Help! Our first behavior problem

Yes, I read all the sites on Bichon Frise's shortly after we got him. If I had read it first, we would never have taken the Bichon. Like I said before, we love him, but don't like him. We were his 4th owners in a year, and have kept him for an additional year, even though we don't like this type of dog, because we thought he would improve with training. He hasn't improved. He is very cute and loves strangers. People love how cute and friendly he is, and say we are lucky to have him. The only reason we keep him is because we are afraid he would never find a forever home, and would always be rejected once his new owners got to know him better. We have plenty of people that say they want him, but they don't really know him. I can't imagine why anyone would want a dog like this. But I love him enough that I hate to rehome him, unless we have to in order to save the sheltie puppy.
 
I think you're acting responsibly by not giving up the BF at the drop of a hat. You're considering the dog's feelings (having been rehomed so often) and are doing what you can to help him. I find that admirable! Just wanted to say. :smile2:

I was reading your first post again and am thinking that what's lacking here is just bonding with the pup, through handfeeding, training the pup and instituting the Nothing In Life Is Free policy. If Buddy's meals all come through your hand he will quickly develop a liking for you! Training the pup, obedience or even tricks and playing tug/fetch or chasing games, and using happy excited voices, help build that relationship and also make you seem fun! But as mentioned by posters before me, these things take some time.

You might want to do NILIF with the Bichon too. I'm not really getting a handle on what the dog's problem is and I'm not sure what sort of methods you're using when you say you have to be "severely Alpha" but there isn't a need to be physical to be the leader of your pack. Controlling resources (including attention) and the occasional time-out (esp for dogs that loooove social contact and have opportinities to earn rewards like treats through training, etc, timeouts can be very effective. Even ignoring a dog completely for some time can be very effective) can work wonders.
 
Thanks Romeosangiovese: No, I'm not being physical when I say severely Alpha, mainly I am talking about what you said--ignoring, portion out little attention, no sitting on furniture or bed. However, it does feel cruel to do this to a dog that is so needy for attention. When I do the Alpha he minds, when I ease up, he will not do anything I say; but both of us are happier. I just don't want my sheltie to be like the Bichon. I shouldn't have brought up the Bichon on this website, because they're so different from shelties. At one time I had acreage, and had 5 dogs, several cats, 2 goats, 2 horses and several chickens with no real social problems between any of them. I often have low confidence and need to remember that I have enough experience to know what to do, then wait and see what happens. Thanks all you for your help.
 
Chrystal, experience you have

Crystal1 said:
Thanks Romeosangiovese: No, I'm not being physical when I say severely Alpha, mainly I am talking about what you said--ignoring, portion out little attention, no sitting on furniture or bed. However, it does feel cruel to do this to a dog that is so needy for attention. When I do the Alpha he minds, when I ease up, he will not do anything I say; but both of us are happier. I just don't want my sheltie to be like the Bichon. I shouldn't have brought up the Bichon on this website, because they're so different from shelties. At one time I had acreage, and had 5 dogs, several cats, 2 goats, 2 horses and several chickens with no real social problems between any of them. I often have low confidence and need to remember that I have enough experience to know what to do, then wait and see what happens. Thanks all you for your help.
Click to expand...

I like you would be unable to be severly Alpha. Because it's difficult due to your love of animals.:wink2: Just remember you are doing your best to give the Bishon a forever home . I will say a prayer that St. Francis intercede and help turn this strong willed furkid around.:yes: Please don't ever think you are not a capable of being a super owner. You are a great owner.:wink2: I didn't realise you have had the BF for a year. That's one stubborn Dog.
 
Everything seems to be turning out well with the 2 boys now. Maybe it just was the newness of being dog friends. They are still having a great time together, and now fight over people attention again. Thanks for all of your help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top