We have two Bichons. One is a two and a half year old male and the puppy is a 7 month old female. They are Rascal and Chloe. We have had a terrible time housebreaking them. I depended on my kids to take them out because I was sick and heavy before my surgery. Now, after losing 70 lbs, I am walking them after breakfast and after dinner. They go like clockwork now that I am consistent. The kids would argue over whose turn it was and would even say they pooped outside and then I knew they lied if they went in the house. I have so much energy now, that we walk some mornings for an hour. They come home and pass out for 2 hours. They love going out though. It is much better now. They are the sweetest dogs. They are like my babies. I think crating them is best if they won't go outside. Then keep taking them out and recrate them until they go. They rarely go in their cage. Good luck. Lee

Dear Greer: I have a lovely, 11-year-old, female, sable/white/tricolor cross named Gwenevere Bonnie. Gwenevere means fair lady and Bonnie means pretty or beautiful. She has several nicknames: Veres, Gwen, Versie, Vens, Vensie, Sweetie, TeeTee, Honey, Baby, Babydog, Dogface -- and also has a great vocabulary. She understands all of the standard obedience commands and also knows: toy, snake (her toy snake, that is), rat, bear (her toy bear), squirrel, doggie, Mommy, birdie, "go get him" (i.e. go get the squirrel), bison (her toy bison), ball, brown monster (i.e. the UPS truck), "nice dog" (her toy collie), get up, go to your bed, Dann (the landlord's name), Kola (the neighbor's dog's name), "we're home" (i.e after a car trip), hand signals, "go see", "who's there" or "who is it" (i.e. look for someone at the door), treat, foodsie (meaning food), walk, come inside, pawsies (meaning paws), drumsticks (which she thinks are her back legs), friend (meaning good person) and pizza. Gwenevere is my second collie. My first was Bonnie Brooke Queen. She lived to almost 16 years of age -- pretty old for a collie. Like you, I too love collies. They are incredible animals. Considering how old your posted message is, I hope it's not too late to hear back from you on this site. By the way, I lived in Tennessee for a few years and attended Vanderbilt University while I was there. I know that Kentucky is also famous for thoroughbred horses, which I also love. Are you a fan of horses, too? Best wishes, Melanie

Anybody have clues or suggestions to housebreak a two year old bichon. We love him dearly, and dont really want to get rid of him. Thanks !

I was so sorry to read about the loss of your baby. I have three pugs and I can't imagine how horrible it would be to lose one like that. I take my pugs to our local dog park where all the dogs are off there leashes. My dogs love to go and I love to take them but it is my biggest fear that they will get attacked by a big dog. My dogs run to every dog they see. I hope by this time your feeling a little better. Maybe you can open your heart to a new pug puppy. Best wishes, Karen

Hi, I have a sheltie but she's a little girl. I also have a 5 month old male chihuahua too. Sheltie's are the best behaved dogs I've ever known. Sharon