bichon frise puppy

coola

hi

me and my girlfriend recently moved into a new house and would like to get a bichon frise pup. we both work though, and he would be on his own from 8.30 until 1pm and then again from 2 until 4.30. we would be keeping him in the utility room during this time or in a bigger room if needs be. would this work out or would it be very unfair on the puppy ?

peasant

It may work with an older dog that is already used to this kind of routine.

A pup is too small and to dependent on you (to feed it, let it out, keep it from injuring itself) to be left alone that long.

Think of a pup as a one to two year old child ...you wouldn't leave that locked up for so long, would you?

Whispered

Have to agree, it's too long for a pup to be alone IMO. Maybe look at an older dog? You could rescue one from a pound, that way you get the dog you want, you will suit your home and routine and you get to save a life in the process. You could even offer to foster one to see if he fit's into your life.

coola

peasant wrote: »

It may work with an older dog that is already used to this kind of routine.

A pup is too small and to dependent on you (to feed it, let it out, keep it from injuring itself) to be left alone that long.

Think of a pup as a one to two year old child ...you wouldn't leave that locked up for so long, would you?

he would be in quite a big gym room, how is that locking up?

Glowing

helena.ryan wrote: »

Have to agree, it's too long for a pup to be alone IMO. Maybe look at an older dog? You could rescue one from a pound, that way you get the dog you want, you will suit your home and routine and you get to save a life in the process. You could even offer to foster one to see if he fit's into your life.

This is a good suggestion

peasant

coola wrote: »

he would be in quite a big gym room, how is that locking up?

You can put the dog in a big concert hall if you want ...putting it in there without contact, interaction or stimulation still is solitary confinement.

coola

peasant wrote: »

You can put the dog in a big concert hall if you want ...putting it in there without contact, interaction or stimulation still is solitary confinement.

im beginning to think that ye are dog obsessed people. we have had boxers for years and left them alone while at work and they were totally fine. boxers love people too.

peasant

coola wrote: »

im beginning to think that ye are dog obsessed people. we have had boxers for years and left them alone while at work and they were totally fine. boxers love people too.

And I'm beginning to think that you are self obsessed ...:D

What I'm trying to tell you is that a puppy (at 8 -12 weeks) is way to dependent on you to take care of it (round the clock) to be left alone for so long.

A pup needs several small feeds a day, it needs to be let out very often (and toilet trained at the same time), it needs to be familiarised with its environement (from the hoover to the neighbours), it needs to bond with you and it needs training.

If you just get a pup and lock it away for thalf the day, you're going to end up with one very f*cked up adult dog.

An adult dog that is going to end up in the pound sooner rather than later because its "unmanageable".


A young dog needs as much care and attention as a young child.

coola

peasant wrote: »

And I'm beginning to think that you are self obsessed ...:D

What I'm trying to tell you is that a puppy (at 8 -12 weeks) is way to dependent on you to take care of it (round the clock) to be left alone for so long.

A pup needs several small feeds a day, it needs to be let out very often (and toilet trained at the same time), it needs to be familiarised with its environement (from the hoover to the neighbours), it needs to bond with you and it needs training.

If you just get a pup and lock it away for thalf the day, you're going to end up with one very f*cked up adult dog.

An adult dog that is going to end up in the pound sooner rather than later because its "unmanageable".


A young dog needs as much care and attention as a young child.

ok . would an adult bichon frise be ok??

peasant

Probably

Leaving dog(s) (of whatever breed) unattended for a long time is never ideal, but there are older dogs out there that are used to this kind of scenario.

I would advise though, not to go out and pick up any old dog, but to go to a rescue instead who had time to assess their dogs and help you pick one that suits your circumstances.

You don't want to pick a dog by accident that suffers from seperation anxiety (for example) and destroys half your house while you're gone.

Plenty of doggies out there that could fit into your setup quite nicely.


And if you meet the ideal dog for you and it looked slightly different than a Bichon, would that really matter?

Glowing

peasant wrote: »

And if you meet the ideal dog for you and it looked slightly different than a Bichon, would that really matter?

