A Quick Guide to Caine Care!
Congratulations, mortal! (Or not so mortal), you have officially become the proud caregiver and/or parent to a Non-Digitalized Caine Plush! Also known in common talk as simply: A Caine.
But perhaps you don't quite know where to start. Caine are temperamental creatures after all! You wouldn't want to do something wrong, no that wouldn't do!
So, I've created this quick care guide to help you get started! Whether your custody is temporary or permanent, I hope you'll find it helpful!
And remember, Caine are not a very beginner's friendly creature to take care of. There's no shame in asking for help if you're overwhelmed or unsure, we've all been there!
1. Physical touch - Caine are, by nature, touch-starved. However, individuals may vary as far as their response to this. They may want lots and lots of affection (as mine does), may want none, somewhere in between, or it may take them a while to warm up to you! All of this is entirely normal. Just meet your Caine where he is at a given moment, and make sure he knows you are willing to provide affection when and how HE wants it. Don't force one way or the other.
2. Companionship - another trait of the Caine is their fear of loneliness. This may show as apparent 'needy' behaviour, or your Caine might initially self-isolate, fearing attachment. Here are a few steps you can take to help your Caine form healthy attachments and attitudes towards companionship:
-Establish routine. Practice leaving your Caine alone and coming back at set times. Be consistent. You can also establish nonverbal cues as part of reassurance that you will return. (For instance, I pat my Caine on the head twice before leaving him alone.)
-Give your Caine warning and establish expectations. For example, say "I'm popping over to the grocery store, be back in an hour!" This helps alleviate potential anxiety. Remember to STICK to the expectations you establish, and if something unexpected comes up, communicate the delay to your Caine. For example, calling your Caine to inform him there was a road accident and it might take you an extra half hour to get home.
-Offer choice when available and explanations when not. For example, "I'm going to the grocery store, do you want to come along or stay here?", or "I have painting class today. I'm sorry you can't come, but you might get dirty."
-Explain a person's relationship with you to your Caine before introducing them officially. For example, "We're about to go to Emma's house. Emma's one of my best friends. We met in school." Make it clear you're open to listening to any concerns your Caine might have.
3. Firmness - Caine, despite their stubbornness, can be very reasonable creatures and are fully capable of higher cognition. That said, things like personal care or emotional regulation may not come as naturally to them. In cases of emotional outburst, lashing out, or other emotional dysregulation, it's important to remain calm. Once your Caine has calmed down some, you may offer physical or verbal reassurance, and then ask your Caine some questions regarding why he acted the way he did. Remember to stand your ground on things that matter. Do not excuse destructive behaviour, but rather explain why such actions are inappropriate and the consequences they have. Raising your voice at a Caine will likely cause the outburst to worsen, so this is not recommended.
Above all, remember to take accountability for any mistakes you make, especially if they end up having negative effect on your Caine. This not only establishes you as a trustworthy person, but also can help your Caine recognize the need to take responsibility for his mistakes in the future.
