Activities For Silky Cairns
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Introduction
If you want a hearty little dog with a big personality, you'll be happy with a Silky Cairn in your home. This designer mix between the rough and tumble Cairn Terrier and the delicate and sophisticated Silky Terrier is ready to run, play, and chase and then curl up on your lap at the day's end. Activities for Silky Cairns should keep them busy and physically challenged. Though they are small, they still need plenty of exercise and attention to keep them out of trouble. A bored Silky Cairn is a destructive Silky Cairn. If you pick a few of these activities and mix them in with your weekly routine, your pup will be content and happy.
Small Dog Fetch
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Small balls
Treats.
Activity description
Both the Silky Terrier and the Cairn Terrier were bred to hunt vermin, and this trait has been passed down to the Silky Cairn. This is why fetch is one of the best activities for Silky Cairns. It taps into their natural abilities and keeps them fit and happy. Because they are smaller dogs, finding small balls or toys are ideal. These smaller toys will fit in their mouths easier and allow them to run back to you unimpaired. This game can be played inside or outside and is perfect to unwind after a long day.
Step
1
The perfect ball
Small dogs can sometimes have a hard time catching and carrying large tennis balls. You can make their game of fetch much more fun by choosing tennis balls that are a better fit. Your Silky Terrier will be able to run and play just like the big dogs with their pint-sized tennis balls. You can find a pack at most pet stores or you can order them online.
Step
2
Teach fetch
Before you can get into a game of fetch, your dog will have to learn how to play. Start out slowly by teaching them to pick up the ball and then give it back to you. Once they are comfortable with that, put the ball a little farther away and ask them to bring it to you. Keep practicing, each time pushing the ball a little farther from you until your pup is comfortable running to get the ball and bring it back. The last step is to toss or roll the ball and encourage your dog to go get it.
Step
3
Fetch fun time
Now that your Silky Terrier is versed in the rules of fetch, it's time to make it fun. Change things up each time you play by making your pup guess what you'll do next. You can toss the ball in a new direction each time they bring it back or make them sit and stay while you throw it, and release them to get it at different times. You can add in another ball and throw them at the same time. Add any variations you want to challenge your dog.
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Obedience Training
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Clicker
Activity description
Obedience is one of the most important activities for Silky Cairns because of their stubborn and dominant nature. These dogs are quite comfortable running the household and will try to be the boss if they don't have a strong leader and proper obedience training. Enrolling in a class that teaches you how to properly train a small terrier is important. Though they are tough and stubborn, they are also sensitive and don't respond well to harsh treatment. Taking a class will help you learn the proper way to train your dog and will ensure you both have the right confidence to be a good team.
Step
1
Find a class
When you begin obedience training your Silky Terrier, it's important to start out with a good trainer who knows how to work with small dogs, especially terriers. These dogs are smart and can be stubborn sometimes, but they don't respond to harsh treatment. An experienced trainer can guide you in the proper training techniques and help you troubleshoot.
Step
2
At home practice
The classroom at your trainer's is just the beginning of your Silky Cairn's start in obedience. You'll learn the skills and techniques from your trainer, but it's up to you to practice the skills at home and help your dog master each new task. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes at least each day to work on obedience. Consistency is key to teaching your dog how to follow and master each new lesson.
Step
3
Next steps
Your first obedience class will help you and your pup learn the very basics, but don't stop there. Silky Cairns have a bad habit of trying to take charge of situations at home. The more you work with them, the better behaved they will be outside the classroom. When the bond they develop with you shows them that you are great at taking care of things, they can just relax and enjoy being a dog.
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Beachcombing
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Towel
Activity description
If you are lucky enough to be by the seaside during the hot summer months, the best place to be is on the beach. Your Silky Cairn will love to chase the salty waves and feel that sea breeze in their hair. Taking a beach day is one of the top activities for Silky Cairns during the summer months. Running on the soft beach sand is great for their muscle development and easy on their joints. They will love all the fun beach discoveries like scuttling crabs, seaweed, and shells. A nice walk along the beach is the perfect activity for a summer evening.
Step
1
Find the right time
Many beaches across the U.S. are dog-friendly and encourage pups and their owners to take a stroll on the shore. However, there are often specific seasons and times of day that dogs are allowed off leash. Many times these hours are early mornings and late afternoons during the busy season and all day during "off" seasons. You can look up the rules on your local Parks and Recreation website or call the local city department and ask when dogs are allowed. Even though you're on the beach, you still need to abide by dog waste removal rules and be sure your dog is under verbal control.
Step
2
Ease into it
Though you may love the beach, it may take a little while for your Silky Cairn to warm up to the waves and beach sand. Let them explore at their own comfort level and show them how much fun it is by tossing a ball or stick along the shore. When they are brave enough to venture into the water, give them lots of praise. Soon, the beach will be their favorite place to play.
Step
3
Beach bums
Once your dog feels comfortable with the sand and water, you can incorporate beach time into your routine. If you are lucky enough to live very close, you can even go every day. Walking along the soft sand and listening to the waves will be relaxing for both of you. Your Silky Cairn will also make many new dog friends to run, wrestle and even jump in the waves with. Your dog will enjoy the beach bum life just as much as you do.
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More Fun Ideas...
Puppy Picnic
Your pup is happiest hanging out with you, no matter what you're doing. Why not include them the next time you take a family picnic? They will love playing with the kids and napping in the shade with you.
Go for a Walk
Silky Cairns make excellent walking partners. They are always ready to head out the door and will never cancel on you. Walking is a great way to keep you and your dog fit year-round.
Conclusion
Silky Cairns are sweet pups with big personalities. They are just as happy to cuddle on your lap for a movie night as they are running along the beach shore or chasing after balls. These dogs have a background in chasing vermin and doing a job, so choosing activities for Silky Cairns that keep them busy is important to their health and happiness. They love to be with their people but can be a little pushy or too ready to take over the pack if they don't have a strong leader. Let them know where they fit in the pack and they will happily follow along.