Anyone who has a bichon puppy/dog?

**lovestolaugh** · 05-29-2008, 04:44 PM

I am purchasing a bichon from a reputable breeder here in Virgina and driving the pup home to Ohio. The puppy will be a gift for my parents. I have never driven with a puppy before and I have never had a bichon before. Any suggestions/advice you can give me would be very appreciated. I will be staying a week with my parents and helping everyone get adjusted. My parents haven't had a puppy in over 20 years and are a little worried about training one. They lost their Golden about 5 years ago and I think are finally ready for a little pooch!!!

It's a surprise for them!!! Hopefully I won't be returning home to Virginia with a puppy! My parents have been talking about getting a pup for a few years but like everything else with them, I have to be the one to finally do it!!! Sometimes I think they are worse than children!!!!!

**stinkbug** · 05-29-2008, 05:35 PM

It's a surprise?? Good luck with that. We've been *talking* about getting another dog too.....but I don't want someone else making that decision for me. My kids have threatened to just bring us one....NOT a good idea! I think owning/picking out a dog is a very personal decision.

You miliage may vary......

**Missy** · 05-29-2008, 05:48 PM

Good luck. I am sure they'll be thrilled.

When traveling with a dog, I suggest a crate. Be prepared to stop alot for potty breaks. Even if he/she pees/poos in the crate you are going to have to clean it up vs keeping on. They don't want to sit in that any more than we would. Plus it will be happier for you smell wise. small collar small lightweight lead to let her stretch her legs at rest stops, bags to pick up and toss her messes. p[lenty paper towels to clean up accidents (and maybe carsick puppy) light things for her to eat when you stop. after eating stay put and let her pee and or poo before getting back in the car. line her crate with something like a towel or such can stand without sliding around.

**tammy88** · 05-29-2008, 06:06 PM

hello
congrats on the puppy
bichons are not children dogs..good for the older couple..so good for your parents

a little potty training help is something called a bellyband for males or diapers for females..

i would not surprise them really..makes sure its something they want first..maybe they can go with you and pick it our them selves..

**anna021** · 05-29-2008, 07:37 PM

I have 2 Bichon Frise, they are delightful little dogs, happy and wanting to please. Great with children and all people for that matter. This is the second set of bichon's I've owned, and the only thing that takes some time is their ability to be trained. For some reason it just seems it takes awhile for them to learn to go where their suppose to, whether it outside or paper trained. I have heard that if their crated it helps, I have never crated mine so I can't say. I'm sure your parents will adore the pup.

**Palooka** · 05-29-2008, 09:34 PM

I had a Bishon for years. They are a great family dog and good with kids too. They never shed. The only thing is that they can be high mantience with the grooming and they get dirty fast.lol. I did the crate training and it was easy.

Your family might be in for a big shock.lol

**PrairieRose** · 05-29-2008, 09:51 PM

Crate training is the only way to go in my humble opinion with housetraining any breed of dog. I know that wasn't original question but I would think you should buy the crate before hand and have it handy and ready to go. I always have given my dog a treat as I put her in it so she is always pretty happy to get in her box.

Good luck with everything, hope it goes well for you all.

**G'MaDebbie** · 05-29-2008, 10:01 PM

I have a bichon. She is 7 years old and such the sweetest little thing, I have had her since she was 3 months old, but...........are you aware of how much grooming and care has to go into a Bichon? I am just thinking about your parents, will they be ok that? Bichons do not shed and need to be brushed every day, the best way to describe their hair is it's alot like our hair and needs a lot of care. Bichons also need their anal glands cleaned on a regular basis as well as their ear hair needs to be removed. I am not trying to scare you or talk you out of getting the dog, I just want you to be prepared. Crate training is the only way to go!
If you could have seen my dog after not being cared for properly (I had no clue) she was a mess and knotted and matted terribly. Poor little thing, I felt so bad for her, the groomer had to shave her bald. :surprise:
Here is a great website about Bichons...good luck with your new puppy!!
http://www.bichon.org/

**Palooka** · 05-30-2008, 02:31 AM

Originally Posted by PrairieRose

Crate training is the only way to go in my humble opinion with housetraining any breed of dog. I know that wasn't original question but I would think you should buy the crate before hand and have it handy and ready to go. I always have given my dog a treat as I put her in it so she is always pretty happy to get in her box.

Good luck with everything, hope it goes well for you all.

I agree that crate training is the best. If anyone does not understand, just google how it works. I always left the door open on the crate and my little Bishon would love to run in there for security or just to sleep. Of course this was after the potty training with the crate.

