Educational Resources

Should I spay or neuter my dog – Jane Killion

• Current dogma is that a dog should be spayed or neutered before sexual maturity as a routine. In recent years we have discovered increasing evidence that there are significant negative consequences to early spay / neuter. In this booklet Jane reviews the scientific evidence and both risks and benefits of desexing procedures. The information is presented in an easy to follow format with the scientific references at the end.

Puppy Fitness that fits the Puppy – Jane Killion

• Most people overestimate the amount of exercise that is appropriate for young puppies. This booklet provides guidelines for type and amount of exercise to support growing bones and joints without harm, breaking things down into age groups.

Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry – Deborah A. Jones

• Learn how to make grooming and veterinary / health care a positive experience for your dog.

 

Product Recommendations

Litter: Yesterday's News Cat Litter (this is the best I have found but is often not available).  Exquisicate is a reasonable alternative and is more readily available.

• My puppies will be familiar with these types of litter. I have tried many other types of litter and always end up going back to these brands.  There are some brands of recycled newspaper pellets that are a little bit cheaper but I have found they break down differently, track more or have a slight musty smell which transfers to the puppies.

Leashes:

• When Cairn puppies are small, a cat leash is your best bet as it is light and unobtrusive.  For adult dogs, my absolute favourite leash is Mes Amis (see Wags to WIshes Recommendations page); strong but lightweight, easy on the hands and gorgeous colours.  Throw a dirty Mes Amis leash in the wash and it will come out like new.

Collars: one problem with commercial collars is that they tend to cut the coat.  Several types of collars are less likely to do that.

• Check the Cairn Terrier Club of Canada for fleece lined Martingales: https://www.cairnterrierclub.ca/shop/
  • These are my favourite 'go to' collars. They are wide, so create less pressure on sensitive tissues of the neck and the fleece lining prevents damage to the coat. They are easy to get on and off.
• Nearly Naked Neckware makes beautiful cloth collars - either buckle or martingale
• Mes Amis collars - martingale or buckle
• Hound collars are useful for adult dogs that do lots of pulling and choke themselves (RC pets)

Grooming supplies:

• Custom Pet Boutique (Miki Zahner) www.custom-paw.com
  • Les Pooches Detangling Spray is great for working through those fur knots in the arm pits and belly
  • Show Teck Pin brush
  • Diamondg Professional Rotary Nail Grinder
• Stripping stone (from Amazon.ca)  KADS 10PCS Nail Buffering Files Manicure File Nail Tool Pink Color Nail Pumice Stone Cuticle Pusher (come in packs of 10)
• Lil Pals Slicker Brush

Supplements and Health supplies:

• Omegas:
  • Deley Naturals Fish Oil for Dogs - Icelandic Fish Oil Omega 3 for Dogs - Dog Supplements with Omega 3 6 9 for Skin, Coat & Immune System (from Amazon.ca)
  • Camelina Oil
• Adored Beast Love Bugs: probiotic

Stuffable / Interactive toys / treat holders

• Kong substitutes (I like these better than Kongs as they are easier to clean and easier for pups to completely empty yet still last a long time, especially if frozen after stuffing)
  • Chew king Premium Treat dog toy (medium) - available from Amazon
  • Jump brand Smart Stuffablz Hide a Treat (medium) - available from Pet Value
• Bully Stick Holders
  • Jump Brand - not as pricey but require some supervision as sticks sometimes pull out
  • Bow wow Labs Bully Buddy - a bit more expensive but have a better grip
  • BoneHead - designed for Himalaya chews but work for bully sticks too

Toys

• Flirt pole: Outward Hound Tail Teaser
• Soccer ball with grab tabs - many different brands

 

For more information and links to some of these businesses, see the Wags to Wishes Resources page.