Woody the Pool Guy

I thought I would let you know how your boy Zinger/Woody is doing.  He loves to chase the garden hose and attack it.  He also chases the pool cleaner.  The pool cleaner shoots water up when it gets stuck on the steps or sides.  He goes crazy barking and running around ready for attack when that happens.  Good exercise for him.

 I have been adding Fiber All (it is like Metamucil) to his dinner and pumpkin to his breakfast.  He doesn't poop much and still will not go in our yard.  He just goes when we are out walking twice a day.

He loves people and cries when he sees someone because he is so anxious to greet them with wagging tail and body.  He looks so cute when he does that.  He growls at dogs but not all dogs just the ones that get in his face or come running at him.

He knows each house where dogs live and he stops to listen and look, to see if they are out.  Most of the dogs are behind an invisible fence so he can't quite understand why they don't come running at him.  One sheltie barks in his house when he sees Woody and his owner has to let him out. 

Attached are pictures of Woody attacking the pool cleaner, Woody in a sweater my friend gave him, Woody on his favorite sleeping place and Woody looking into the pantry anticipating dinner.

He is on his flea and tick meds and heartworm meds.  I would not forget them after what he has been through.

He is a joy.  He noses me in the back of my leg when he comes into a room and I don't see him.  He 's very quiet except for barking at trash trucks and the pool cleaner.

I can't decide if he is happier as the only dog or if he would like a mate.  I know he doesn't like noise.  I will have to see how he does in school.

Thanks for taking good care of this sweet boy.  You saved his life.  I think he keeps looking for you...  

Pam

Teaching the Look At Me Command

So you find yourself trying over and over again to get your stubborn Cairn to listen to whatever command or instruction you're attempting to give him or her. And your voice gets louder and louder each time you repeat, with increasing urgency, your futile attempts to get him to respond. 

Does this sound familiar? "Buffy....sit! Sit Buffy..SIT...SIT..SIT...SITSITSITSITSITSITSITSIT!!!!!!!!!" And there he stands, oblivious to your demands. What's wrong with him anyhow? Is he deaf? No, let me assure you his hearing is great. In fact, Cairns' hearing is incredibily acute. He hears you alright. But he isn't listening to you at all. Why? Because there's nothing in it for him to do so, and because, well, because he's a Cairn Terrier, with all the stubborn, independent, mischievous attitude that implies. 

So what can you do? How do you get them to listen to you so that you can get them to do what you want, and sometimes absolutely need them to do? I've found a very effective technique, that is very simple to teach. It's the "Look At Me!" command. You see, before you can get most Cairns to do what you want them to do, you have to get their undivided attention. Not an easy task, as we all know how easily distracted they are and how focused they can become on heaven knows what...but certainly not on us. 

The "Look At Me!" command is what I like to call an "interim command," in that its purpose is to redirect their attention from whatever they are focusing on in preparation for whatever follow-up command you want to issue to them. It can also serve as a very powerful "luring" technique (more about that later). What the "Look At Me!" command does is gets Buffy to, as its name states, LOOK at you. That's half the battle with a Cairn Terrier. And it's one you can win easily, I assure you. 

Here's how to teach this simple, and very effective, command: 

* Gather some "high value" treats (small bits of cheese, freeze dried liver, etc., something the dog LOVES that you reserve for training). Have them readily available in your pocket or the palm of your hand. Pick a quiet time, where there are no distractions and get Buffy to SIT.

* Once he's sitting, place the treat between your thumb and index finger, so a portion of it is showing, but the majority of it is firmly grasped between your fingers.

* Stand up reasonably straight, with just a slight bend at the waist (do NOT bend down at the knees, you don't want to be on his level) 

* Place your fingers (with the treat, of course!) just beyond the tip of his nose and draw it STRAIGHT up to the tip of your nose from his. As you do so, say, in a firm and deep voice, "Buffy LOOK at ME!" (emphasis on the LOOK and ME).

