Games and walkies

[Sam I Am]

Perhaps I can get my fellow Cairn owners to explain something to me. Sam (and Rosie)go out every morning for their walk rain or shine or snow since he was little. He absolutely loves his walks and if for some reason or another  we can’t take him due to another commitment that morning, the whining, the barking the following around is never ending. So when we take their harness and leashes down from the peg, Sam runs around like an idiot and when I try to catch him he does zoomies , runs under the dining room table where he knows I can’t catch him...all the time wagging his tail madly, thinking this is great fun. The only thing that will have him come to me immediately is a treat...and it better be a high  end treat!  Any suggestions on how to have him stop this ridiculous (but also amusing) behaviour. I have tried a deep commanding voice,  ignoring him, even hiding in the garage (who is the crazy one ) ....he has trained  me well...sigh.

[weecairns]

We have had similar issues with our boy.  I stuck to my guns.  If he ran away I never chased him.  I took the leash out and said it’s time for a walk and if he took off zooming all over I just sat on a chair and waited (ignored him).  He only got rewarded after he showed up got his leash on and was ready to go.  They are stubborn little guys but thankfully so am I!!  Yes sometimes you don’t have time for this tactical plan so I have the other option.   I have a blanket box at my door so before I mention the walk I scoop him up and put him on the box.   He has been taught not to jump off so I set him there then grab the leash put it on then I lift him down.   Too late for zoomies he is already on leash.  

[Hillscreek]

Agree with above. Never chase - they are way faster than us and never tire. I called Angus. Waited by the door. When I didn't chase or move pretty soon he came. When young gave treat. Later just praise. Taught him to stand to have leash attached. Eventually he learned I would never chase him and he began to come to the door and stand without a fuss. Well there sometimes something of eager wriggling and tail wagging. It took time like all things cairn but it was worth it.

[Pepper Bug's Mom]

I found the secret to get Brodie to line up for his harness/leash - I cut baby carrots into bite sizes and when I get the baggie out he lines up along with Pepper and Teddy to get his teeny, tiny carrot bit.  No chasing, leaving behind, nothing!  He is ready and willing to get that harness on!!!  Regular treats did not do the job, only the baby carrot bits.

[Sam I Am]

Pepper Bugs mum..yup...treats and they had better be good ones. All good advice...I suspect because often I start laughing at his antics that that doesn’t install leadership from my end. But can someone explain why they all do this....you would think they would line up right away for an activity they love.

Edited August 7, 2019 by Sam I Am

[bradl]

Chase-you and chase-me are popular dog activities. It could be his favorite part of the walk is when the two-foots play like dogs  

I love the box idea. 

[Sam I Am]

No doubt you hit the nail on the head Brad! Sam and I play that game a lot...we both love it, but it kind of back fired I think.

Edited August 8, 2019 by Sam I Am

[Islander]

Funny that so many cairns have the same nutty habit! My alternative to the treat is to open the front door a crack, look out and exclaim, “Oh my goodness, look at that!!” in a very excited voice.

Gets him every time!