Breaking all the rules

[Scruffys Mom]

Lord knows I know the different methods of dog training. I am breaking a lot of them with Spanky. I am not advocating others take this approach. Spanky is not yet 5 months old (born Jan 24th 2011) . I have obeyed most of the big training methods, but I let Spanky have at will, access to 3 huge toy boxes. In the past I have rotated 3 toys a day. Immediately, Spanky understood the toy boxes were for him and Scruffy. Largely due to 3 generations of dogs playing with them and getting them scented just right. Spanky's favorite place is usually sitting in a toy box, plowing all of the toys out and then playing with all of the toys. I note this because he has never been destructive with household items. The only damage report is the destruction of 2 bras (he thinks they are stuffed animals I am sure lol) and a few pairs of shoes. He has been housebroken for weeks, sans the occasional emergency accident. Last night I did not crate him when I was out with BF. I closed bedroom and bathroom doors, but he had full access to the main rooms. Proud to note not one accident or damage. Not to say things won't happen, but sometimes you have to follow your gut, not a book. PS, looked like a toy battleground when we got home, so I know he played. I woudl love to have a spy nanny cam so I can see exactly what they do when I am gone!

[Idaho Cairns]

I think that is all just great. Each pup is different and we have found that what works with one may not apply to the next. Some pups, particularly when they have the company of older, well mannered dogs, mature very quickly and become dependable at a young age--they learn "the rules" earlier and are much easier to live with. Toy strewing is the rule around here and the signal that it is bedtime is the collection of all the toys from the days play and returning them to the toy box. As I pick up, the girls head for the bedroom--most nights.

Having all those toys save shoes, furniture, clothing, appliances, etc. from those little teeth. I think it is really neat that you can trust your little one to roam the house while you are gone and I suspect that if you have him that well trained this early, your puppy problems are probably over. Good work.

[Lynn in TN]

I think that you can pat yourself on the back. You figured out what worked for Spanky early. I just hope our family can do the same!

[hheldorfer]

What the heck - rules were meant to be broken! (Especially when dealing with Cairns. )

[Scruffys Mom]

To all of you who are frustrated with training issues, please do not get discouraged as I obviously have a "gifted" dog (I say that in jest) Obviously, Idaho, once again nailed it. Scruffy has been the ultimate trainer here. She commanded respect from the beginning and has been the best lead dog I could pray for. Do not get discouraged and do not compare your efforts to mine. I am a stay at home dog mom. no kids and my dogs get first priority around here. It has not always been this easy...For those of you considering a Cairn, and are new to puppies, you may want to consider a more mature pup from a rescue and bringing the little pup in once you are all bonded.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Spanky sounds like a little dream Cairn. Love your description of him in the toy box. Maybe you can catch a picture sometime. Spanky is a smart pup.

[kjwarnold]

We also had a fairly easy time with Kirby, but then we also had the benefit of a smart and mature dog to help train him. Packy actually told us when Kirby had to go out, and he still does it! They played together so much that we rarely had any problems with Kirby chewing on things he shouldn't, he just chewed on Packy. I'm a stay-at-home dog mom, too. They're 6 and 3 now but we still don't leave either of them loose when we're gone. They're happy and safe in their crates, so why rock the boat?

And yes, I love the picture in my head of Spanky sitting in the toy box full of dog toys!

[Scruffys Mom]

Here is my Spanky Boy!

[Dempsy's Mom]

Awww. He is so adorable. Love his little tongue - one happy pup. Thanks for the pic.

[Hawkeye]

Spanky is sooo cute, love the picture. Glad to hear he's doing so well.

[ScruffynMag]

Spanky is a cutie, I laughed at his tongue, he looks such a happy chappie!

[josie&holly]

He is a very cute pup - love the tongue out - and obviously happy!

[bradl]

Love the little guy in the toybox.

If we're supposed to meter out the toys, we're in big trouble here, too.

Need more toys by robinsend, on Flickr

[Sam I Am]

Sweet sweet boy

On the subject of toys ... I don’t feel so bad now bradl! I was going to give Jock a nickname the "Imelda Marcos" of toys. It’s gotten so bad that our one toy box has now spilled over into three toy boxes. And like a typical spoiled kid, a new toy only enjoys popularity for a small period of time. Because the little hairy boy knows that often when his Dad walks thru the door back from shopping, upon inspection of the grocery bags, there often is a new toy. I have even washed the works thinking once they are clean and free of any smelly bits, we could re introduce them as new toys. Huh.... who is the smarten one. Not us.

[KerryJayne]

Oh my goodness I have a neglected puppy I need to go buy more toys :-)

Spanky is gorgeous :-)