 

* Because you've drawn the treat (which Buffy wants desperately) directly from his nose to yours, by necessity, his eyes will follow the treat toward your face. That's what you want to happen. As soon as your fingers with the treat touch your nose, and assuming his gaze has followed your fingers, tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat! 

* Do this 3 times in succession, 3 times per day to begin. A total of 9 repetitions. Most Cairns will be so eager for the treat that they will begin anticipating the command by looking at your NOSE as soon as you begin to draw the treat from his nose to yours. THAT'S GREAT! 

But remember to say (in your low, deep voice), "Buffy, LOOK at ME!" as you're drawing the treat toward your nose. When he focuses on it, hold it there at the tip of your nose for a few seconds. Tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat. Your goal is to get him to anticipate the command by following it immediately AND to lengthen the time he focuses on your nose before you treat him. Ideally, you can hold the treat at the tip of your nose for at least 3 seconds (count, 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000) and he'll focus on your face. He's looking at you. 

Now that he looks at you almost immediately AND he watches you intently for 3 seconds, it's time to begin treating him randomly rather than every single time. Give him the treat 2 out of 3 times (or 4 out of 5), and gradually reduce the number of times you treat him until you no longer have to SHOW him the treat at all to get him to "LOOK at ME!" This will take a week or so of work, but believe me, it's worth every single 90 second interval that you do it. Always POINT at your nose, however, even if you don't have the treat. It will become sign language to him. 

When the command is firmly established in his or her repetoire, you should be able to get him to sit and LOOK at YOU simply by pointing at your nose (if he's already looking in your direction). And if he isn't, by simply saying the command (in your best low register voice!). Now, here's how you use this command after it's entrenched. LOOK at ME! is what I refer to as an "interim" command. In other words, it should be used as a bridge between a dog's not paying any attention to you whatsoever and the command (or direction or behavior) that you WANT him to perform. It can be used to calm an overly excited dog. 

And, as I indicated earlier, it's a GREAT way to "lure" a Cairn. What do I mean by "lure" him? Well, here's a true story. My Cairn, Max, began exhibiting strong signs of wanting to chase cars at a very early age. He'd tug and lunge on his leash whenever a car would approach us on our daily walks through the neighborhood. I tried all the "tried and true" training techniques for breaking a dog's car chasing tendencies. His obedience trainer instructed me to use the "leash correction" on him. I did. It not only didn't stop him, it made it worse. I tried the alpha roll. Another dead end. I tried verbal corrections again to no avail. I had friends drive by and pitch coin-filled soda cans out the window as they passed Max and me. They thought I was crazy, the neighbors were sure of it, and Max was more determined to lunge at the passing cars than ever. His behavior was escalating rather than diminishing. 

Frankly, I was desperate. So, in the true spirit of desperation, I changed courses entirely. I decided to change from negative training, which all the other techniqes were, to a positive approach. In other words, I decided, out of sheer desperation, to REWARD good behavior rather than trying to correct/change unwanted behavior. I resorted to the LOOK at ME! command I'd taught him as a very young puppy. I loaded up with high-value treats and we set out for our walk. Since we live in a surburban neighborhood with many winding streets, you can hear cars coming before you can see them. As soon as I'd hear a car approaching, I'd give Max the LOOK at ME! command and I'd move the treat from the tip of my nose to approximately 1/2 way between his nose and mine. As the car came closer, I'd repeat, "Max, LOOK at ME!" with the treat closer to his nose. As soon as the car passed, I'd exclaim "GOOD BOY!!!! and would give him the treat immediately. The trick, I soon learned was to gain his attention with the "LOOK at ME!" command, hold his attention by showing (luring him with) the treat, then REWARDING him immediately through praise and the treat when he did NOT lunge at the car. Rather than having him continue to SIT while I was "luring" him with the command and the visible treat, I began really luring him with it as I kept walking while keeping the treat out in front of him. I kept PRAISING him as he continued to focus on the "lure" of the treat rather than lunging at the car. And, as before, I'd give him the treat as soon as the car passed us. 

