Care of your Cairn Terrier Pup

Here are some guidelines you may find useful when you are caring for your new cairn puppy.

Before introducing a cairn terrier to your property you will need to ensure you have secure fencing as being inquisitive they like to see what is on the other side of the fence.

Worming 
Worm at 12 weeks, 16 weeks then every 3 mths.  Heartworm prevention is preferred to cure.  Recommend  putting pup onto heartworm tablets as a defence against this affliction at or between 3-5 months of age, no pre-testing necessary. Again consult your vet.                                                              

Flea Control
Puppy- Use a gentle flea control powder safe for cats and dogs to prevent skin irritation. As the dog matures we use Advantage Flea Control available from vets.

Vaccination 12 weeks see certificate for next date.  Your vet will then set next dates.  Puppy should not to be walked in any public area until two weeks after the 12 week vaccination to protect it against any chance contact with an unvaccinated animal or an infected area.

Training 
Collar Training:  Start with a soft cat collar worn for a short period at a time.  Soften any leather collar with Vaseline or oil to prevent neck irritation

Lead Training  Attach a piece of cord or string to collar.  Allow puppy to roam freely for short periods with this  attached.  Then start short periods of  walking - don't pull it's neck off.  Have patience and have a reward for a good effort - pat, "good dog" & perhaps Puppy Chow.  Come - Sit- Stay etc commands start now.  Your Cairn will enjoy a regular walk away from home as they mature but should be kept on a lead at all times.       

                                                           
Toilet:
We prefer to train our puppies to go on newspaper.  If the puppy is inside, then every hour it should be taken out and encouraged to empty and congratulated when it does.  When the puppy is about 3 months old remove the paper and allow pup greater lengths of time inside.  We have found if the pup is allowed to relieve itself first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after meals house training is soon learnt.  Remember Cairn terriers are not dirty animals but all young animals have trouble controlling their bladders etc. but do try very hard to oblige their owners.  Don't ever try to rub a pup's nose in it's doings.

Grooming:
Your Cairn Terrier should be brushed weekly and claws trimmed regularly.  At least once a year your Cairn's coat should be stripped out to encourage a better coat. (Look in the links for a great website on grooming your cairn).

Bedding:
Inside for its first bed your Cairn will enjoy a cardboard box with soft bedding inside as he/she will enjoy chewing the box (and probably the bedding).  Later you may like to introduce it to a basket.  Outside your pup should have a warm, sheltered and dry place to protect it from the elements.

Above all, remember that the Cairn Terrier is known for its cheerful, friendly, loving temperament: its intelligence; its willingness to please its owners; its sturdiness and protectiveness.  Enjoy your new puppy.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any other concerns or questions you have about Cairn Terriers.