I posted a blog back in August about the dangers of invisible fencing. I collect information from credible rescources such as rescue organizations and experienced Cairn breeders. I have read time and again, that Cairns should not be contained by invisible fencing. They are so driven to chase squirrels that they will accept the shock to chase a squirrel but will not accept it to come back into the yard. I stated in my blog that "you will read...." I didn't have a strong opinion about the invisible fence until our own Cairn family in St Lois let their Chloe out to potty at dusk. When she didn't return they went out to find her dead, attacked by a coyote in her own yard. Invisible fencing, even if successful at keeping your Cairn in your yard, does not keep predators or aggressive dogs from entering your yard. I therefore said that I do not recommend invisible fences for dogs left unattended. IN OTHER WORDS if you don't have the option of any other fencing, and you would like to excercise your dog off lead while you are watching them, then it may be a viable alternative. I simply have presented the facts. I got several emails from a man who owns a company that sells invisible fencing who was upset that I presented negative information about invisible fencing. Although he agreed that coyotes could come into your yard and kill your Cairn, he knew of coyotes getting into physical fencing as well, so he didn't think that was a good argument. I personally have never had or heard of predators or dogs getting into a fenced yard that the Cairn can not get out of. He stated that it is only ignorance that invisible fencing doesn't work. I don't agree with his arguments because I don't care if the fencing keeps your dog in your yard, it doesn't keep predators out. Here is where I obtained some of my information and I'm certainly going to find these sources more credible than someone selling the invisible fencing systems. I only want what is best for our Cairn Terriers.
http://www.cairnrescue.com/adoption/faqs.htm#13
“Cairns are NOT suited for invisible fencing because they will most likely take a "hit" in order to chase something through the fence. However, they won't take the hit to get back home. In addition, invisible fencing does not prevent attacks from larger dogs. Likewise, a Cairn should not be left tied out in a yard for the same reason.”
http://www.ctcdenver.com/health.html#What%20kind%20of%20fencing%20will%20I%20need?
"No surprise then, that the Cairn, and other terriers, have a very high pain threshold… Therefore, the popular “invisible fences” should never be used to confine a Cairn. All the dog needs is to see a squirrel or rabbit beyond the fence boundary, and it is off on the chase. … In addition, any loose, aggressive dog can enter your yard with invisible fencing to attack, perhaps, kill your Cairn."
http://ctcnc.net/rescue.htm
Rescue will ask if there is a fenced yard because these guys are so independent, and prey driven. If there is no fenced yard, Cairns must be exercised on a leash. Cairns are bred to hunt vermin and will take any opportunity to protect you from them, real or imagined. An invisible fence will not work on these guys. They will run through the "pain" to get what they want but they won't run through the "pain" to come back home.
I still stand by my recommendation that the best alternative for fencing is solid fence panels set at ground level. Cairns should never be left unattended for long periods because they will dig. But the solid panels would be the safest to keep out other dogs, predators, and give your dog a safe environment to exercise and do their business. If you do not have a fenced yard, keep your Cairn on a lead. Dogs tied out are also subject to being attacked by strange dogs or predators. Picket fencing should be set very close together, as our 4" space is wide enough for our 9-10lb Cairns to squeeze under/through.
Showing posts with label Product Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Recommendations. Show all posts
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Dangers of Invisible Fence
I get frequent questions about invisible fencing and whether it is appropriate for the Cairn Terrier. You will read that it is not appropriate for Cairns because they will accept the shock to chase a squirrel, but will not accept the shock to return to their yard. So the containment system doesn't necessarily work. What I didn't realize is the threat to your dog's safety, because it may keep your dog contained but does not prevent dogs or coyotes from entering your yard. We recently had a Cairn family member attacked at dusk in a St Louis suberb. She went out to potty and when she didn't return, her owner found her dead from a coyote attack. We do not recommend invisible fence containment systems for dogs that are left unattended. Particularly be watchful and never send your dog out to potty without supervision in the evening. Coyote attacks are common, particularly at dusk or evening hours.
Another note on fencing to prevent you from making the same mistake we did. Smaller Cairns can go through a standard picket fence. We planned an open feel to our extended yard but wanted a safety parameter for the kids and dogs. But the spacing is too wide for most of our Cairns and although they have a huge fenced yard, the acres beyond are always more interesting! I would recommend solid fence panels set at ground level. Cairns should then have supervision since they love to dig and may find a way under the fence if they get too bored.