To my amazement, it took only about 4 or 5 cars worth of high-value treat luring before I saw how a Cairn mind works! I heard a car approaching and I immediately gave the "LOOK at ME!" command, with the treat at the ready. I saw Max quickly look toward the car and then back at the treat...and I could see he'd made his decision. The treat was worth more to him than was the car. We were over the hump! Within 2 or 3 days, Max would immediately LOOK at ME! as soon as he heard a car in the distance. I began gradually (and randomly) reducing the times I gave him a treat, until, in a few more days, he didn't get treats at all and he was no longer interested in trying to chase cars. I have since used the same technique to redirect his desire to lunge at and chase bicyclists and motorcycles. I also use it to distract him from other dogs while we're out on walks. I have taught this command to every one of the 10 fosters I've had, and they've all learned it quickly and effortlessly. 

It's truly a wonderful training technique for your Cairn and can be used for so many things. I use it all the time when I want to teach him a new behavior, or when I simply want to gain his attention. Every now and then, when I issue the LOOK at ME! command, I'll surprise him with a treat, just to keep the command interesting to him. Try it with your Cairn. 

And good luck. 

Michele CRM 2/5/05

Prim is now Properly "Ruby"

We just celebrated 18 months since welcoming Ruby (fka Prim) to our family. She is the most friendly, loving, and fun Cairn! However, the past few months have been filled with many trials - the biggest being Ruby's diabetes diagnosis. In March she began having accidents all over the house and drinking a lot of water. After taking her to the Vet for what we thought was a bladder infection, we were informed that her glucose level was in the high 400's and she needed to start insulin immediately. We couldn't believe it! Ruby is in great shape and only 4 years old. For the next few months we struggled to get her regulated on insulin. She requires injections twice daily, and this little Cairn wanted nothing to do with the shots. It was nearly impossible to get our 9 pound Cairn to stay still for just a second. As soon as she saw the syringe she went crazy. We were beyond frustrated because without her insulin she wouldn't feel better. Our Vet actually suggested that we find another home for Ruby because it was just too hard to control her. My husband and I knew that we could neve give her up. She has given us so much love and companionship since we brought her home. We decided to hire a canine behaviorist and she worked a miracle with Ruby. We are now able to administer injections without too much trouble. Even though it's been a difficult few months, we can't imagine our life without Ruby. As you can see in the picture, she is a very happy dog and loving life in Pennsylvania! Thank you CPCRN for helping us find our sweet girl. We can't imagine life without her!

Breanna and Dave
Dillsburg, PA

Teaching the "Sit" Command

A great VIDEO by Victoria Stillwell on teaching the sit command.  She is using a puppy here but you can do the same thing with an older dog.  Be sure to use yummy treats, like cut up chicken, etc so that they will want to work for this treat.

Sandy

Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network

Director of Foster Homes

Springfield Patch's Top Dog is...Riley!

Photo by Candid Canine Photography

Riley is a 7 year old rescue who was adopted from Colonel Potter Cairn Terrier Rescue Network. She is enjoying her new life in Springfield. 

From the Springfield PA PATCH

McKissick is a Kansas Cairn

Sweet McKissick left with his forever family today. McKissick gave his approval by giving his new mom and dad lots of kisses. He will be living in Topeka, KS with his new cairn sister Mika. His new mom has already introduced herself to CRM and plans to volunteer!

Lori
Rogers, AR

Puppy Mabley Moves to Maine

Mabley's new mom came and picked her up today. She flew down to visit her dad in GA, then drove all the way here to get her new little girl and is returning to GA where she will then fly home to ME!


Mabley will be a northern girl! Her new mom also wants to train her to be a therapy dog and go to work with her.

