it comes on the screen. So watching the Wizard of Oz, Marley & Me, Bolt, etc. is completely out of the question when he is around.

Gracie, who is a puppy, likes to sleep on my lap and so far (fingers crossed) has no interest in the TV.

Good luck in your search!

[COPioneer]

Hi!

I think I can offer some insight because I got Taylor, my Cairn, just after I turned 18 years old. Believe me, I did a ton of research before and decided that a spunky Cairn was right for me. I wanted a dog that I could really be involved with. I liked their size and their scruffy, adorable appearance. And so does everyone he meets lol. The only reason I even considered getting a puppy was because I already knew that I was attending the University of Colorado downtown, and I could commute from my parent's house, so I will still be living at home with him as he matures even more. =)

I made the same deal with my mom. I did most of the work, but she helped out because taking care of a puppy alone is sometimes difficult. I was SO grateful for her help! I felt I had prepared myself well, but I was so overwhelmed with him for the longest time. I thought about everything, even how someone mentioned that I could have little Taylor up into my 30's. At first I was thrilled. Then I realized how much work he was and I cried because I didn't know what to do. I never thought of getting rid of him though. Just kind of questioned whether or not I was really prepared to get a puppy, especially a Carin.

He had to pee seriously every ten minutes. And sometimes I'd take him outside and he'd pee and he'd come inside and pee on the carpet. I also set my alarm for every three hours during the night and got up and let him pee. I got him over fall break, so I had to bundle up. I let him out at about 9pm. Then I set my alarm for 12 am, let him out. Then set my alarm for 3am, let him out, and then set my alarm for 6am to let him out. If it's YOUR puppy, he sleeps in YOUR room, so you get the late night duty of taking him out to use the bathroom. At least it'll be warm in the summer =P

He seriously cut into my social life for the longest time, and I was completely prepared for that. I was never a party girl, so that wasn't a problem, but when my friends sometimes wanted to go out and see a movie or just chill I couldn't. If you aren't ready for that, don't get a puppy. Cairn, or any other dog. Cairns require an insane amount of watching. You have to be dominant with them from day one, which is really hard because they are SO cute. I wasn't, and I've had a really hard time getting him to stop biting really hard when he wanted something.

Terriers also bark a lot. Don't get one if you can't stand "yappy dogs" or people in your family can't. The worst thing you could do is get a puppy, any puppy, and then dump him at some shelter because you can't handle him.

Please please please let this decision be a responsible one! Nothing breaks my heart more than unwanted puppies!

Taylor's almost 11 months now, and has turned into the sweetest little guy! Cairns are definitely great dogs, but SO much hard work. My family also has a golden retriever and I kept thinking how much easier a golden puppy would have been. But I love my Taylor, even though he still requires so much attention. You have to be more stubborn than your Cairn! Taylor was so frustrating in the beginning but hard work definitely pays off. Now I'm completely in love with him and am definitely looking forward to having this little guy grow up with me. =)

If you want to chat some more or have any other questions on being a teen Cairn mom, you can private message or email me!

[pkcrossley]

that's a really touching story, and it reinforces my idea that the reason cairn owners bond so strongly with their dogs is that they have to go through so many challenges, and grow up so much themselves, in the process of "taming" their dogs. by the time your cairn is three you feel like you have been through so many struggles together, and come out on top, that you fall very seriously in love. it's a good experience for anybody at any age, but not everybody is motivated to get through it, and failure can be disastrous.

[Idaho Cairns]

You know, I have raised pointers, Labs, Springers, poodles, a Basset, and a Sheltie before I went with Cairns and Cairns were far easier than any of the others because of both their size and their intelligence.

Properly handled and monitored, Cairns are very easy to raise--there is no reason to put up with yappiness or biting.

I think we are giving the OP the wrong impression here--that somehow Cairns are difficult dogs. Even as terriers, Cairns are easy--want problems, try Jacks, Bostons, Scotties,or Airedales!

Cairns don't require rocket science, just patience for the first few weeks.

[COPioneer]

I think looking back on it everyone sort of feels "Oh that was easy, why did I feel like it was so hard?", but actually going through it was really tough for me. I love Taylor all the more for it. We have a special bond already =) Taylor was so much harder than Emmy, my golden, I guess because terriers are so darn stubborn. He was really barky at first too. Maybe you just got really lucky with your Cairns lol. Taylor still constantly gets into trouble. Crazy little Sherlock Holmes.

Hindsight is 20/20 =P

[toomanypaws]

I think we are giving the OP the wrong impression here--that somehow Cairns are difficult dogs. Even as terriers, Cairns are easy--want problems, try Jacks, Bostons, Scotties,or Airedales!

Cairns don't require rocket science, just patience for the first few weeks.

Well said! Cairns are definitely easier than many breeds. Brandi, when I was your age, my bf gave me a standard Dachshund. I loved him, but he was not a lap dog. My parents went through 3 dachshunds and one of them WAS a lap dog. I have had several dogs in my years. I currently have 3 Cairns. My oldest has always been the most independent. This middle one is quite a lover and prefers hugs and sitting next to you. My youngest has been a lap dog from day one. She is now 5 and still quite the affectionate little girl. I also have a Westie and I tell you what, this dog meets all qualifications for a perfect lap dog. He would sit w/ me all day long if I had the time. He's only 11 lbs and very easy to carry around. I agree about Jacks being a problem. My friends had one and she was a mess. They also had a Lhasa poo, and she lived in their laps. It's hard to predict a perfect lap dog because each breed can be unpredictable. Not sure if you want something as small as a Chihuahua, but we bought our dd one and she is not only a lap dog, she loves to be carried around in dd's purse. I've got several dogs, both large and small. My favorite is still the Cairn. I'll never be w/o one.

[Cairnmania]

Given both Bichons and Yorkies are reputed to be difficult to train I'd say you would be absolutely fine with a Cairn ... should be a bit easier.

I have one lap dog and one who will not voluntarily sit on laps; but she will stay if she's a bit tired. She does snuggle at night though!

If you want a real lap dog than you would be better off really with a breed like a Cavelier King Charles Spaniel. If you want a fun dog that will always keep you laughing .. than a Cairn will do nicely.

[BrandiNichole]

Thank you guys, so much, i cant quit saying it. .

All of your stories and advice has really been helping me. i knew it was a good idea to come here and get a little bit of insight. But maybe a cairn is something i will look into in a couple of years. like i have said numerous time. i have 2 bichons and have more experience and my mother is there to help so getting one of those may be easier. maybe once i get used to having my own dog and know the true responsibilities i will look into the cairn breed again. Once again, thank you guys so so much.

[BetsyNoodle]

Best of luck to you as you look for that special puppy!!! Bichons are indeed darling little lapdogs, as are chihuahuas, Maltese, Min Pins, and the occasional Cairn!

Melissa