Hi, I have a 15week old Bichon, Molly, she left the breeder on IAMS puppy food as part of her diet, I tried for weeks trying to get her to eat it doing all the things I had been told, not leaving it down, no titbits inbetween but no, I then decided it was time I tried something different so slowly changed to NUTRO again after 4 weeks she isnt eating that unless I practically feed her, I popped into the vets today & they gave me a free sample of science plan, will try at next meal, any other suggestions from you experienced dog owners. Also would you try a variety of different things, my hubby says he feels sorry that Molly must be bored with the same meal & also the dry food doesnt look appetising, like I said to him we cant keep mixing foods Molly will surley end up with an upset stomach. advice please, regards Pauline.

Hi Pauline
yes , you are right about pup getting an upset tum when changing food over . The new food should be gradually introduced by mixing it in with the old food and then phasing out the old ( does that make sense ?)
Hope so ;)
Gus is on Science Plan . He is now 10 months old and he does go through phases when he doesnt want to eat it - I admit it does look very boring . So dont be TOO surprised if Molly doesnt woof it down .
Do you think your pup could be teething as they sometimes go off their food then ??
Just a thought
Lel

Hi Lel
Thanks for the reply, Molly is 15 weeks old, is she a little young to be teething? also I dont think she has ever been happy with any food I have given her except I gave her a small dish of rice pudding & she nearly ate the dish, unfortunatkl cant live on rice pud even though it is yummy. Arnt they a worry, people say oh they wont starve but its still a worry, (Molly was trying to send you a message on the comp so excuse any spelling mistakes. regards Pauline & of course Molly.

Have you tried adding a little chicken , or tuna, mackeral or scrambled/boiled egg to her complete food , or tripe even.
Lel

Hi Lel,
I tried the tuna & the little monkey ate the tuna & left the dog food infact she dropped the dog food onto the floor, I couldnt believe my eyes, it made me smile, it was as if she was saying'you cant fool me'. Pauline.

:D

She could well be starting to teeth at 15 weeks, even if the teeth are a couple of weeks away from coming through her mouth could be giving her discomfort. Have you tried soaking her food in v.hot water about 20 mins before she is fed and give while still slightly warm with a small amount of tinned meat - butchers tripe maybe, as follows; If you mash a level dessert spoon of meat with some warm water and mash to gravy with a fork - let the soaked biscuit sit in it for 5 minutes, leave it where she can smell it but not eat it yet. Then give it to her with a blob of rice pudding thinly spread all over the top!! Main and pud in one meal. You could try mashing a little tuna or sardines in oil - only a small amount into her food too. I also sometimes grate a little cheese on to the top of the meal, which often gets their noses in, which is half the battle. Only add one of these extras to her meal once a day, to get her used to them slowly. I would stick with the next food you are going to try unless it actually upsets her tummy and try some of these extras before you decide to change yet gain. She is getting you very well trained !!! :-)

Hi Westie Lover,
Thanks for the advice, you are right she is training us well, I am trying my best to keep an upper hand but I find it a worry when she doesnt eat, its been 3 days now & she has only looked at her dish & walked away, I will certainly try your advice but also stop worrying. I have had her weighed & the vet says she is ok & that she will only eat about 1oz of food per meal, she has cut herself to 2 meals daily although I put a small amount down for half hour at lunch just in case. Regards Pauline.

Hi Pauline

My three year old Bichon had me worried sick when she was a puppy because she didn't seem to be remotely interested in her food. We fed Eukanuba and when she was about six months gradually changed to Iams. She never empties her bowl, even if we leave it for a few hours. Despite our initial concerns she has always been fit and healthy and within the correct height and weight bands for her breed. Do you weigh her regulalry? If she's putting on weight and is in all other ways fit and healthy perhaps it's better not to fuss and she'll settle to her own eating routine.

Good luck.

Hi Andi20
Thanks for the comments, I have had Molly weighed, she is putting on weight thankfully, I gave her chicken tonight which she seemed to enjoy, on sunday I did lamb so gave her some with veg & mash, she loved it but was quite sick about an hour later wondered if she ate to much, anyway I was given some samples of science plan when I called into the pet shop for advice, she isnt keen but I am going to continue because I cant keep changing the food & give her chicken & lamb when we have it. Can I ask did you have problems toilet training? I heard somewhere that Bichons are slower to house train, we dont appear to be getting very far or am I expecting to much, she is 15weeks old, I am doing everything the books & experts advise. Regards Pauline

Hi Pauline

Holly had a few accidents but was generally quite good. We have a utility attached to our kitchen which leads to a garage that we don't use so we gradually moved the paper out to the garage and then to the back door and out into the garden. It is a slow process and it does require a little patience. Once she started asking to go outside herself, every night before bed time we wuold let her into the garden and ask her to do a 'wee wee on the garden' and after a few nights of looking at us as if we were mad she started to do it because she knew we would let her straight back in if she did. We always stood at the door so she could see us and praised her when she had done it.

