Some advice please

[Nicklelynne56]

Hi! I have 5 bichons and my first was 6-7 months old when we got him. They are so so smart, masters at manipulation, and stubborn. Give an inch, they take a mile! You're just beginning! Wait til adolescence begins! He's learning to play you already; it's part of their charm. lol! You really need to be firm, persistent, and consistent in his training; it goes hand in hand with positive reinforcement and patience. Praise him for doing what you want when you want it! There are many articles onsite about crate training and I highly recommend them and using the crate; you'll be so glad you did. It doesn't hurt him and he will feel more secure there, as will you when you have to leave him. Check out the link below and similar posts in the new parent section.

http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=4830

xxNikki

[Skerryman]

OK so the puppy spent his first night in his crate with the door close last night. As expected he barked the house down which was fine by me as I had my trusty earplugs in. I went down to him half way through the night to let him out to do his business only to find that he had pooped in his crate. Is this normal for a first night?? I thought his instinct would be not to soil his bed?

I let him out before bed time to go toilet but he didn't do anything. I think he gets too distracted in the garden and forgets he has to go toilet once he gets out there. Appreciate any advice and thanks in advance!

[Sarah L]

What time did you go down time him? It may be that he couldn't wait for when you came down. There is a section in new mum's and dad's that gives good advice. When mine was a pup I was up and 12 and then again about 3ish and then 7 ish to let him out for the toilet. He just needs time to settle in to a routine. You need to make sure that you clean out the crate and don't use anything with ammonia in it as they will smell it and think this is the place to go to the toilet. There will always be accidents as they are babies still. He will get into a routine, you just have to be vigile. I made sure mine had a definite spot for the toilet. Try getting into a routine of getting him to go to the toilet at specific times and he will soon learn very quickly what to do as they are very intelligent dogs. One word of warning though, bichons are more human like than dog like and if you do something to upset them like leave them for longer than they want or stop them from doing something they will get you back and will either steal something or will go to the toilet where you don't want them to go to. My Sebi will steal my best pair of shoes and run around with it and you hope he hasn't taken a chunk out of them. Little devils. Sarah. Ps. He is a beauty, gorgeous eyes.

[Skerryman]

I left him down for about four hours before letting him out but he had done his business when I got down. He's four months old, would you recommend going down to him two or three times a night?? I reckon if he had went toilet before bed like he should have he wouldn't have had the accident in the crate. I bring him out to the garden to do his business after meals and play time but he's very easily distracted with the smallest little thing in the garden. I'm thinking if I confine him to a small area of the garden to go toilet and not let him out to play in the rest of the garden until he's done, might encourage him to go when he's finished eating/ playing.

[suecj]

Thats a good idea he wont be as easily distracted. Try to get him to go in that place and give him a treat and plenty of praise if he does. Always use a command when you see him piddle/ Poop (my commands). He will learn to associate the words with the actions. Hope this helps with lots of patience and perseverence he will get better.

[Nicklelynne56]

I can never trust mine to do their business while out alone. I always walk each and make sure they do their business before allowing back inside. If it's damp or rainy, I can expect a challenge. I keep heading back out with dog until he has done his duty. Use same spot and same command word and then praise him like crazy when he does as he's told. You may have to adjust time of last feeding also.

[Libbie Lewis]

Oh how I remember them nights!

K and Carol are right...for 3 nights Lolly my eldest CRIED, stamped her feet (yes stamped her feet) and was sick in temper. It sounds harsh but TRUST the advice given to you! its works...Bichons are manipulative little monkeys, they know how to push those buttons...

Make sure you use the ear plugs and LEAVE HIM..PROMISE he will settle him!

[Sarah L]

Skerryman, try that idea of having a designated place for the toilet. My two boys go out the back garden themselves now and do the toilet there. Teach them to go outside and you will never have a problem with them going outside to the toilet. My boys go every morning to my parents house and are with my mum whilst I am at work and they also will go outside to the toilet in her house. Good luck and it will work out, you just need patience and bichons are intelligent, so soon catch on. Yes there will be the odd mistake but as they get older if they have been toilet trained they will go to the toilet where they are told to. Crate training is one of the easiest methods of toilet training. Good luck.

[Skerryman]

Thanks for the advice guys. Just thought I'd give ye an update on the progress I've been making with the puppy. Its been going pretty well so far, apart from the first night in the crate he's only had one other accident in it. He's generally pretty good and the barking after being locked in has almost stopped completely. He's even went into his crate of his own accord a couple of nights without being bribed with treats. Hopefully I haven't spoke too soon and the progress continues. Just need to get an area in the garden sorted now for him to go toilet. He's generally good during the day as far as accidents in the house go. He'll go to the door if he needs to go out but he doesn't bark so have to be vigilant or else he'll do it inside.

Thanks again for all the advice guys.

[eurobich]

Buy a peeing post , it is a yellow post that sticks in the ground and it has an attractant to allure doggy over to pee. they are inexpensive and work wonder.http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001F40O06/ref=asc_df_B001F40O06699648/?tag=dooyoocouk-21&creative=7966&creativeASIN=B001F40O06&linkCode=asn

[CJxxBuster]

Anything new in my garden becomes the "NEW" pee post lol but yes they do work, none of mine bark to go out they just sit by the door, so need to check it all the time, in this wether i have the fly screen on and they come in and out as they please, even the puppies have learnt how to get in and out

[Nicklelynne56]

I've taught mine to speak when they want to go out. It was easy really. I was consistent in asking when it was time and they would get excited and bark as I said, "Let's go!" Kasey will bark and pull on my pant or short leg the little devil dog! All 5 will put the brakes on and refuse to go out if it's raining. Such fun! Bichon are so smart! Enjoy!

[eurobich]

Nicki this is excellent and to me it makes going to the loo a playful time rather than a nuisance.