Another note on fencing to prevent you from making the same mistake we did. Smaller Cairns can go through a standard picket fence. We planned an open feel to our extended yard but wanted a safety parameter for the kids and dogs. But the spacing is too wide for most of our Cairns and although they have a huge fenced yard, the acres beyond are always more interesting! I would recommend solid fence panels set at ground level. Cairns should then have supervision since they love to dig and may find a way under the fence if they get too bored.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Insect Repellent & Sunscreen
With Spring arriving, we are faced with flea, tick, and misquito season. Not only are fleas, ticks, and misquitos a pest, causing itchy bites and skin irritation, but the misquito can infect your pet with heartworms, ticks carry lime disease, and fleas have been known to carry communicable disease. The product Flea The Scene is an all natural Insect Spray that not only repells fleas, ticks, and misquitos, but treats areas where your pet may have already gotten bitten with it's soothing conditioning ingredients. It is also a sunscreen! We often remember to protect ourselves from the harmful sun rays, but we forget our pets. Use Flea The Scene to protect your dog and it's also safe for cats, and for yourself! It has a fresh clean scent, and is not oily or greasy. It's one of my favorite and most necessary products for Spring & Summer.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Carrier with Auto Carseat Base!
The newest innovative product for convenience and safety at Designer Dog Avenue, is our new carrier that clicks into a carseat base, just like infant seat technology! The base is secured with a shoulder or lap belt, and the carrier snaps in and out in 3 seconds. It keeps your Cairn Terrier safe during travel either for short trips to the vet, or vacation. It also includes a water/food dish, and a padded waterproof mat. The top door of the carrier is convenient for comforting your Cairn Terrier during travel, or attaching a leash before opening the door. Many booster seats that are sold by other companies are not safety devices and do not protect your pet in a collision. This product is both safe & convenient for dogs up to 15lbs.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Quality Collars and Leads
It is important to purchase a quality collar for your dog or puppy for a couple purposes. The obvious reason is to attach a lead in order to train, or control your dog or puppy and keep them safe. A collar should be made of a strong material such as leather, nylon, or backed fabrics which provide durability and strength. Poor quality plastic buckles have been known to break. I’ve also experienced narrow cheaply made collars, breaking where the D ring is attached with very little tugging by my Cairn Terriers.
Another important reason to purchase a quality collar is for ID tag attachment. In case your dog were ever lost, an ID tag with your name, address, and phone number would assist in quickly returning your dog to you.
It is not always easy to recognize quality made collars, harnesses, and leads. Price is not always an indicator. Leather and Nylon are the most durable, and some better made vinyl or backed ribbon collars are fashionable and durable. In general, the fabric collars are more for fashion, and aren't as appropriate for large breeds that pull. Although, we do carry a nice quality line of fabric collars on www.designerdogavenue.com. The hardware and stitching can be the difference in quality versus non-quality. For plastic quick release buckles, if the buckle bends, it will break with a dog tugging on it. Other better made collars have hardware such as brass or nickel plated. Collars that are stitched rather than glued increases durability. For crystals or embellishments, if they are riveted through the collar, they are more durable. When in doubt, skip a seeming bargain and go to your favorite store for name brand collars. You will usually get what you pay for.
How should a collar fit my dog or puppy?
You should easily be able to slip two fingers under a properly fit collar. Any looser and it may slip off, and any tighter may cause discomfort or injury. Some leathers will stretch, and puppies grow quickly. So be sure to check the fit of your dog’s collar frequently. With any collar around a dog or puppy’s neck, there is risk of strangulation if a lead was left on them and they jumped from a high surface, or if their collar was caught. Always be aware of this risk, and take preventative care when leaving collars on. Harnesses are ideal for small or toy dog breeds that have fragile tracheas. Cats are most safe wearing collars with safety bands. As cats jump on and around things, they are more likely to get their collar hung up.
The best part about collars is the wide variety of colors, styles, and fashion! What fun it is to choose coordinating ensembles, and to dress up your best friend in irresistibly fashionable designer collars, leads, and harnesses!
Another important reason to purchase a quality collar is for ID tag attachment. In case your dog were ever lost, an ID tag with your name, address, and phone number would assist in quickly returning your dog to you.
It is not always easy to recognize quality made collars, harnesses, and leads. Price is not always an indicator. Leather and Nylon are the most durable, and some better made vinyl or backed ribbon collars are fashionable and durable. In general, the fabric collars are more for fashion, and aren't as appropriate for large breeds that pull. Although, we do carry a nice quality line of fabric collars on www.designerdogavenue.com. The hardware and stitching can be the difference in quality versus non-quality. For plastic quick release buckles, if the buckle bends, it will break with a dog tugging on it. Other better made collars have hardware such as brass or nickel plated. Collars that are stitched rather than glued increases durability. For crystals or embellishments, if they are riveted through the collar, they are more durable. When in doubt, skip a seeming bargain and go to your favorite store for name brand collars. You will usually get what you pay for.
