Another person possibly introducing a 2nd Cairn (and nervous!)

[jo_]

Friday night we're taking Jagger (15 month old female) on a four hour drive to meet a 7.5 month old male. A breeder has been holding him for someone and is tired of waiting and have decided to find him a new owner. We've been looking at rescues and were originally thinking of rescuing a 1-3 year old, but this little guy looks adorable and we're starting to think a younger Cairn might be easier to "retrain".

A few concerns, as I noted in another post today he's pee pad trained, and I've been told he has some food aggression. I'm hoping at his young age both can be overcome.

Our original thought was if we liked him, and the initial meeting between he and Jagger went well, we'd bring him home with us. But now I'm wondering if having the two dogs in the vehicle together for four hours would be too stressful for them...maybe too close of quarters so soon after meeting? (note: Jagger is fine in the car. She typically wears a harness and sits on my lap, we thought we could put the male in a crate). It is a four hour drive each way so would obviously be easier for us to bring him home with us.

Any advice or tips on not only the initial meeting, but the possible trip home and the first few days?

[Jeff N Oscar]

I think at such a young age they will be happy to be with each other in the car and at home. You should bring the crate for the new guy and also a cover of towels or something just in case you want to visually separate them for some unforseen reason. Just a thought. Read up on food aggression ahead of time so you know what to do the very first time there is an issue back at home. Good luck

[Idaho Cairns]

We've done this with rescues--take a crate and if there is a problem, use it. A car is kind of a neutral place for dogs to meet even if a bit confined. I would simply put them together in the back seat and see how it works out. Our experience is that the dogs, once they meet and greet the first time are comfortable with each other in a car. Think of it this way, if on your way to the dog park to exercise Jagger you picked up a friend and their dog--would you have any concerns? Much the same with this transport.

Food aggression can be cured by hand feeding both dogs for a bit--make them sit quietly while you alternated feeding each dog. Then just monitor the progress.

[jo_]

As always, great advice guys, thanks! @ Idaho, good point about comparing to a dog park, hadn't really thought of it that way.

Barely slept last night between my excitement and nervousness. The last few months we've certainly noticed a change in Jagger showing signs of maturity (although I do say that lightly...LOL!). We had thought we wanted an older dog to avoid the "puppy stage" but looks like we might be diving in again. We survived the first time and good to know I have all of you to help keep me sane!

[kjwarnold]

Since you don't know if this dog rides well in a car, you might take along paper towels and some other rags, just in case there's some car sickness. Ginger Snaps work really well for that, and they're cheap, so you could bring a box along just in case. And if there's no car sickness, well, you can just eat them! Also make sure you have water for them to drink, and be sure to make a stop or two. Jagger might be able to ride for that long without a stop, but you don't know this dog, so it's just a precaution.

I have nothing to add about food aggression since Packy & Kirby eat right next to each other with no problems. The hand feeding idea sounds like a good one though. Good luck!

[Hawkeye]

I know you have been keeping your eyes open for a second cairn. I'll keep my fingers & paws crossed hoping this guys will be the perfect fit. Good luck!! I would bring along the crate to be prepared for any problems or just some quiet time. When we picked up Radar I brought Bailey and Casey along too. With the two dogs I put Radar in the crate for 'safe keeping'. It went very smooth and I think you should have no problems as well. As far as the food aggression I have no suggestions on how to break it, but I would definitely feed them far apart - across the kitchen or even one in another room. My two do fine, but I also feed them in different corners of the kitchen so not to feel pressure from the other (Bailey is a goobler & Radar eats slower).

Good Luck and let us know how everything works out.

[hheldorfer]

Remember that Jagger is #1 Cairn and treat her accordingly - first for food, first for treats, etc.. I hope everything goes well at the first meeting and that you end up with Cairn x 2.

[jo_]

Thanks everyone. I'm a mix of excited and nervous. Having a hard time concentrating on work today. I was just talking to the breeder and found that not only is he pee pad trained but he's not exactly crate trained either. When the dogs aren't roaming around the farm with the owners they're in kennels in a section of he barn. He's used to sleeping with his dad. Guess crate training would be another thing to work on. Hoping that his young age would make him a quick learner!

Can't wait to meet him and see what Jagger thinks. Will definitely keep everyone posted!

[Dempsy's Mom]

Fun. Little Jagger will be delighted. I too hope everything works out - can't wait to meet this little rascal. I can relate to your excitement and nervousness, but isn't it fun, especially when you look back at it all a year or so later. Drive safe and I can't wait to hear all about it.

[tomatosandwich]

How exciting! Please let us know how it all goes!

[janis]

Don't forget to post pictures! Good luck.

[pindrop]

Oh wow - today's the day you go and pick up the new furbaby. Can't wait to hear back on how everything went. Long drive though - hope you say safe and will await an update as soon as you can.

[Lynn in TN]

How exciting. I can't wait to hear all about it, and hopefully get to see pictures.

[gt_mustang_gal]

***patiently waiting***

[jo_]

Well...we fell in love! And I think Jagger did too! Drive went smoothly, a couple of accidents in the house last night, but today all bathroom breaks have been outside. He and Jagger are getting a long very well. Jagger gets a bit jealous when he jumps up on us, but considering they've known each other less than 24 hours I think it's going very, very well. *SO HAPPY*!!!!!!

Introducing...Eddie (on the right)

[jo_]

I'll take this as a very good sign...

[kjwarnold]

Oh, how sweet! Glad it's working out for you guys and that Jagger has a new best friend!

[hheldorfer]

Congratulations and a big, warm welcome to Eddie! The two of them look delighted to be together and you sound thrilled. Keep the photos coming!

[pindrop]

Oh how wonderful for everyone involved. They seem to trust each other well enough to be sleeping side by side. I'm sure you did the right thing in getting a companion for Jagger. Welcome Eddie and I'm sure you are going to have a great life in your new home.

[gt_mustang_gal]

Eddie is SERIOUSLY gorgeous. Wow. And the pic of them snoozing beside each other is precious! Thanks for the pics!

[Idaho Cairns]

Oh he is gorgeous! Let the fun begin--if you think having one Cairn was fun!

[Lynn in TN]

2 gorgeous Cairns! I can't think of anything better than that. I'm glad they are getting along great. Good luck, and have fun!

[Tuesday]

Awwww, congrats!!! Eddie sure is cute!!!

[montdoug]

Beautiful dogs, congrats!! Welcome to the wonderful world of multiple Cairn madness . Actually the new dog would be a piece of cake without 5 different cats and one lizard personality added to the mix. In spite of all that we have no regrets whatsoever and I'll bet you don't either! Lovely animals!!

[Hawkeye]

They are two beautiful cairns!! Congrats and welcome home Eddie.