On the other hand her brother Harvey,who my mum has, still has a tendency to accidents and Holly isn't quite as clean at my mum's which I think is because it seems more acceptable there!

Like feeding, patience is probably the most important virtue when training puppies.

When Molly starts to sniff and circle do you help her to the paper or outside? If you can help her to do it where she shoul by encouraging her when you know she's looking and then praising her when she achieves it it will encourage her to be clean.

Good luck

Hi Andy
Yes I take Molly out regularly, I am constantly watching her actions incase she sniffs, goes near the door or looks suspiciously like she is about to squat, I take her out say wee wee Molly, quite often she does then we come straight in, other times she has just done a puddle or squats before I can get to her, I leave the door open most of the time so she can wander out if she wants to, having said all that on sunday she actually went out alone & weed, I was creeping behind her & praised her like mad, with a treat. I guess at 16weeks we cant expect miracles as long as she gets there in the end, (fingers crossed she will).
Another problem you may be able to advise on is Molly goes to bed in the utility room in a crate, I now leave the crate door open with paper at the door, she wakes at 6-6,15 every morning, unless I get to her the split second she wakes she wees & poos, I know they say dont respond if she crys or barks but I think it would be unfair to leave her when shes gone all night, am I doing right do you think or am I missing something? I understand she's gone all night & its a long time for a puppy but will she eventually sleep later or am I stuck with early calls for ever? I am considering a dog flap in a few weeks so she may go outside as soon as she wakens or she will once she has the hang of wees outside & not in. Just want to do the right thing. regards Pauline

Are you giving it dry or have you put hot water on to it to make it nice and soft as a lot of pups/youngters like it that way for some time.

I have two 10 week old Bichons.(Don't gasp in horror please-it was due to family circumstances!) They don't care for their food except if they are competeing with each other. I have stuck with Iams as I have found that it seems to appeal to the more than Hills. I also go with the school re children that say that they will eat when they are hungry and I just keep putting it down for them at regular times and removing what is not eaten up in a reasonable time. I have used this approach with all my pups to date reasonably successfully until now. Bichons are deffinitely different from other breeds I have had re their feeding pattern,

Have you done anything about plucking their ears? The breeder went on at great length about this to us and one accepts the process quite well but the other goes nuts if I try to go near her ears and starts to snarl and fear bite. Is this the only way to deal with clogged ears?

Hi Gee - When they've had all of their puppy vacc's are you intending to have them groomed regularly? This sorts out their ears so you'll just have to persevere for a few weeks.

Hi Andi - Yes I am as soon as they are vaccinated and I can find a reputable groomer in my area. Somehow I had picked up that this was something that I would need to do as well as the groomer as every 4 to 6 weeks did not seem to be often enough. The breeder seemed to be saying that it was a constant task! I don't want to fall out with a new pup over ears! None of my previous breeds of pups have had ear hair that needed attention.

Hi Gee

Holly and her brother go to the grooming parlour every two weeks for bath/tidy and have a proper clip every six weeks. The grooming parlour are really good and pay attention to nails/ears etc each time we go. It only costs a few pounds but it's worth it if you can spare the money.

Hi Gee
How lovely 2 Bichons, I am thinking of getting another next year. I have started plucking Mollys ears since we got her, I wait until she is settled on my knee & gently pull a very small amount at a time, she now accepts it & lays still until she gets bored so I leave her & do the other ear the next night, just have to remember which ear Ive done (joking). House the toilet training going? regards Pauline

Hi Pauline
Do you use your fingers or do you use tweezers to pluck out the hair?
Toilet training is OK today but who knows about tomorrow!?Its all a bit erratic. Just when I think we're getting the message we have an accident. They have got the idea about the command but they don't always want to listen especially if I try to take them out together. I have to lift one while the other performs and then swap over. I need to keep my wits about me and hold on tight as one thinks she can fly! They're far trickier than all of my children put together and twice as cute(joking!)

Hi Gee
I use my fingers I just pull a few & keep pulling in quick movements its surprising how quickly you can clear them. I guess its difficult toilet training 2 you would think they would talk amongst themselves I agree to behave & go when you say (if it was only that easy). I know what you mean about them being cute, I melt everytime I look at Molly, my grown up children think she is a child substitute & find it amusing, they are probably right, they bring out all your maternal instincts dont they. I am thinking of getting a second Bichon next year, thought I would enjoy Molly first. I hope you wanted 2 Bichons & they wern't just plonked on you, still you cant help but love them can you. Molly went to the door tonight but we didnt get to open it in time & she weed, poor little thing, I raced there but because she cant hold it or doesnt cry to let us know yet we dont get much notice still I see it as a positive move, fingers crossed this is the very beginning. I have been having trouble with feeding but I tried Molly on ceaser last night & this morning & she atr it all so maybe we have found something she likes, how are your 2 doing, sorry I dont know their names. Regards Pauline.