Plenty of ultra-cute dogs here and thats only in Dublin!
http://irishanimals.ie/dublin_homes.html

coola

peasant wrote: »

Probably

Leaving dog(s) (of whatever breed) unattended for a long time is never ideal, but there are older dogs out there that are used to this kind of scenario.

I would advise though, not to go out and pick up any old dog, but to go to a rescue instead who had time to assess their dogs and help you pick one that suits your circumstances.

You don't want to pick a dog by accident that suffers from seperation anxiety (for example) and destroys half your house while you're gone.

Plenty of doggies out there that could fit into your setup quite nicely.


And if you meet the ideal dog for you and it looked slightly different than a Bichon, would that really matter?

well we wanted a bichon but it dosent matter i suppose

Whispered

coola - dont you think it's a bit rude to ask peoples opinion and then say that they are "obsessed" because it differs from yours?

Besides that, up to 1 year and probably older is a very important time for a pups development. Leaving him alone for that long could cause him to fear everything, hate people, other dogs, strangers, kids. He wont know how to cope with normal things. You know those very annoying yappy dogs who bark and growl at EVERYTHING, most likely the problem there is that they haven't been socialised properly and that is what you could end up with.

I think the best option would be to foster an older dog and see how you get on. http://dogsindistress.org/node/1613 this bichon has been rehomed but just to show you that it is not unusual to have pure bred dogs in pounds. Perhaps you can contact a few rescues and tell them what you are looking for. I promise you, knowing that you saved your pets life makes it so special.

coola

helena.ryan wrote: »

coola - dont you think it's a bit rude to ask peoples opinion and then say that they are "obsessed" because it differs from yours?

Besides that, up to 1 year and probably older is a very important time for a pups development. Leaving him alone for that long could cause him to fear everything, hate people, other dogs, strangers, kids. He wont know how to cope with normal things. You know those very annoying yappy dogs who bark and growl at EVERYTHING, most likely the problem there is that they haven't been socialised properly and that is what you could end up with.

I think the best option would be to foster an older dog and see how you get on. http://dogsindistress.org/node/1613 this bichon has been rehomed but just to show you that it is not unusual to have pure bred dogs in pounds. Perhaps you can contact a few rescues and tell them what you are looking for. I promise you, knowing that you saved your pets life makes it so special.

i didnt mean it as an insult, just some people read way too much into a dogs mentality. this dog would be loved and cuddled and everything and we wud spend as much time with them as is possible for us

AckwelFoley

Here we go again :rolleyes:

Coola, unfortuntly you're fighting a loseing battle here.

Ive seen more threads in this Animal and pet issues go down to a flame fest than i care to think about. :rolleyes:

Ideally you should be around a young pup more, but in Practice there are many young family pets that manage this.

I suggest you try to get a older type of pup, of the breed that you want, and perhaps that will be easier on him.

Dont go to a pound if there is one specific breed that you want, only go there if you are happy with taking any breed, as i did.

coola

snyper wrote: »

Here we go again :rolleyes:

Coola, unfortuntly you're fighting a loseing battle here.

Ive seen more threads in this Animal and pet issues go down to a flame fest than i care to think about. :rolleyes:

Ideally you should be around a young pup more, but in Practice there are many young family pets that manage this.

I suggest you try to get a older type of pup, of the breed that you want, and perhaps that will be easier on him.

Dont go to a pound if there is one specific breed that you want, only go there if you are happy with taking any breed, as i did.

thanks for that reply. when you say in practise there are many young family pets that manage this, what do you mean by that

peasant

snyper wrote: »

Ideally you should be around a young pup more, but in Practice there are many young family pets that manage this.

I suggest you try to get a older type of pup, of the breed that you want, and perhaps that will be easier on him.

Ah yes indeed ...here we go again

Snyper,
Sweet talking a prospective dog owner and telling them what they want to hear helps nobody.

Fact is, if you want to own a well adjusted dog later in life, you need to put an awful lot of groundwork in early on. This involves being there and doing what's necessary.

If you can't do that, then don't get a pup ...not a young pup, not a (as you put it) slightly older pup ...but get an adult dog that already is trained and socialised and can stay alone.

There is no compromise here, just so that a poster may get to hear what they want.

Getting a pup and not being able to bring it up properly due to lack of time, more than likely results in an adult dog that is difficult to impossible to live with.