How should a collar fit my dog or puppy?
You should easily be able to slip two fingers under a properly fit collar. Any looser and it may slip off, and any tighter may cause discomfort or injury. Some leathers will stretch, and puppies grow quickly. So be sure to check the fit of your dog’s collar frequently. With any collar around a dog or puppy’s neck, there is risk of strangulation if a lead was left on them and they jumped from a high surface, or if their collar was caught. Always be aware of this risk, and take preventative care when leaving collars on. Harnesses are ideal for small or toy dog breeds that have fragile tracheas. Cats are most safe wearing collars with safety bands. As cats jump on and around things, they are more likely to get their collar hung up.
The best part about collars is the wide variety of colors, styles, and fashion! What fun it is to choose coordinating ensembles, and to dress up your best friend in irresistibly fashionable designer collars, leads, and harnesses!
Quality Grooming/Spa Products
What is the difference in quality of grooming products?
The quality of product reflects the quality of ingredients that go into that product. The ingredients in our line of spa products on Designer Dog Avenue.com contain better than human quality ingredients, and are tested on humans. Many oatmeal shampoos use oat extract. A superior ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, a much more effective type of oatmeal. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is one of the few natural ingredients regulated by the U.S. food and Drug Administration. The FDA has stated that colloidal oatmeal protects skin and provides temporary relief of itching and irritation caused by insect bites, reactions to poison plants, and various other skin rashes and allergies. The oatmeal containing spa products, such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo carried by Designer Dog Avenue contain colloidal oatmeal rather than oat extract.
Many bath replacement sprays and perfumes simply mask odor. Ordenone is an ingredient which removes odors by binding with, and neutralizing the proteins that cause them. Our product Dry Dog, and other sprays by the same company, contain Ordenone which keeps your dog fresh and smelling clean longer. I recommend Dry dog to my Cairn Terrier customers, since Cairns should be bathed infrequently due to dry itchy skin. It’s a timesaving healthy alternative to bathing, and smells really great! For more information on product ingredients, visit our spa product lines on Designer Dog Avenue.com.
The quality of product reflects the quality of ingredients that go into that product. The ingredients in our line of spa products on Designer Dog Avenue.com contain better than human quality ingredients, and are tested on humans. Many oatmeal shampoos use oat extract. A superior ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, a much more effective type of oatmeal. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is one of the few natural ingredients regulated by the U.S. food and Drug Administration. The FDA has stated that colloidal oatmeal protects skin and provides temporary relief of itching and irritation caused by insect bites, reactions to poison plants, and various other skin rashes and allergies. The oatmeal containing spa products, such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo carried by Designer Dog Avenue contain colloidal oatmeal rather than oat extract.
Many bath replacement sprays and perfumes simply mask odor. Ordenone is an ingredient which removes odors by binding with, and neutralizing the proteins that cause them. Our product Dry Dog, and other sprays by the same company, contain Ordenone which keeps your dog fresh and smelling clean longer. I recommend Dry dog to my Cairn Terrier customers, since Cairns should be bathed infrequently due to dry itchy skin. It’s a timesaving healthy alternative to bathing, and smells really great! For more information on product ingredients, visit our spa product lines on Designer Dog Avenue.com.
Dry Skin Products
Cairns should be bathed infrequently to avoid drying out the skin. Particularly in the winter months, they get dry itchy skin just like we do! Ingredients such as: Aloe Vera, honey, silk amino acid, organic silicone, panthenol, and tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) are all natural and herbal ingredients found in our products on www.designerdogavenue.com that help retain moisture, condition, sooth, and relieve dry itchy skin. Start with Comfy Dog conditioning shampoo (doesn't over-lather and is easier to rinse) and rinse thoroughly. The most important part of bathing is thorough rinsing! BowWow Butter Balm is great for spot treatment of itches and insect bites. It also conditions and assists in removing matts. The longer you leave it on, the more it conditions, and it leaves the coat easier to brush through. Before going on walks or outings spray your dog with Flea the Scene, which will repel biting insects and soothe irritated skin. Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer contains lavender essential oil which relieves tension but is also healing for cuts, wounds, sores, insect bites, and burns. It also contains Aloe Vera Extract and Organic Silicone which help slow moisture loss, and Panthenol which improves moisture retention in the coat and has an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect. A great between bath treatment is Dry dog which not only smells wonderful, but contains Panthenol, Aloe Vera, and Ordenone to capture and eliminate odors, and Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) which is an anti-oxidant, UV Protector and skin moisturizer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
