Mohr Bouviers

So you have done your research and decided that the Bouvier des Flandres is the dog for you. You have even selected the perfect puppy. The steps you take in the transition from the security of Mom and littermates to a brand new loving environment are extremely important. Below is a list of ideas we have suggested in the past and used ourselves to make the transition as stress free as possible.

• Bring a small blanket or towel with you when you pick up your puppy. That blanket or towel can be rubbed on Mom and littermates so their smell goes with your puppy.
• Plan on picking your puppy up either during the beginning of a weekend or when you will be home for a couple of days.
• Do not have company over for a couple of weeks. It is very important to allow the puppy time to not only bond with you but also get used to his new surroundings and explore. It is always very tempting to invite people over to meet the newest member of your family but try to wait and give the puppy some time to adjust.
• Have a crate ready for your puppy. Many people feel that putting a puppy in a crate is cruel but if you think of that puppy as a toddler, you would not allow a toddler to roam unattended throughout your home. Think of the danger they would be in with electrical cords to chew on and items they could ingest. When you cannot give your puppy your undivided attention you need to put him in his crate. This stage only lasts for little while, it won’t be forever but it is important to keep your puppy safe. The puppy will come to view their crate as their little den.
• Feeding time is best done in his crate. Again stressing that his crate is a safe, comfortable place.
• Housebreaking 101: when your puppy wakes up, pick him up and take him right outside. When he stops playing, pick him up and take him outside. And if the above 2 things have not happened and it has been 30 minutes, pick him up and take him outside. If he goes immediately praise him but don’t take him in right away. Puppies get distracted easily and he may have to go some more. Walk him around for awhile and give him some time to see if he needs to go any more.
• We have always had great success with getting down to our puppy’s level. Sit on the floor and encourage your puppy to climb in your lap and snuggling with you. This snuggle time may only last a few minutes but it will help form that bond that he will be longing for. Remember he had littermates to cuddle with and Mom to curl up with and he will miss that and look to you to provide that for him. This will in no way make your courageous Bouvier any less of a guard dog. On the contrary he will be more attached and ready to protect you.
• If you have small children have them sit quietly on the floor and let the puppy get used to them and their quick movements.

Realize that each situation is unique. These are just some ideas we have found to work well for us. If you ever have any questions always feel free to contact us.

We are committed to helping our beloved Bouviers have a rewarding and loving life with their families.