Hi Pauline
My two are Snowy and Addy.(You can tell the fine hand of my children in the names) I intended to have one and the other had a home with a relative who found that they couldn't cope with a puppy after all. I agreed to do my best to take over after she had spent a dreadful week of sleeplessness and mess. My puppy had been a model citizen -smirk.A partner in crime soon changed that- smirk swiftly wiped off face.They are from the same litter although they are very different. My poor sweet labrador doesn't know what's hit her. These pair need her to let them know what is what but she's been an only dog for three years and the apple of everyone's eye. No doubt she'll grow into her role!

I will try your ear plucking method as Addy is a big wimp and won't let me near her with tweezers. Snowy is a good deal more obliging. It was much the same with the bath today. Addy quivered and yelped the whole time while Snowy relaxed into it all and was rather pleased with the end result- tail up,prance prance,"look at me won't you!"!!

Glad you are getting success with Molly's eating. Mine are a bit picky too and don't eat anything like the same amount every day nor is there a pattern to when they will clear the bowl or simply nibble. Quite a change from the lab who eats everything. Hope your food success continues.

Good day today for us in the toilet training department. I hardly dare hope that our triumph will continue tomorrow. How are you getting on? Regards Gee

Hi Gee
Did you see the suggestion from westie lover, they recommended something called Thornit for ears, might be worth trying it if you continue to have problems. Well after reading your message all I can say is you have your hands full but I bet its fun. I had a labrador before Molly but she was put to sleep when she was only 2 I said I would never get another dog, it was to painful but a few years down the line as you can see I changed my mind & decided on a smaller dog, what a difference with feeding, toilet training, labs are so easy still I am sure we will get there in the end.
Molly is still just about eating the ceasar, I guess I expect her to eat much more than her little tummy can take.
Toilet training a little better, still going out regularly, Molly has taken herself out a couple of times for a wee, dont seem to have poos in the house although hubby (Mike) took her upstairs & didnt watch her & she went in the spare bedroom, Molly doesn't cry or make a sound at the door so you have to be like hawkeyes, do yours ask to go out?
We have had a busy day in the garden today with the help of Molly digging, she surfaces with a black face, we watched her bury a sweet today it was so lovely. Had a really bad night fri she barked for 2 hrs from 12-2 I eventually got up for 1 hr I know people say dont get up when they are making a noise but I had no choice she just didnt stop, she just fell asleep as soon as I let her out of the utility room & into the family room so I put her back after the hour & she slept till her usual 6.15am, she wakes like clockwork its really strange, Still going down to a wee & poo on the paper, I cant get to her quick enough before she does it. How are Snowy & Addy at sleeping & waking? regards Pauline

Hi Pauline
My two seem to wear each other out so they just conk out at regular intervals. They go to bed when we do which is usually around 11 and I tend to wake them getting the kids raedy for school around 7. I think we have been lucky with the sleeping so far. As for toliet training they are not asking to get out. They are taken out about every hour and that way they are pretty much clean and dry - except for tonight when my oldest son took them out and didn't give them long enough to make sure that they had finished. We had synchronised pooing five minutes later,one in the conservatory with a jaundiced hubby, and the other in the utility room. That was the first mistake in a few days.

Yes labs are loads easier from most points of view except the size of the mistakes are much more manageable with bichons:) My lab is a total sweet heart and learnt everything so quickly. Food was never a worry with her. Now my only concern is never to let her in the kitchen when I've left the puppies' food fownn or she hoovers up for them. I can always tell she's done it even before I check the bowls from the look on her face.D)

I will get hold of the Thornit as Addy is totally terrified if I even touch her outer ear.

Have you finished your innoculations yet? We get our second tomorrow. I'm a bigger wimp than them! Still can't wait to be able to get out with them.

Regards Gee(Addy and Snowy)

Hi Gee
How are things, hope the 2 rascals are settling. Yes Molly has had her injections, she is doing well on her lead. We have just finished puppy classes & now enrolled for dog training (sound very grown up for such a little puppy) Molly is not to confident around dogs yet, my son has 2 labs but they are a bit lively to say the least.

Mike & I went to see the kennels Molly is goibg to in january while we are away skiing, I am dreading leaving her, she sensed something today & was shaking. The kennels are lovely they only take 12 small dogs, 4 poster beds, central heated, music playing, 24 hr cover, 34 acres of ground, regular walks & grooming & the owner was lovely totally understood our anxieties, she lives on site 7 it is a family run place. still dreading the day.

We are thinking about another puppy what do you think? Toilet training is still slow, getting there bit by bit, how about Addy & Snowy?