It is pretty much the fastest way to potty train a doggie of any breed.

**lovestolaugh** · 05-30-2008, 09:19 AM

Thanks everyone for the advice! My parents will be a little angry with me at first but then they will fall in love with it and all will be forgiven! Trust me, we have been down this road before with other pets, cars, etc. Besides, my mom and dad have been depressed since I moved away two years ago. They need something to concentrate on. Everyone in my family knows that they want and need a little dog. My brother even gave my mom a puppy care book for her birthday! Hint! Hint! I would feel better knowing they have a good set of ears in the house too. Neither of them hear all that well and a dog provides security. I will have my friend in Ohio pick up all the supplies they will need (crate, bowls, puppy pads, food, etc) before we get there so I won't have to bring it with me. Also, if I am wrong and they really don't want the pup, I am fully prepared to keep the pup myself. We already have two dogs of our own and a pet Gerbil!!! What's one more? I used to be a professional pet sitter so I am totally used to a lot of animals around the house!!! I am not making this decision lightly!
As for the grooming. My mother will love to have something to brush! She has baby dolls that she dresses and fusses over. My parents are in their late 70's early 80's and hopefully will be with us for a long time. However, if the dog out lives them both then I will be getting it anyways! I'm the "animal" person in the family!!! The biggest thing I worry about is the expense to my parents of having a little pet to take care of. Between my four brothers and myself, I think we can at least pay for all vet bills and grooming bills for the first few years! We never know what to get them for birthdays and such because they have everything. I guess Petsmart gift certificates will be the new gift of choice!!!

**G'MaDebbie** · 05-30-2008, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by lovestolaugh

Thanks everyone for the advice! My parents will be a little angry with me at first but then they will fall in love with it and all will be forgiven! Trust me, we have been down this road before with other pets, cars, etc. Besides, my mom and dad have been depressed since I moved away two years ago. They need something to concentrate on. Everyone in my family knows that they want and need a little dog. My brother even gave my mom a puppy care book for her birthday! Hint! Hint! I would feel better knowing they have a good set of ears in the house too. Neither of them hear all that well and a dog provides security. I will have my friend in Ohio pick up all the supplies they will need (crate, bowls, puppy pads, food, etc) before we get there so I won't have to bring it with me. Also, if I am wrong and they really don't want the pup, I am fully prepared to keep the pup myself. We already have two dogs of our own and a pet Gerbil!!! What's one more? I used to be a professional pet sitter so I am totally used to a lot of animals around the house!!! I am not making this decision lightly!
As for the grooming. My mother will love to have something to brush! She has baby dolls that she dresses and fusses over. My parents are in their late 70's early 80's and hopefully will be with us for a long time. However, if the dog out lives them both then I will be getting it anyways! I'm the "animal" person in the family!!! The biggest thing I worry about is the expense to my parents of having a little pet to take care of. Between my four brothers and myself, I think we can at least pay for all vet bills and grooming bills for the first few years! We never know what to get them for birthdays and such because they have everything. I guess Petsmart gift certificates will be the new gift of choice!!!

What an awesome idea!!! Wish I had thought about that!

**Nishu** · 05-30-2008, 09:33 AM

I would recommend not getting a pet for someone who isn't expecting it, especially if you suspect they'll be angry with you at first.

Your parents are older after all and there may be a good reason that they haven't replaced their dog.

Btw, "grooming" in this case doesn't mean a good brushing. You really can't get around taking a dog like that to a groomer every month. If they don't shed they'll likely need a haircut at least once a month in addition to getting the glands expressed. My dog (a wheaten) also needs her ear hair pulled regularly and will get infections if you don't give her regular ear cleanings. The grooming will run about 50-75 a month, and you'll be obligating your parents financially be giving them this dog.

Have you also considered that your parents might not be interested in housebreaking a puppy? It may mean getting up in the middle of the night to take him out or cleaning up accidents... that's definitely not something I would want to put on my aging parents.

I will throw my vote in for "I don't think this is a good idea."

**stinkbug** · 05-30-2008, 11:38 AM

I'm so glad I'm not the only one.....Really, every reputable breeder or shelter will tell you NOT to give a pet as a gift. I, personally would be shocked and angry. That's a huge responsibility when one isn't expecting it. But, I suppose you know your parents better.....My parents are in their 70's and great health and well off and I would never do this to them. I figure they are old enough to make that decision for themselves. And why would you give them a gift you KNOW they can't afford the upkeep on? (you and your brothers will pay for the care???)
*runs and hides*