I recently adopted a cute 3 year old Bichon Frise/Poodle mix.
He seems relatively calm and was already housebroken (is that the term for a dog already knowing how to function in a house).
But I might be giving him too much attention. How do I make sure that I'm not?
2006-12-10 11:27:26 · 11 answers · asked by Mike 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I've fostered several old Bichons for the rescue and love em. The main mistake dog owners might make is forgetting that a dog is a dog, not a child, not totally helpless and needs to have boundaries to be healthy.
Easy to pamper and baby the smaller breeds. Allow misbehaviour because they are sooo cute and little, etc. You can soon have a small monster on your hands that you created.
Sounds like you have a good doggie that is calm and housetrained so let's keep him that way. They learn easily. If you start seeing behaviour that is not wanted then let him know. Do not just ignore or allow until he is doing things that are not cool, like barking at everyone or nipping or being annoying.
If he is a good dog now and has no bad habits then be sure to praise that. They need outside play and maybe playtime with other small dogs in area. They are normally very protective of their person so make sure that does not get to a obsessive level.
Mine loved to go riding also and will guard the car too.
Otherwise, positive attention when he is good and deserves it is not a bad thing at all. But give him time and opportunity to be a dog and play as a dog.
2006-12-10 11:49:25 · answer #1 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can definitly give your dog too much attention. Dogs first need lots of exercise, followed by equal doses of disciplen(leadership) and affection. if all you do is shower your dog with affection, you will likely create a very unstable animal whith behavioral problems. They way to tell is to evaluate if your dog is getting enough of the other two. Since he is relatively calm, it seems like he's probably getting enough exercise. If you find you let him do absolutely anything he wants, and never correct him, chances are he needs less affection and more leadership! if you feel like he's getting a pretty good dose of all three, just watch out to see if he does things like push himself on you ALL the time. If you have a dog that is jumping up on you and constantly demanding attention, do NOT share affection with him. ignore him until he calms down and then by all means shower him with affection!
2006-12-10 11:40:36 · answer #2 · answered by mlle-fantine 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can never give a dog too much good attention. HOWEVER if it is the wrong kind. i.e. yelling, abusive. then there is. Some times animals do need their space. usually it will get up and leave the room or run from you. You might want to set up a seperate bed for the dog so that it does have it's own little space. but ... Most dogs love to be with their people. so continue as you are. love it. good for you.
2006-12-10 11:31:46 · answer #3 · answered by wheel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can never give any animal too much attention. It's not spoiling time, it's bonding time. In fact, the more attention you give your animal, the better it will respond to you and the closer you'll be to it.
Of course, if it's just a puppy, don't play with it for long sessions at a time because it will need quite a few naps in the daytime.
Congradulations on your new pet!
2006-12-10 11:30:02 · answer #4 · answered by ღQueenღ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well, 1) take your puppy and set him in front of you 2) walk away 3) if he follows you or rolls around and begs 4 u to pet him......I shouldn't have to tell u the answer to that question! BUT if he doesn't you shouldn`t have 2 worry about giving him too much attention!!!! BUT I`M JUST GUESSING!!!!!!
try it see what happens!!!!!!!!! u never know !!!!!!!!!!! just remember he`s new to the family and needs to get to know you so right now spending time w/him is the best thing 4 him
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
2006-12-10 11:32:23 · answer #5 · answered by Tinkzspace 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can give him too much attention... you CAN spoil him by letting him get away with things he shouldn't be doing, or by over feeding or "over treating" him.
But just spending time with him, playing with him, and bonding with him? Can't do that too much, unless you're neglecting other important things to do this.
2006-12-10 11:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by idatedashton_didyou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No such thing, give the dog all the attention you can. There's no downside to having an affectionate and appreciated dog. If there was i'd be in big trouble, a lot of the time almost all my attention is on mine. keeps you sharp
2006-12-10 11:47:05 · answer #7 · answered by Catherine C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that is great you adopted a dog.don't worry you could never give your dog enough attention.merry Christmas.
2006-12-10 11:33:33 · answer #8 · answered by bassetluv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can never give your pets too much attention!
2006-12-10 11:36:51 · answer #9 · answered by Maggie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as he behaves, give him as much attention as you want. Unless he doesn't like it.
2006-12-10 11:47:36 · answer #10 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