Help with long term care for a dog?

Question

My aunt has a nasty little bichon that no one in the family likes. Now she is in rehab after a fall, and will have to be in assisted living at least until the spring. The assisted living facility does not accept pets, and needless to say, no one else in the family wants him. Some can tolerate him, but they can't take care of a dog under their current circumstances. For now he's been dumped on my mother. Does anyone know of a place that is set up for taking care of a dog for long periods of time in the Indianapolis area?

We've checked out a kennel, but they want $25.00 per day. He's mean enough that he's bitten several people, though he is better when he's away from my aunt.

Answer 1

Anything like that would cost about as much as you've already found...
Interestingly enough, what you've described is common in little dogs that have been babied too much.. My parents have had this same problem with their toy poodle... There is a relatively easy way to fix it... My parents dog is just fine when they do this.
The program is called NILIF which stands for Nothing In Life Is Free.,.. What has happened is, your aunts Bichon has become the leader of the pack.. It thinks it's in charge and that it's job is to punish and control everyone as it sees fit.. It's a pretty common problem with small dogs especially because of the habit some people have with little dogs of carrying them around and things like that..
http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
There's one article on it..
Here's another more specific to small dogs..
http://www.cairnrescue.com/docs/NILIF.htm

NILIF isn't about any kind of dominance tactics like rolling them on their back or anything like that.. It's just making a dog perform commands to get something...
That'll probably be a lot easier then finding a long term boarding solution..

Answer 2

Very sad situation for the bichon - your aunt has unfortunately let him go without training or socialization and now the dog suffers for it - really not his fault, he doesn't know better.

If someone could find it in their hearts to take him for obedience classes (group) it would certainly help socialize him and make him a sweet pet.

I would suggest a rescue, but your aunt likely has hopes of getting her dog back and that is something you would not want to take away from her at this time.

Can't one of you find it in your hearts to do right by this little dog and your aunt at the same time?

Ask a vet for a reference to a good trainer who gives group obedience classes = not very expensive and actually fun, or sign up at Petco when they schedule them.
Consider it a good deed for your aunt and the dog - maybe an early Christmas present?
If it were your dog and your situation, you would appreciate having someone do this for you.

Good luck, the dog needs training, that's all - he just has no idea how to behave properly.

Answer 3

There may be a Bichon Rescue or other Small
Dog Rescue Organization that would be willing to find a "foster home" for few months for a donated fee towards their registered society.

Poor doggy, no body wants him?

Answer 4

How nasty is the bichon? Look for bichon forums in the area and ask for help there. It is the easiest way to reach bichon lovers and I am sure someone there will be keen to help the little dog.

Answer 5

The suggestion to give him with obedience training is excellent. You might also check with one of the Bichon Rescue groups and see if they have any suggestions.

Answer 6

I volunteer for an animal rescue in Kokomo, near the Indy area. You might try animal rescues in the area.

Answer 7

where can i find a long term pet care near my area or couple miles of my area?

Answer 8

You could always board the dog, but that will cost A LOT of money if it is for any period of time.

Answer 9

Find a close by kennel