My Bichon Bites. Help Needed.

welsh_cake

I have just spoken to a lady who said she will come to the house to try and sort out Charlie's problems and its £295.00 for 12 months support. Is this reasonable? I have just spoken to my other half about it and he isn't happy. He said that maybe Charlie has his problems because he is isolated (he doesn't mix much with other dogs, as we don't have any dog owner friends and where we walk him its really isolated). He thinks that if we start walking him on his lead around busier places then he should get used to other dogs again. He doesn't go on a lead at the moment, as he always stays close to me and as i said, where we walk its really quiet with no roads. This isn't going to solve him going mental when people come to the house though is it?

At the end of my tether now!

foreign_correspondent

it could be the best £295 you ever spend, or it could be money down the pan - anyone can call themselves a dog trainer/dog behaviouralist/canine pshychologist or whatever... where did you find this woman, what techniques does she use. what qualifications, if any does she have?

welsh_cake

I found her on http://www.barkbusters.co.uk/ I was in work when she called so couldn't really talk, but said i would call her back tonight, but Chris n Tj has just given me some tips also so I am going to try and give those a go.

foreign_correspondent

I have heard some very variable reviews of barkbusters to be honest - they are not very well respected in general I believe. You would be better looking via APDT - http://www.apdt.co.uk/

It is a lot of money, and it could so easily be wasted - but worse than that, the wrong approach could damage your dog and make him more confused and more nervous - do your research carefully before comitting to anything.

Perhaps Sarabe knows someone reputable in your area, or Many Tears may well be able to recommend someone...

sarabe

welsh_cake wrote: »

I found her on http://www.barkbusters.co.uk/ I was in work when she called so couldn't really talk, but said i would call her back tonight, but Chris n Tj has just given me some tips also so I am going to try and give those a go.

NOooooooo. Not barkbusters. Don't do it.

They are a franchise. You don't even have to have owned a dog to be a barkbusters trainer.

chris_n_tj

Welshcake please be careful of these so called trainers. Dont go paying out money to some one you know nothing about, it could make things worse. Ask your Vet for recomendations if you want to go down that route.

If it was me I would start by going back to bascis with Charlie, Bichons are very clever and pick up what you want from them very quick.

Poor Charlie also has the added stress of his past, so its double the work, but with patience this can be sorted. Afer all he just thinks he is protecting you and he sees that as his job.
Bichons are very yappy lol I should know, but they are also one of the most loyal, loving dog you could ever want to be owned by. But of course you already know that. xx
Chris n TJ xx

PS How is Charlie when he is out and about on a lead?

sarabe

Please be very careful who you employ to help you with your dog.

This article is an excellent example of why.

http://www.examiner.com/x-47531-Orlando-Dog-Training-and-Behavior-Examiner~y2010m5d31-Thank-your-dog-for-growling

welsh_cake

Thanks Sarabe and Foreign correspondent. I will look at the links provided.

Hi Chris. Charlie doesn't really go on a lead. I tend to drive him to a forestry and then we walk for a couple of miles through the woods. When he does go on a lead (if we are just nipping down the road) he seems fine and have not had any problems with him.

welsh_cake

That's a really interesting article Sarabe. I have the same problem with Charlie!