Who is served by that?

Neither the people nor the dog ...

coola

peasant wrote: »

Ah yes indeed ...here we go again

Snyper,
Sweet talking a prospective dog owner and telling them what they want to hear helps nobody.

Fact is, if you want to own a well adjusted dog later in life, you need to put an awful lot of groundwork in early on. This involves being there and doing what's necessary.

If you can't do that, then don't get a pup ...not a young pup, not a (as you put it) slightly older pup ...but get an adult dog that already is trained and socialised and can stay alone.

There is no compromise here, just so that a poster may get to hear what they want.

Getting a pup and not being able to bring it up properly due to lack of time, more than likely results in an adult dog that is difficult to impossible to live with.

Who is served by that?

Neither the people nor the dog ...

everywhere i look on the internet only sells these dogs as pups .i cant see find any adult ones

Whispered

Snyper - I gave coola a link to a pound dog which was exactly the breed he was looking for? What I suggested is ring the rescues and tell them what dog you want - specify exactly what you want - they will then contact you when they get a suitable one. I don't see a problem with my suggestion. I agree dont go to a pound if you are looking for a specific breed - it would break your heart and you'd find yourself wanting all of them!

Coola - I have no doubts you would love and cuddle your dog and that is so so important for a dog. Most dogs are not lucky enough to have a stable home and if you can offer that to a dog then thats great. The point myself and peasant are making is it is not good for a young pup to be alone for that long. You asked the question, I don't see why snyper is so against my answer? Again an older dog or pup - maybe 6 months upwards - would be much more suitable. But you will have trouble toilet training him. And again I will suggest offering to foster a rescue dog to see how a dog fits into your life.

Whispered

They all look like a better bet than an 8 week old pup - definately. Make sure you find the reasons for rehoming - and meet the dog a few times first. Make sure all vax etc are up to date and maybe even go so far as to request that the present owner has a vet check done to ensure he or she is healthy.

Although I agree with glowing there - and feel like I'm repeating myself - CONTACT RESCUES AND TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT, THEY WILL THEN CONTACT YOU IF THEY HAVE SOMETHING SUITABLE. At least give it a try, if nothing comes up then by all means go and buy your dog. And of course if a rescue contacts you with a dog, you meet or foster it and decide it's not suitable, say so, you don't have to take a dog which for whatever reason does not suit, at least you gave it a chance. It would be worse to get a pup and then have to rehome it because it's not socialised properly.

kerrysgold

Ack, the prices, personally I cringe at the thought of giving that much money to a breeder when the same donation made to a rescue could pay a vet bill etc!

Are you attracted to the bichon frise breed for it's looks? If so, I'm sure you could find a rescued dog that looks like a bichon even if it's not 100% pure. If it's the colour, there are westies etc. (have one myself, lovely little dogs, as are bichons, have a friend who's got one and he's a little dote)

I wouldn't recommend getting a pup unless there's going to be someone home all day to look after it. they need to be fed about four times a day and need to be taken outside every hour or so for toilet training. they also need to be taken out for walks (after being vaxed of course) so they can be socialised, meet all different sorts of people and dogs and cats etc.

I know of a dog who had never met another dog until he was about 3 yrs old, he was never socialised one little bit, the result is, he didn't even know how to play with another dog, he also thought he was top-dog in the house. I don't think anyone would like to live with a dog like that, but that's what you'll end up with if you don't spend time socialising a dog.

I'd suggest keeping an eye on the petsireland board and if you see a dog you like in the urgent matters section, maybe offer to foster it, and if it fit's in with you and the dog seems happy then adopt it! It's much better than paying a ridiculous amount to a breeder, at least that way you'll have saved a dog's life.

coola

ok. i have had a look there at rescue and nothing there at the minute. i would think that i could be waiting quite a while to get a bichon there. its just that we had our heart set on a bichon. definietely not getting a pup now though, thanks for all your advice on that. i have contacted one person who is moving into an apartment and cant take the bichon with her. its v healthy and has all the jabs etc gotten. she also said its left in the house until lunch time every day and has no problem at all as long as he can see out the window!!! never goes at furniture and only has a very rare accident!! sounds like a good one for me

coola

kerrysgold. u dont like them prices??? i had 100 euro deposit on a puppy that was costing 600. thank god i went on this forum or else i would have had a very cross puppy on my hands

