Hi. New to the whole puppy thing (well...other than having one as a kid). I have a couple questions.
1. The paperwork for my puppy says he's 13 weeks. BUT, I've been to pet shops and seen 12 week old pups and they're ALOT bigger than him. I purchased him at a pet store and, well, I'm thinking that paperwork might be a bit off....or he's a runt. Any way I can find out?
2. I've read that a 'house-broken Bichon' is nothing but an oximoron. It can be done, but it's very difficult. Any tips on this type of training??? He's kept in a 'play area' with his kennel in there, and his piddle-pad, but as soon as we let him out of his play area, he gots nuts-zoid and runs all over, eventually piddling on something he probably shouldn't. When he's in the play area, he ALWAYS hits the pad...not once has he missed it. Bit confusing for, I'm guessing, both dog and owner!
3. He's also a biter! He plays rough, which is fine, but I can't have him biting every bit of my skin and my girlfriends just because he plays rough. When I scold him (and an occassional light tap on the nose....I hate hitting dogs!!! ), this just fires him up more...and he gets more aggressive. I finally have to put him away in his play area.
Now, I've read some books but they don't seem to be helping much. I'm just assuming that, because he's at such a young age, this is just going to be something I have to deal with for a short time until he matures a little....sorta like an infant. It's just frustrating because he doesn't seem to listen.
Anyone have similar experiences that they might have some additional 'hands-on' info they care to share? He's a sweet dog when he's not in spaz-mode...but when he is, he's quite the terror!!!
Thanks in advance
1. The paperwork for my puppy says he's 13 weeks. BUT, I've been to pet shops and seen 12 week old pups and they're ALOT bigger than him. I purchased him at a pet store and, well, I'm thinking that paperwork might be a bit off....or he's a runt. Any way I can find out?
2. I've read that a 'house-broken Bichon' is nothing but an oximoron. It can be done, but it's very difficult. Any tips on this type of training??? He's kept in a 'play area' with his kennel in there, and his piddle-pad, but as soon as we let him out of his play area, he gots nuts-zoid and runs all over, eventually piddling on something he probably shouldn't. When he's in the play area, he ALWAYS hits the pad...not once has he missed it. Bit confusing for, I'm guessing, both dog and owner!
3. He's also a biter! He plays rough, which is fine, but I can't have him biting every bit of my skin and my girlfriends just because he plays rough. When I scold him (and an occassional light tap on the nose....I hate hitting dogs!!! ), this just fires him up more...and he gets more aggressive. I finally have to put him away in his play area.
Now, I've read some books but they don't seem to be helping much. I'm just assuming that, because he's at such a young age, this is just going to be something I have to deal with for a short time until he matures a little....sorta like an infant. It's just frustrating because he doesn't seem to listen.
Anyone have similar experiences that they might have some additional 'hands-on' info they care to share? He's a sweet dog when he's not in spaz-mode...but when he is, he's quite the terror!!!
Thanks in advance