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Posted by mommacude on February 19, 2003 at 14:38:20:

In Reply to: Re: Question about Bichon and behavior problems posted by reena on February 17, 2003 at 23:01:11:

:
:I think you absolutely should get a trainer to come to the house and work with you. I think you have a few problems.

:1) You really aren't bonded to this dog. I think that if you learned to train him and put some boundaries in place you would end up adoring this dog. Training a dog is a very bonding experience and it might help your relationship with him.

:2) It doesn't matter if the way he plays is normal or not. It's really hard to say for sure without seeing it in action. But if you don't want to play with him this way, then you shouldn't have to deal with it. There are ways you can teach him to play that are what you would consider more appropriate -- and ways you can discourage the behavior that makes you uncomfortable. A good trainer should be able to show you how to do this.

:3) He has rude greeting habits of your guests. It is harder to teach a small dog not to jump because people aren't annoyed by it, and sometimes will even reinforce this behavior by petting the dog as he's doing it. I would put a leash by the door and leash him when guests come over. This way you have control over him and he isn't practicing bad habits. Again -- a good trainer can show you how to teach him proper greeting behaviors and teach him some self control.

:4) The cats. Personally I would crate this dog for a portion of the day. It almost sounds as though he doesn't know how to settle down on his own, and it might be beneficial to him, you and the cats to let him take a break. A trainer can also get you started in the right direction for this.

:You should be able to find a trainer in your area by going to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers web site and doing a search for a trainer in your state.

:
:

Thanks so much!! This all sounds easy to do and makes me feel better. :) I hate to think I'm just suddenly not a dog person or something because I truly am not at all bonded with him and I'd like to be. I don't want to spend the next 10 years or more just irritated with him. LOL.

I'll check out that link for trainers.

Thanks,
Christine

Follow Ups:

• Re: Question about Bichon and behavior problems KDiamondDavis 02/19/03 (3)
  • Re: Question about Bichon and behavior problems mommacude 02/20/03 (2)
    • Re: Question about Bichon and behavior problems KDiamondDavis 02/20/03 (0)
    • Re: Question about Bichon and behavior problems KDiamondDavis 02/20/03 (0)