Glowing

coola wrote: »

kerrysgold. u dont like them prices??? i had 100 euro deposit on a puppy that was costing 600. thank god i went on this forum or else i would have had a very cross puppy on my hands

:eek::eek::eek:

I think I'll jack in my IT job and sell pups for a living! (obviously i'm joking here)

Yes, Coola that dog sounds like a much better option for you - however I'd still encourage you to head down to a shelter or pound, where any money you'd pay would be going towards the welfare of abandoned animals, not towards a holiday in Spain or whatever..

peasant

Personally, if I had a dog that I couldn't bring with me when moving, I'd move heaven and earth to find it the best new home possible, not sell it. But that's just me.

All I'd say is, be weary, make sure everything checks out ...not that someone is trying to offload a problem dog on you while making a quick buck at the same time.

coola

well in fairness she does sound like she wants the best home possible for it. thanks for all your help. im glad im not getting a puppy now

Whispered

She most likely is trying to get the best possible home for the dog. Now when rehoming dogs most charities have a procedure which involve the potential owner answering a few questions, then having someone call out to the house to meet all the family and ask a few more questions, then this form is checked by the charity administrators. This process can take a few weeks to match a dog to a home which suits. That is how you get the best home possible for a dog, not by putting it on an internet page and selling it. I have no doubt you would provide a great home, you have obviously thought about it a lot, but please be sure that she is not trying to offload a problem dog on you.

If you decide to take him, best of luck - and post a few pics. Make sure you meet him a few time, in his own house then have him come visit you, if she is responsible, she will want to see where the dog will be living anyway. That way you can see how he is at home, and how confident he is in other places.

coola

should i insist of getting a vet to look at him first

Whispered

I don't really know, personally I would - or at least look to see his medical history - but it's really a personal choice. You will be meeting the woman selling so you will be the best judge of character.

Glowing

At the very least, you can asses his character, take him for a short walk. Insist on seeing his certs for vaccines etc - check for discharges in his eyes and ears. You can decide then if you think he needs a vets attention.

kerrysgold

Sound's better than buying a pup anyway! €600 for a pup is shocking, that could pay for like 6 dog's to be neutered or something in a rescue *sigh*

Maybe if you do get him, you'd consider getting another little dog from a rescue/pound to keep him company while you're out? from what I've seen of bichons they love to play and show off in general, they were supposed to have been bred to perform in circuses so I suppose that explains why lol.

coola

what kind of discharge are you talkin about??

golden

excess tears going down eyes if you dont wipe them every day you will get tear stains. Ears more than likely ear wax unless its a ear infection. They are high maintenance dogs in relation to grooming, the hair gets matted very easily.

houndsoflove

I agree Bichons need to have their coat looked after otherwise you will be bringing it in for grooming and get it back shaved.:eek: This could be the very reason this lady is getting rid of the dog, she probably can't keep it maintained and doesn't like the look of the dog when he is shaved.

Too often i see people buying a dog for the look of it and then when they find their is too much work and money involved in keeping it they want to give it away. :mad:

If you don't have the time to brush a dog then get a dog with a short coat, like a jack russell or chihuahua it will save you money and hassle.

leesmom

do a lot of thinking before getting a bichon frise,they are amazing little dogs,very friendly,cuddly and great with kids and babies but they are very hard work,as many of the other people above said,they need daily grooming,otherwise their coat ends up totally matted and sore.they are quite a difficult dog to toilet train,i have a german shepherd also and had no problem training her but my bichon took a long time and many accidents,unfortunately my bichon passed away last week but i will definately be getting another one,but i am at home most of the time as i have a young baby so i do have the time to spend with the dog and thats important

the grooming pa

Puppies need people or dogs around, they need to be socialized and to be honest, if you got a puppy it would be pretty lonely, you would also need to feed a young puppy several times a day and let it out to the loo, so perhaps you could wait until you guys are at home for longer periods of time, or rescue a dog from the pound that is used to spending some time alone.
The other thing about a bichon, they are lovely dogs, but need a lot of grooming, and if you are both working, you may not want to do this and end up with a puppy with a knotted coat.
Ann

