Expert: Susan Downes - 1/21/2008

Question
I am taking in a dog who has been terribly neglected for the past three years. She is a 3-4 year old bichon frise who was simply left in her owners garage all the time. She is an absolutely adorable dog, and loves being around people, but she's extremely hyper. She hasn't been socialized so she is constantly licking or jumping on people or other dogs. She also bolts out the front door and doesn't stop running.

First of all, how can I put an immediate stop to the bolting behavior? I live fairly close to a busy street and I'm worried that she'll get seriously injured or killed.

Second, what can I do about her socialization issues? I have a 6 year old lab female who she will not stop pestering and licking. My lab barks, growls, and does all the typical behaviors to tell the bichon to knock it off, and she's not listening. Any suggestions?

Finally, any tips on crate training or housebreaking, especially since shes so used to going wherever in the garage, would be welcome. Thanks!

Jamie Macke


Answer
Hi Jamie, Congratulations for taking in a rescue. Bichon's are adorable dogs. To socialize her, take her everywhere with you when you are able. Go to pet stores, hardware stores, feed stores...any place you can think of that won't give you a hard time. Find local places to eat that have outdoor seating and bring her along. Teach her to lay down quietly under the table so as not to disturb other diners or upset the waiter.
When you get ready to go out or in, put her leash and collar on (no flexi-leads please). Tell her to sit and stay. Open the door, if she moves out, put her back in place sitting down. Move toward the door and open it, saying "stay". Walk out of the door and then say, "Okay", or "come", or "heel". Be sure you do this every time as it helps to establish you as the pack leader. If visitors come make her sit and wait as you invite your guests inside.  Tell your guests not to make eye contact, have them fold their arms across their chests and ignore her. On your command, if they are comfortable, tell her it is okay to go say hello to your visitor. Do not let her jump on them as that is a dominant behavior. Have her sit by them so they can pat her.
You must be careful that your lab does not get aggravated with her and bite her, it happens a lot. Tell her to "leave it" when she bothers him. If you must, put her on a leash or long line to control her. Have you taken her to any obedience classes? Or have you had a behaviorist come to your home to work with them? If not, I would highly recommend it. Many trainers are not educated in canine behavior, so it is worth it to hire a behaviorist. We can get the job done quicker and are used to problem behavior. If your lab loses it and bites her, you will have a high vet bill because she is little. So spend the money now and have her trained prior to a traumatic experience.
Get a crate that is small enough to fit her. Too large will entice her to urinate in it. Just high enough for her to stand and wide enough to lay down comfortably. Make it comfortable, like a den. Give her a knuckle bone, cow hoof, fill a Kong with peanut butter or the product they make to fill it and give it to her (I put mine in the freezer until I give them to the dogs), and even a nyla-bone will keep her entertained. At her age, she should be able to hold it for around 8 hours. Take her for a long walk at the heel for about 45 minutes before you leave. Let her take breaks to urinate or defecate along the way, buy stopping and saying "take a break". Otherwise keep her heeling slightly behind your (preferably left knee), so she knows you are the pack leader and she is the follower. Leave the crate door open when you are home and put a bone or goody in there so that she will go in and out. You may find that she will go in there by herself to take a nap or get away from things. This is when you know she has accepted the crate. Never use a crate as a place of punishment, nor scold her if she makes a mistake. Use a good dog deodorant to clean out all of the smells after you wash the crate. Put down pads, blankets, towels...to make it cozy for her.  Big Lots has those things inexpensively. Praise her when she goes "to bed". When you leave her be sure that you have a well fitted collar, and never a choke chain on her. Give her her treats and Kong...to keep her occupied. If she cries when you shut the door. Calmly tell her it is okay and shut the leave. If you hear her crying again, enter the home and say "no" or "shhh" and leave again. She will soon learn that it is a safe and comfortable place to be and will quietly occupy herself. Remember to leave the crate door open when you are at home. You can even encourage her to go inside with the door open to eat her goodies. She will be fine. Leave me some feedback and let me know how she is progressing. Thank you for writing. My website is under construction, but you can read advice at downesfarmcaninebehaviorandtraining.8k.com or read some of my other posts on this site for further information. Warm Regards, Susan