19 replies to this topic

[dianer]

My two have had two walks a day every day. No runs however. Pretty much the same locale but seasons and wildlife changes.

[cairnfan]

I took our pup, Bear to an obedience class when he was 6 months old. The trainer suggested a prong collar and let me try one out during the class. He explained that the prong is meant to mimic the mother dog's corrective bite around the pup's neck. Bear was not thrilled with it but it definitely made a difference. I only used the prong for walks and training sessions. It took a lot of patience and persistence but now, at 11 months, Bear walks like a pro with a regular nylon collar and the prong is no longer necessary. My walks with Bear are now enjoyable and theraputic (for me and him)! I get so much joy out of watching that little "cairn strut"!

[MMPF]

Oh man I can sympathize with the walking the dog issues. Sweet little Commer is not good on a leash either. And the jeckle and hyde things hold so true! At home he will do all his tricks for treats and be obedient. THEN we get to puppy class and all bets are off. He is aggressive towards me, gets agitated and will not do ANYTHING right. Treats do nothing for him either.
As for going on walks, when we first read up on Cairns we saw a lot of people saying don't ever let them go off leash because they will explore and may not come back. In my experience, the most enjoyable walks with Commodore are when he is off leash. Often he will run ahead or lag behind but then he always comes bounding towards me and won't get out of sight. Even when other dogs are around he will go interact with them and play but he will come back to me. The only other time he walks well on leash is when I take him along this dirt path in the ravine behind our house. He never tugs and will walk happily behind me. Maybe it is because the path is narrow? Not sure.
The only advice I have is maybe try finding a dog park in your area or an off-leash area. Let Malcolm run free and go all terrier beserk for awhile. Then put him on his leash for a bit and try a walk. If he knows he is going to have some freedom time he may be more content on the leash.
I don't know. These Cairns are as stubborn as all hell but yeesh they are cute!

[BEARCATJER]

Boy can i identify with Claymike about Mischa! I have actually nicknamed our female 2 year old Cairn ..Iditarod or Sleddog!...I've called her a few other things during "walks" too!! We have always used a harness on her because we dont want to hurt her neck. I could never use a collar of any kind for that reason. I have been walking her first thing every morning since she was 8 weeks old and she has not improved an ounce in re: the pulling problem. I guess i have just given up because in every other way she is a perfect dog....loves everyone and everything...would kiss a squirrel if she could catch one! So my wife and I just sort of accept her pulling habit which isnt nearly as bad as some other descriptions i have seen on this thread...I didnt know it but i guess we are lucky compared to some.

I have seen other references to the other types of harnesses etc various people have tried with mixed results an we have not resorted to any of those . Piper doesnt have any problem with her harness...she just likes to go in the opposite direction of whichever way i want to go! So, over time I have just gotten used to pulling her in the direction i want to go in and she reluctantly gives up and goes my way...until she decides to go the other way again!!! All in all we dont have much to complain about besides the pulling on walks.

I am not familiar with what someone described as a MARTINGALE and would like to look into that if anyone can give me more specific info on where to find information about it.

Thanks and happy walking!l

[cairnzma]

Gentle leader worked the best for us. I found this leader when our shep/lab weight 85 lbs would pull me. She learned to walk beautifully on this and the walks were so pleasant. I remembered this the first few wks of trying to walk our almost 7yr old male cairn. It took awhile but so worth it because he walks great with it. Our little female is now familar with hers too and walks great but sometimes when we first set out she will try to rub it off on the ground but I just keep walking an ignore it and she quits. You must be sure it fits loose over the nose and very snug behind the head and I suggest watching the video that comes with it. good luck