It will be much quieter here without our "party girl". I know foster dad will miss her sweet little kisses and I think Cosell is missing her as well. Dodd seems to take everything in stride. Libby didn't notice, she has been too busy barking at the fireworks.

Lori
Rogers, AR

Happy Fourth of July!

KIARA ANN

CP GIRL RUTHIE ROSE (fka Lucia)

Kiara and Ruthie are celebrating because their mom left the camera at the hotel - so no new photos today! We are recycling last year's but the girls are proudly wearing their patriotic bandannas today! Kiara is also wearing her thundershirt for when the boomers start!
Happy Fourth everyone - and thank you to all those who made it possible for us!

A Zinger of a Fourth!

Happy 4th of July!!

Here is Zinger ...now Woody, in his forever home. He has been so busy exploring the back yard. He has looked in every corner of the house. He has found slippers, and where we keep the food in the pantry. He is learning "come" and he already knows "sit." In the picture he is wearing his Col. Potter bandana. He loves his Col. Potter blanket. I believe it helps him make the transition from Sandra's house to ours.

We are totally in love with this sweet cairn. He follows me around the house. One time he couldn't find me so I heard him make a whimpering sound. He even makes a grunt sound outside when he heard the labs next door barking. He rarely barks. Except, he did bark at some fireworks he heard in the neighbor's back yard. I love his markings of black on the tips of his ears and tail.

We will have many happy adventures with Woody.

Again, I can't thank all of you enough. I am so impressed with the Col. Potter Network. An awesome organization, serving the awesome cairn terrier.

Pam G in NE FL

A quick Editor's note about Zinger's bravery and Col. Potter's loving care: At Intake, Zinger was heartworm positive, but now he is living the good life as a lovingly fostered and adopted CP Kid. Quite a celebratory Fourth of July for all!! - kg

Brandon's Trip to Furever

Brandon, Gigi and I set off on our trip yesterday to meet Brandon's new mom.  Jane is a person you feel like you have known all your life - it was an instant friendship. She was delighted to meet the 'legend" Gigi and of course her boy Brandon. 

We had a great time discussing everything and she got to spend the day with Brandon so next morning's drive home with him was not so unknown to Brandon.  Jane did the crying for me as she left with him!

I was able to get 2 good pictures of Brandon hanging out in Jane's hotel room.  He has a great new home and this is their second dog adopted from CP. 

Marie S

Pensacola, FL

Ella - I am being boarded - and missing everything

Foster Gianna - Yippeeee - it is just me and mom

Warning Flea and Tick Products

Please warn Pet Parents not to use Sargents or Hartz Flea and Tick- it can cause serious issues and even death. Please visit: www.hartzvictims.org
Please Share!

Kenyon's (aka Dude) New Family

New mom Monica P sent this update to foster dad Ron as Kenyon, now called Dude, meets his fursibs and the whole neighborhood. Willie is the Yorkie (11) ; Grace is the Westie (4 yrs). Dude is in the middle.

I knew if I were you, I couldn't wait to hear how he was doing. When I pulled up in my driveway, the first thing I did was take him for a walk. On the way he met some neighbors and was happy to meet them. Our destination was the vet to meet the ladies there, who were so happy to meet the new guy. He gave them happy kissses and they gave him a treat and hugs.

Then we got home to meet the new brother and sister, and it went excellent, (even with Willie "meister")...so we took a pack walk with relaxed leashes and met some more neighbors who petted them. I took a couple of pictures of us returning home from the walk and wanted to send them to you right away. Right now they are hot and tired. Dude is laying at my feet on is side sleeping with Grace laying next to him. King Willie is on his pillow.

I already love him so much and I can tell my fuzzles have accepted him like he was always here. They lined up and sat next to each.

Cairn Babies - Watchdog & Thief - in a good way!