Molly seems to be getting used to the ceasar food, I grate cheese on the top.

Hows life in your household?

We could email each other to keep up to date if you like, & use CD for general questions, what do you think?

Regards Pauline & Molly

Hi Pauline
Great idea. Shall use your e-mail in your profile? Click on my name for my profile and use that if you like. Its great to get loads of ideas from the Board. Folk are so experienced and helpful, but its also really reassuring to chat to someone with a same breed pup at roughly the same stage. Molly is setting the standard for the pack-what a burden to carry?!
My "terrible two" are doing well although like you the toilet training is slow. My 3 year old lab seemed to catch on much quicker and I could trust her quite early on if I knew that she had been out in the last hour or so. These two seem to be able to squeeze something out at any time or not depending on how they feel.:)
As for having another pup they are fabulous company for each other. My two fought non-stop for the first few days but now its occassional "games". They are incredibly cute cuddled up together in their bed. I know about the dangers of them becoming more attached to each other than the people in the house but they are such "people" dogs and our home is full of doggy people so there is no danger of them not having enough people bonding! I need a tape recording of "Leave the dogs alone please!" when the children approach.
I'm sure you can tell from what I've posted that two is very different from one but so far it is hard work (not to mention expensive) but not impossible . You would have the advantage though that they wouldn't be from the same litter presumably and that seems to make things less of a problem.
E-mail me soon and we can chat some more.
Gill

I'm quite new to this site and have been reading your responses to ear plucking.
Can I suggest an antibacterial power, which can be bought from any good pet
shop. If you sprinkle a little of this in each ear, it makes the hair easier to grip
and also fills the empty pores left when the hair is plucked, eliminating the possibility
of infection. I personally find it easier and quicker using tweezers/ hemostats.
Hope this helps!

Hi corso
I have been putting warm water on but it hasnt made any difference, bought some ceasar today, gave Molly half of the tin of chicken/rabbit & she ate it all so we will see if she does the same tomorrow, maybe she just doesnt like the dry food? regards Pauline.

If you get some Thornit and rub a little into the ear hair - about 10 mins later the hair comes out sooo easily. Its also the only thing I use for ear mites/waxy ears. Can also help if they are "paw chewers". You can get if from www.championpets.freeserve.co.uk.

I feed Arden Grange to "anorexic" puppies:

www.ardengrange.com

Hi Pauline,
I have a fussy bichon pup called Snowie.Try ham or chicken in Molly's food.I think with Snowie it works because he likes the smell of ham but not dogfood but when he tastes it with the ham in it he likes it.
See if it works with Molly
Colleen

Hi Colleen
I tried your suggestion mixing ham etc also tried cheese & the little monkey picked out the bits she loked & either dropped the dog food on the floor or left it in the bowl, I am carrying on with the hope she will get so hungry she will eat it, I have told everyone NO treats at all, everyone is feeling cruel but its for the best. Fingers crossed.

How did you or are you doing with housetraining? Molly just doesnt seem to be getting the hang of going outside, I am doing all the things recommended but she still wees inside, shes 18weeks old on friday, am I expecting to much? regards Pauline.

Hi
I stay in close touch with my breeder who has become a good friend. She has gran, mum and sister to my two sweeties. She is experiencing the same with her 14 week old pup on the food front. She has chopped and changed and tried cheese, tuna , ham....and still her wee monkey won't eat the same thing consistantly. What was great today is unbearable tomorrow...you know the script! I took my two off Hills and put them onto Iams quite early on and that is what is put down to them like it or lump it. Mostly they like it but at the next meal that is what they get regardless. I went through all this years ago with a fussy GR (yes they do exist:D) and it drove me loopy. I feel in hindsight that letting her think there might be a choice is the rock on which I perished. Maybe they need to know that this is it no matter what? Just a thought and the "tough" treatment is easier said than done I know.

Hi Pauline
Snowie is pretty good with toilet training but he still likes to rise his leg again bags and legs of chairs + tables!!! We walk Snowie alot outside so helps prevent accidents inside.After a while they get to know walkies means toilet! Hope it works for Molly.Also with reguards eating, Snowie also has mastered the skill of picking out the ham!! i tried cat food and he liked that!! I think it is that they dont like the smell of food but once they taste it they love it!!Try different food everyday so she doesn't get bored of the same food.
Hope it works!!
Colleen

Hi Colleen
Glad the toilet training is going well, Just when I think we are getting somewhere Molly goes and wees inside, even with the door open, shes 5mths old now so I just keep hoping things will click! I have had a real problem with food so I have made a decision to stick to dried & just keep trying like someone said there is no greater motivator than hunger so we will see, it was getting daft she has been turning her nose at everything & I thought hey whos boss here my family dont even do that so young lady its this or nothing. sounds good but its a different story trying to practice it, hope I can be firm enough. Regards Pauline