i have a sad bichon dog?

Question

I have a 14 month old bichon and I adopted a 71/2 year old poodle to keep him company. But the poodle is very demanding and loving and the bichon is very sad and not loving. i really want the bichon to be happy any ideas ?

Answer 1

Maaan! I just did a very similar thing! I had a 11 month old pittie/staffie mix, and yesterday we brough home a 2 yr old pittie, and T-Bone is *very* huffy about the whole thing... I am hoping that time will fix things... how long have you had the poodle, will time be your cure?

Answer 2

Sounds like the Bichon needs some 1:1 time. Make the Bichon feel special. Take him for walks by himself. Play some games with just him. Give him a little extra attention even if it means taking him outside by himself. Obviously the poodle is demanding a lot of extra attention and getting it to the exclusion of the Bichon and the Bichon feels neglected that is why he is sad.

Answer 3

I agree with the idea of one on one time with the bichon, you can do the same with the poodle. As a multi dog owner for many years I always try to do something separate with each dog to make them feel "special". You haven't mentioned how long you have had the new pet, the bichon could be adjusting to the new situation, it could also be sick, upset tummy or something more serious. Could it be that the Bichon's behavior hasn't changed but you are noticing the difference in comparison to the outgoing poodle? Every dog has it's own personality, my heeler/chow is always in your face demanding pets and love while my husky/wolf hangs back and often lays in the other room while we're all in the house - and both these dogs are seriously happy. You could also try playing with both dogs together, or sit with both of them and share yummy treats to bond and get them to interact.

Answer 4

Would love to hear more info about the Bichon. Has he been checked out by a vet? Behavior problems can sometimes be traced to physical discomfort. Have you spent time with him apart from the Poodle? If the poodle is demanding (and getting) all of your attention, maybe it's time to make the dynamic of your home a little more fair for both dogs. Crate training will help, as will playing relationship-building games with the Bichon. Playing with toys, and using wonderful treats to reward learning simple things will help your reluctant dog to enjoy time with you more.

Answer 5

Maybe he doesn't have enough exercise. My grandparents had a dachshund and he loved playing outside but when they didn't take him outside for exercise for 2 days he got really sad and didn't have an appetite.