Manic Puppy

[tfg]

I have a three and a half month old Bichon Frize, who wont normally let me out of her sight, but I also have a sick partner in bed, the child gate stops her going upstairs and tearing the place apart and stopping my partner from sleeping, so I have finally put puppy back in her cage, she is dozing but still moans if I go out of the room, however I now have some peace finally, I will take puppy out for a walk later when the rain stops, but am I doing the right thing, I know nothing about puppy training but my partner was desperate for another pup, unfortunately she has been sick for the last month so it has been left to me to take care of things

[Dizmo]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with caging as long as it isn't 24/7. I've found, in the past that spending too much time with new born - 12 month old dogs they end up getting too attached. She needs to be left alone for periods of time otherwise you could have hell to pay when she gets older and you aren't about.

Although the Bichon Frize is, in my opinion, a lap dog, they still like to spend time on their own. Just keep at it and occasionally go and check on her - try to do this when she isn't whining though otherwise she will associate whining and barking with you running to her attention.

[jennyjoan]

Dizmo - do you think most dogs like/need to be on their own cos I made so many mistakes with Mr Harv.

When I left him maybe to go to the hairdressers blah blah I couldn't wait to get back home. In the end I know I was addicted to him - bless him.

[Dizmo]

jennyjoan: Whilst doing my Dog Behaviourist Practitioner qualification and working with trouble owners that question cropped up more times than I could imagine.

Not only does it depend on the breed of dog but also how they have been 'brought' up. We used to own a Shiapzu (until my wife stole her) and she was so used to being chained up outside (previous owners) that when we got her she would prefer to be on her own most of the time as she had been in the past. The longer you spend with an animal the more attached they will become, generally.

[jennyjoan]

Right Dizmo thanks for that answer.

I would be interested in that course you took ie Dog Behaviourist - do you need qualifications to get started and if so where would I start.

Now I don't have my dog I would like to get interested in something. God every dog I see it tears at my heartstrings.

[Dizmo]

PiperH: I don't have a huge issue with crate training but only to an extent and it has to be for the right reasons.

I've heard people say that they crate train because it's easier to clean up the mess afterwards. Or that they don't want their furniture destroying. Under the circumstances here, I don't have a issue with crate training as long as she isn't left for long periods of time without being let out, that doesn't mean she needs to be fussed but at least let out to exercise.

Also I've noticed that some people get too lax and just forget to go and check.

Dogs are not that hard to look after as long as you can pick out signs and stop bad behaviour before it starts. PiperH is right, you need to try your best to get it right now otherwise you're going to have to work harder the older she gets.

[Dizmo]

jennyjoan: You don't need any qualifications and it is the highest qualification for a canine behaviourist. There are other courses that give you a taster into dog psychology and behaviourism.

Personally I'd suggest have at least a GCE or GCSE in English A - D and probably the same in maths. I didn't do very well at school and I managed it so... I did also study alongside my mum when she was doing her canine psychology degree so I had a head start. I get on better with dogs than I do with people (some people on here will agree :) ).

I'll find the links to the courses, hold on.

[ummmm]

Diz....is that Pan Face?

My next door have a dog 'bogey' and he wails every time he's left alone. I feel so sad for him. They rarely live him though, just an hour here and there.

[jennyjoan]

thank you Diz

[ummmm]

*leave

I'm eating :-)

[Dizmo]

http://www.britishcollegeofcaninestudies.com/

On completion you are allowed to stick BCCSDip.CanBhvPrac after your name. I don't know why you'd want to though, it's a bit long.

[jennyjoan]

I do have English and Maths.

To be honest I am very interested in Electronics - would love to learn the components of the computer but I am sure you would need higher grades for that. Think I am digressing from tfg post. Sorry tfg

[Dizmo]

Yeah my wife stole Panface. For you who aren't aware, she's called Panface because she looks like she's been hit full on with a frying pan (he face is flat).

[jennyjoan]

Diz - just looked briefly - am going to study it at length. How long are the courses.

[Dizmo]

tfg: You might want to have a look at the link I posted for JJ; they do puppy courses as well.

[jennyjoan]

LOL - reading your post again - I know you mean that the "letters" are long - I thought you meant the course.

[Dizmo]

jennyjoan: 2 years for the DBP however if you are struggling they will extend to 3 years for £50 (admin fees). I spoke in length with them beforehand and they are a nice company to train with. It's all online submissions until you are required to actually do a live consultation with someone's pooch. You do get to shadow first though.

[jennyjoan]

You have done very well Dizmo - you sure do take your responsibilities of the dogs you look after. Well done you.

[Dizmo]

So in addition to have the English qualifications you need to have the patience :) and a good speaking manner which I have no reason to believe you do not. You'll enjoy it, learning about pack mentality etc.

[Dizmo]

jennyjoan: I'm also a qualified Close Protection officer trained in close combat, armed and unarmed; it means I can throw someone to the floor after they say something nasty about our dogs or our rescue lol. Ok way way way off topic.

Since everything went upside down in my life I decided to just start doing as much training as I possibly could, hence becoming a bodyguard and a private investigator. I now need to actually use them qualifications to make a shed load of money!

Good luck with everything. I'm off to go and clean up after the pooches. Someone's just been driving up and down our lane beeping the horn constantly and it's literally scared the (£$" out of Minnie. Yob mentality!

Speak to ya'll soon.