Article Written By: CamilleGoldin
Centuries ago, in the Scottish highlands, cairn terriers would chase animals out of the stone piles that dotted the farms where they lived, and would rout otters, weasels and foxes from their dens. Both their instincts and their bodies are well suited for digging. Cairn terriers have thick footpads and strong nails along with well-developed muscles that allow them easy access under any fence or ruin any landscape if their families cannot control them. Training your pet can save your gardens and keep you on good terms with your neighbors, as well as protecting your best friend from running out into the street. It can include agility training, which is good for using up energy and can be a lot of fun and good exercise for both dog and human. Cairn terriers often compete in dog agility contests, in the low-to-the-ground classes, excelling most at tunnels. Tracking is another activity that dog training can provide for cairn terriers and their humans. The breed s proficiency in tracking has been proven by the U.S. Air Force, which uses cairn terriers for detecting land mines, and by agencies looking for illegal drugs. As a sport, tracking consists of both dog training and human training as the dog and owner learn to communicate from both ends of a 20 feet leash. Training for active sports can provide a harmless outlet for the dog s natural instincts and energy. It can also include training your dog to dig in his or her own designated digging spot. It should be a spot away from fences and neighbors yards. Some families have sand boxes with dirt for their terriers to dig in. A little grass on top of the dirt makes the spot more attractive. Most experts on training dogs advise using positive reinforcement. Instead of scolding your dog for digging in the wrong place, lead him or her to the correct place. When he or she digs in the right place, give praise. Chicken wire can be placed around plants or other objects that you do not want your dog to disturb. Dig down a few inches and place the wire underground. Dog training will be accomplished naturally when the dog gets tired of encountering wire. In summer when it is hot many dogs dig to reach cool earth. Planting shade trees in your yard will allow your dog to stay cool without digging. A small child s wading pool filled with a small amount of water for your dog to splash around in can also keep him or her cool enough not to have the desire to dig.
This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 8 Aug 2011 and Read 240 Times