Sara and Maddie have been with us for almost 2 months. We picked them up in Arkansas from Lori & Mike. They have been adjusting well to their new home. Sara is our little watch dog. Maddie is a little thief and loves to steal any clothing item. Loves to play with her toys. Here is a picture of them enjoying their first day at the beach with "Mom". Very curious about the waves crashing against the shore. Just wanted to share our new "babies" and how happy we are to have them in our home.

Cathy and Scott A in MA

Mick (fka Rammer) Goes to the Dog Park

Bonnie in SC sent this photo of CP boy Rammer, who is now called Mick, with his new mom at the dog park.

Bonnie says, I am the volunteer photographer for the Westie Club of Charleston (cairns, scotties, norwiches also welcomed) and there was a group event today at our local small dog park. I met Mick fka Rammer who has been in his new home for 4 days and was there with his fursib Mr. Spock and his pawrents. This is a picture of him with his new Mom. He has landed in High Cotton and we plan to meet them at the park again next week with Zander, Bea and Neha. Another happy ending SIGH and she couldn't say enough nice things about Col. Potter.

Happy furever Mick!

King Kirby Rules!

Seems that Foster Mom Gail was missing her boy Halyard (now known as Kirby) so asked furever Mom Julia for an update.

But first, according to Gail's unbiased opinion"

Kirby/Halyard is the most perfect older gentleman ever known. He is kind, gentle and such a great companion. He went to a home in Virginia with one of the more beautiful women on earth who also dotes on this guy.

And Mom Julia seems to agree, sending this great update:
Gail, how kind of you to ask. Kirby has adjusted very well to being the king of the household. He sleeps with me and is not any trouble. He can sense when I'm awake and puts his front paws on my chest to greet me. After I put him on the floor (the bed is too high for his aged legs), he has a big burst of energy and plays with his animals until I get dressed. He then wolfs down his breakfast, goes for a walk where he performs admirably--then home to take a nap. What a life!

He really is a sweet dog. He was attacked in the Peta dog park a few weeks ago by a bulldog and a large dog of indeterminate parentage. They jumped him and I had to call for help to get the dogs off him. He has been afraid to go into the park ever since, which is a shame because he used to love it. But he still gets his walks.

We do call him Kirby or "Kirby Underfoot" because he seldom strays more than a foot away from me. He is so funny about the cat. He looks through Sumo as though he does not exist. I don't think he believes a cat is a real person the way he is.

Thank you again for caring for him so well.
My best to you and your girls.

Julia

Midori - Most Adored

Dearest Col. Potter Friends,

We adopted Midori from you almost six years ago and she has been the most adored and amazing creature we've ever had. Because of everything she went  through before we were lucky enough to bring her into our family, it took her several years to become her full, whole, and extraordinary self. She was frightened of almost everything in the beginning and didn't make a
single sound for almost a year and a half. We gently poured love into her every day, and at night I sang lullabies, and slowly, day by day she started to come out of her shell of fear and dread.

Today she is completely happy, plays like a puppy (although she is now 13 years old) loves people and animals, and except for some Saturday mornings when she continues to shake uncontrollably (we think something awful must have happened to her on Saturdays) she is ultra relaxed, calm, and playful and incredibly loving. She is the most intelligent, conscious, dog we've
ever had and every day we thank you for finding her and allowing us the gift of bringing her into our lives.

After eating every meal, she comes up to whoever made the meal and literally kisses that person on their hands. It's very clear she's saying  thank you! At night we put her on the couch between us and she immediately rolls over on her back and stretches out so we can rub her tummy for as long as possible. When we're done she kisses us both again on our hands
and is ready for bed.

It has been the most incredible joy to watch her become her full and whole self over these past years and we feel blessed to have been able to give her the love, safety, and life she so needed.

