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finncaraid

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We've been considering adding another dog to our small pack. Right now, it's just 2 adult H's & 1 D. Having a multi-dog life has never occurred to me before but I'm thinking we all may benefit if Finn had a peer. For those of you that have more than just one, how did you decide on another dog and/or another Cairn & what has been your experience??? Would another breed be better or does it even make a difference?? Finn has met lots of different breeds but seems to get on best with other terriers. We, on the other hand, are questioning the wisdom of another terrier because it's been an adjustment with one. While we've both lived with dogs our whole lives, we've never lived with a terrier: Finn has been a new experience. I'm concerned about what 2 together may come up with :lol: I know lots of folks at this forum have multi-dog situations, so, please, could you share your experience?????

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Our Cairn is our second dog. We decided to do it for several reasons. For one, our lab is elderly and cancer ridden (but still amazingly happy and friendly!). We wanted to get our next dog before he passes so the kids (and I) didn't feel like we were trying to replace him. We wanted the new dog to just be that, on his own terms, regardless of Bacchus's situation. Does that make sense? We also thought Bacchus would benefit from having another dog around again. We've always had more than one dog, except for the last 3 years after our other dog (a Border collie) passed. He was a rescue and didn't work out well with the kids, so we waited until the kids were older to get another dog. I'm happy to say that Bacchus LOVES having another dog in the house again. It's true that they really are pack animals. And nothing can tire out a puppy like another dog, in my opinion! I also wanted to get a puppy while Bacchus was around because he is an amazingly well behaved, sweet dog; I wanted our puppy to have the benefit of learning from him. Divot definitely has learned some manners from Bacchus!

Now I have no idea about two Cairns, as I agree that Divot has been a big adjustment after always having larger dogs. :lol: But I'd be surprised if in a few years, after Bacchus passes and Divot matures a bit, if we didn't add another Cairn to the house. I love everything about him! :wub:

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We added Kirby to our home when Packy was 4 yrs. old. We thought at the time that he was getting a little too sedate and maybe a bit bored, so adding another dog was our solution. Kirby has certainly livened things up, that's for sure. Packy has a quieter, calmer disposition, while Kirby is much more lively and active. They're good for each other, play a lot, and entertain us immensely. Both are Cairns from the same breeder, by the way, who helped us choose dogs for our situation at the time.

I think it's a good idea to wait until a Cairn is at least 2 yrs. old before adding another one. That way you've got a more mature dog around to help the new one learn. And you won't fall into the situation of the first dog backsliding into potty-training issues and getting together with the new puppy to get into all kinds of silly, bad habits. Sheesh, Kirby is almost 3 yrs. old and I swear he's still got a lot of puppy in him!

I have to say that I love having two Cairns!

Jandy and my Cairns, Kirby & Phinney 
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Idaho Cairns

All of what Jandy said above. We have had two Cairns for years--always females and have never had a problem. Cairns are so intelligent, so curious, so assertive, I think they do better in pairs--the entertain each other, develop strong bonds (at least ours have), and occupy each others' time. I believe that it is healthier for Cairns to co-exist with each other. So long as the Cairn you have is well behaved, the real advantage is the passing of those behaviors from one dog to the other, from adult to puppy. Training is just easier if the young dog has a model to cue on--especially potty training.

Other than doubling your expenses, I see no downside to having two Cairns in the home.

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I love having two, I have to admit three was harder, but someday I will again have three. Even though they are the same breed their personality is so different, you will enjoy both for different reasons.

Linda
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What a coincidence...I've been thinking the same thing lately...wondering about adding a second dog to our 2 human, 1 adult family. Finn is two days older than Jagger. To those that have more than one, do you think the dog/human bond is lessened when there's more than one dog? I wonder if we had another if they'd spend all their time together & ignore us silly humans.

Jo, Jagger & Eddie

jagger_julytomarch.jpg

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I wonder if we had another if they'd spend all their time together & ignore us silly humans.

not at all! My girls love playing outside together. Having a sister makes chasing pests much more fun. But once inside, they both want their people time. And you might find that the dogs bond to different human members of the household differently. Kenzie is very much my son's dog, but will take snuggle time from whomever is willing to give it to her. Hollie just wants love, no matter where it comes from. She actually seems to really love when my 2 yr old attacks her!! (Not as violent as it sounds!)

