Have a Bichon Frise on trial I have some question

[youbethemummylion]

You may remember me from the "which of these two dogs thread" well I went with neither as they werent quite right.
We currently have a 5yr old overweight Bichon Frise on trial. She is very chilled fantastic with the kids and cats she walks beautifully and very far considering her size. She slept overnight in the kitchen from 11 to 6 there was no barking but some banging (i think the cat was teasing her through the window in the kitchen door) this soon settled and it didnt hear another perp.
However I trialled leaving her today - she had a walk at 6 and one at 9. I left her at 10 (just hid upstairs) but again she was banging on the door. She was quiet for periods but then the banging would start again. How can I help her adjust to being left or is it too late due to her age? Would a dog who doesnt like toys/chewing use a kong? She isnt really treat or toy orientated.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

What happens to this dog if she 'fails' the trial?

[vjg13]

I normally leave the radio on for my dogs overnight. Not really sure why but I think the voices reassure them!

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

If it's only her second day in a new home, she won't have settled in yet (I would expect it to take weeks for her to settle), so I wouldn't be surprised that she isn't happy at being left alone.

[youbethemummylion]

Yes it will take her time I was just trying her out to get a benchmark to work from DH is off work for at least a month to give her time to settle and adjust.
I dont think she can 'fail' its just to see if we are suited to her and her us. If not the shelter will find her a more suitable home, think its a good idea personally.

[youbethemummylion]

She has a duvet next to the sofa she has been snoozing on in the day so we pop that in the kitchen when we leave her. Also she actually has the kitchen, passage and bathroom due to layout of house so plenty of space. Hope with patience and time she will be ok being left as she really is lovely.

[whatwoulddexterdo]

When I got my dog she was very timid and cling with me for several days. I didn't leave her at all, except overnight for a couple of weeks to make sure she was settled and felt safe. I leave her for a couple of hours now and she is fine.
You really need to let her settle in.

[Pagwatch]

I have a bischon.
He is absoloutely batshit.

Hths

[youbethemummylion]

She is already chubby :-) The old lady who had her before couldnt manage the walks and obviously fed her from her plate as she sits and begs for food. However after just a day and a half she has started to learn thats not allowed here so I have high hopes for her just time and patience needed I think.

[LadyTurmoil]

My brother has a bichon cross who is the agreeable dog ever. Loves her 1 1/2 hour walks and is always very happy, waggy and easy going. I'm sure you could train her to be used to being alone.

She probably just isn't used to being alone at all with an elderly owner, but I'm sure she would get used to it gradually. She may not know what toys or kongs are, but she'd probably get used to kongs if you give her a chance. Good luck

[Whoknowswhocares]

My dog has absolutely no issues with being left.
However, I know with certainty that new owners and a new house would make her stressed and uncertain about being left alone
Give it some time and build up gradually

[excitedmummytobe]

Does the dog have to be confined to the kitchen alone at night? perhaps a bed closer to people, even if on the landing, would make her settle in quicker? think twice before handing the poor girl back, she may just be a little confused after all. we cant explain to our animals why they lived somewhere else and why they now live with us. work on building her trust in you. they are wonderfully affectionate dogs if you treat them right :)

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Have you tried an Adaptil collar? They contain pheromones that calm the dog - I think you can get this as a spray or diffuser too.

We were given one when we got ddog2 from the Dogs' Trust - to help her settle in her new home - and we do think that it helped.

You don't have to order them online, btw, our vet sells them, and I assume most, if not all, do.

[Theodorous]

I have just had a similar conversation with a vet I have been working for part time in Qatar as a consultant. A weeks trial is not enough and creates unrealistic expectations. She may be doing it for a number of reasons and only you can work those out. Maybe a large puppy cage with food water and treats is the answer left open while you are in

[kazzawazzawoo]

It's early days, she will be feeling insecure and afraid.

I know many people don't like having dogs upstairs, but could she sleep in a dog bed next to your bed?

[Owllady]

Are you sure the banging isn't her just lying against the door
Getting up
Making herself comfy
Lying against the door again?
Dogs like to do that

[youbethemummylion]

The banging is definately trying to get out, there are scratch marks at the bottom of the door. She is getting better, its only for a very short period then she settles for the night. Also during the day we have been leaving her for a little longer at a time and she is fine with that but she has the whole house then. DH wont let her in the bedroom and she would definately want to be in with us and not settle for the landing. On another note her id tag is staining her fur, does the clear nail polish tip actually work to prevent this?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Seriously - try the Adaptil collar or spray - it really helped our rescue dog (a neurotic lab-pointer cross who was on her third home when she came to us for the Dogs' Trust).

[youbethemummylion]

I will try it SDT thanks for the tip just need to get to the vets/shop to get some. Where would I spray it, in the kitchen?