Thank you all,
Steve and Jane C
Oakland, CA

Bye-Bye Bertie (Lambert) - Hello Furever Home

 

Foster Mom Susan B. in Murfreesboro, TN writes:
Bertie (CP Boy Lambert) met his new mom, Judy, and her friend Don today. As you can see, Bertie enthusiastically approved of his new mom. After they arrived, he only had eyes for Judy and Don and took turns sitting in each of their laps and getting their attention. Bertie is on his way home now to start his new life. He never looked back. It was another great match made in heaven!

Just look how handsome he is - groomed and wearing his Col. Potter bandanna.

Every happy wish to Bertie and his furever home!

Basque's Wonderful Childhood

Just thought we give an update on little Basque. Now imagine a child that has just learned there are toys and other kids to play with....now you have Basque. This little furkid gets cuter by the minute. She has discovered that her sister furkids all love to play and it is a riot to see the 4 jumping and running together. Basque especially likes Kendall and they both seem to play the longest together and initate all actions. One minutes they are on top of each other, the next rolling on the floor, then running outside chasing each other and more fun. What is interesting is our Mother Superior as we call her, MacKenzie keeps a close watch and barks if things get out of hand. Basque is also having so much fun re-arranging the toys from the toy box to the back yard but did get a warning about touching Rosie's Col. Potter blanket.

Basque has also discovered she can move things with her mouth. As a matter of fact we have plotted all items in the house and any thing between the floor and two feet is not safe. I found her and Rosie both dragging the family room entrance carpet out the patio door to the backyard.....everything and any thing appears to be free game. Even the humidifier was on its way out until Foster mom spoiled the fun and said a stern NO.

Basque is also coming closer to Foster dad and accepting treat from his hand when he is not looking. Tonight Basque surprised us with a new hiding place. While Foster Mom was busy getting ready for Easter Dinner she found it odd the kitchen cabinet garbage drawer kept opening so Foster Mom kept closing it (lucky softly). This went on for a bit until Foster Mom started wondering why Basque had not come around lately especially since Foster Dad and that teenager were busy elsewhere.....the idea hit her to open the garbage drawer all the way and sure enough there was Basque as happy as anything. Basque has also learned how to open the garbage cabinet door but hitting it.

Foster Mom forget to tell Foster dad about this and while foster Mom went shopping Foster dad decided to count tails and came up one short. This caused quite a commotion and an immediate lock down was declared and the neighor Cairn Rescue team (lead by our neighbor an ex-marine) was engaged. A search of the house with Foster Dad in a panic was conducted while the ex-Marine and his band of troops (kids aged 12, 8, 6 and 5 year old) started looking around the neighborhood. (yes we have actually practiced this drill). A short time later Foster Mom arrived home and of course there was Basque fast asleep in her new space. Ice cream for everyone and we went about our business while I saw the family room carpet again go by and heading for the back yard pation door.

Basque wishes everyone a Happy Easter and vows to continue to surprise us! She can now be seen looking for an easter bunny and/or easter squirrel in the yard :-)

The Very Happy Rough Rider Twix

Foster Mom Linda B sent this photo and great update: It was over a year ago that Biggie (Bridge) came to our house to live as a special foster. I think he was here for well over 6 - 8 months. There was a few times during our trials and tribulations with this special boy that my husband would say, "This guy is never going to get adopted. He's probably going to live here forever." But Biggie, now Twix, found that special person. For all of you who helped me along the way I am sure this picture of him with his daddy Wes will bring a smile to you. I had happy tears. He was a very special boy who found that special person to live happily everafter with.

BZ Is Sweet Sixteen!

We are celebrating my cairn BZ's Sweet Sixteen! She was a backyard breeder's dog that was adopted at age 4 by a patient of mine. When she was getting divorced & couldn't keep her, I offered to take her. She's been with us for 14 months now. Even though she is bossy, would kill for a toy or treat, is only partially housetrained and struggles with her weight (I struggle, she doesn't care!), we adore her & can't picture life without her! We hope she has many more birthdays! We love you BZ AKA Beatrice Zoe!!
Lisa & Wally, MA