mel123

For my monies worth, i think leaving a dog on its own for that length 5 days a week (presumably) will give u problems. I got a boxer pup there in December and she is rarely left on her own for long periods, himself works shift work so he is there most days. When she was very young and if she was to be left on her own (weather was too cold to leave her out i thought) i would leave her in my mothers who had a dog and she had great fun. ANyway my friend got a dog a little before me, and it was left on its own most of the time. It has chewed skirting boards, door frames, presses, couches, outside it has chewed decking, dug up flower beds...the list is endless. And me personally, i think this is because the dog is bored, and I think you should take this into consideration as it could happen with your dog. U could come back to find your gym equipment chewed away or your utility door chewed off!! A dog is like a human in a lot of ways and needs company...and when it doesnt have it I think thats when u get the 'mental' dog scenario.

Sigma Force

Referring to the origional post..

That length of time away is too long for a pup the only way to do have a pup is if you employ someone to take the pup out during the day but its the most important time in a dogs life so an adult would be better. I see from glancing through the posts that you think so too now so that's that bit sorted.

Bichon wise be wary many suffer health problems like many pb dogs so no matter who you get it from make sure the owner takes him/her to the vets and you have papers and health certs etc.

For an adult dog that is used to being left during the day it would suit your situation better. However if you are very house proud and dont like animals on furniture etc a dog may not be the most ideal pet for you. If you dont mind, have time to take the dog out for walkies daily, can afford food, vet bills etc then I dont see why not.

Have another look at the rescue sites in all counties in Ireland it common enough for say a rescue dog from say kerry finding a home in Dublin.

glineli

We got a westie around a year ago, he was 10 weeks old at the time. When we were away working we got people in for a few hours to keep him company. He used to be out in the back garden, but even for the people to go and play with him until we got home was great. We are lucky, Gerry is very independent, no problem being on his own now for a few hours. He used to being on his own during the day now, and sleeps for a good part of it, then is all excited when we get home. I think if we had just left him on his own when he was so young he would be trouble now.

The only thing at the moment is the clock going forward the other night. Before he used be asleep at 11 on the dot, now its 12, but we dont mind!!:)

Sigma Force

Being realistic no dog can have their owner as company 24/7 unless their owner never leaves the house and gets their groceries delivered etc. People have to go out and do chores and shopping, take kids to school and work to earn money to pay for an pets food and vet bills.
I am a stay at home mum but I cannot be here 24/7 either that doesnt mean my pets are not well looked after.
Pups are of course a little different as our dogs that may have issues that need to be worked on before they can be left alone but as a general rule a well rounded adult dog should be able to be left without having a panic attack.

I mean what happens if a dog owner has to be taken to hospital urgently and there is noone to call in to the dog for a few hours it can happen. I find its good for dogs to have loads of company of course but a dog that is fussed over and brought everywhere incl shopping all the time every time is 1. at risk of being nicked while owners are in shopping and 2. get all panicky and stressed out if their owner has to go somewhere without them.

My parents dog sulks when they leave and doesnt move until they come back. My dogs miss me when I go but they just go into bed, when I come back they are excited but not traumitised lol.

A healthy balance of both is important for well rounded adult dogs. Heck my birds hate when I leave and welcome just as eagerly you'd swear Id been gone a week they way they carry on but I cant take them grocery shopping etc.

pauliepoodles

I would just like to say that i bought a Bichon when she was 6 months old. It is just me and my boyfriend in the house and we work from 9 til 5.30pm. I go home at lunch time from 1.30 - 2.30 and let her outside for an hour. She sleeps most of the day and when I come home i take her out for walks and play with her so she is not short on attention. She gets on brilliant with other dogs, children and adults and has no behavioural issues as some people have posted. If you spend a lot of time in the eveining with your Bichon I can't see what the problem is with leaving them at home during the day. What dog owner spends 24 hours a day with their pet. Even people who work from home, how much attention do they give their pet if their working. I say if you've researched a Bichon and they are the pet for you - GO FOR IT! You will def not regret it.