The only thing better than owning a Cairn is owning two!

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To those that have more than one, do you think the dog/human bond is lessened when there's more than one dog? I wonder if we had another if they'd spend all their time together & ignore us silly humans.

Nope, not at all. Packy & Kirby like to play together, but they're also independent Cairns who have their own interests. And they each bond to us differently. Kirby is our lover; lots of kisses and a little hug, then he's off to important duties. Packy is our cuddler; few kisses from him but he'll cuddle with you on the couch for hours.

Jandy and my Cairns, Kirby & Phinney 
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We decided to adopt a companion for Buffy after she had been with us for one year, at the age of 2. Buffy was completely house trained and had learned basic commands by that point so we knew we wouldn't be training two dogs at once. We looked for a Cairn from shelters and rescue groups but were unable to get one so we adopted Ziggy, a Silky Terrier/Shi Tzu mix from another rescue group. We chose a male dog with a non-aggressive personality because Buffy is a feisty little bitch and we felt this would be the best mix. Also, we love terriers and felt that our house and yard were too small to get a big dog. Buffy was not at all happy when we first brought Ziggy home and there were a few snarling, fur-flying encounters (which we broke up ASAP) but they worked things out and are now best friends. It's a beautiful thing, watching the two of them play together and share the couch during nap time.

I guess my only advice is to evaluate your dog's personality and find a good fit. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

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Unfortunately I don't have two cents to add. We only have Layla - who is totally dependent on us for her amusement. Right now, as she is just over six months and still in the training stages, it would not be a good time to add to the family. However, as most members here on the forum suggested, it would be best to wait till she is totally mature (around 2) and then would be the right time to find a playmate. I remember when we first brought Layla home I so much wanted to bring two from the same litter (I was not conscious at the time of that suggestion) :confused: and it would have been a disaster. Raising one puppy is more than enough at one time. Down the road we'll see how things go and then decide. But whatever you decide I can't wait to hear. Good luck and keep us posted.

Husband and dog missing ...25 cents reward for dog

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I was a 2 Cairn family. Got them 1 year apart and they did great from day 1. I lost the younger one a few weeks ago and added a male Cairn puppy. It is a difficult process as Scruffy (my existing 5 yr old) had aggression issues with small dogs. I am not sure I am handling the situation right. Scruffy usually snarls at the puppy and given the room, she would attack him. I am moving very slowly with this relationship. They can both sit on my lap together with no problem and wonder around the back yard together (with me present) as long as the puppy does not go into Scuffs space. The puppy is very anxious to make friends with Scruffy, but my fears have have not allowed the 2 to "go at it". I am afraid Scruffy will hurt him. I am hoping time and patience will fix things. Good luck to you!

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We have three right now (I will explain that in a minute). We had gotten a cairn and westie many years ago and they were only 3 months apart. My family took a vote and decided two would be best - their thinking was they would have a buddy. I was a little skeptical. That was a lot of work having them so close in age, but they were great companions for 13 years. The cairn passed away about 3 years ago and I felt terrible and so did my westie. She seemed lost without her companion - no one to push around. So that's why I decided on getting Bailey. So then I had Casey and Bailey and they did great together. Casey was very accepting towards him but I still felt bad for Bailey because he was young (9 months) and his companion was too old to do anything fun. I could see poor Bailey turning into an old bugger before his time. I decided to get another cairn but had decided to wait until Bailey was 2 years just to give him more training time. So now we have 3 dogs and the two cairns have really become close and both leave Casey alone. Radar and Bailey can keep themselves amused for quite a while, which frees me up to catch up on this forum.

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You are all putting idea's in my head..........2 Cairns??? I think Scruffy would love a playmate....not yet though. Although if I chose an older Cairn, a rescue, it could work............perhaps whistle.gif

www.cairnterriertalk.co.uk

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You are all putting idea's in my head..........2 Cairns??? I think Scruffy would love a playmate....not yet though. Although if I chose an older Cairn, a rescue, it could work............perhaps whistle.gif

LOL!!!! I've been thinking the same thing!

Jo, Jagger & Eddie

jagger_julytomarch.jpg

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I think it should be the Cairn code to have at least 2! Think about it, if a pack of Cairns adopted YOU, wouldn't you want a human to hang out with???

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