Hunbun Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I went to meet an older papillon puppy that is looking for a new home and as I don't have any experience with paps I came home a bit hesitant, but perhaps what I saw was regular pap puppy behaviour.. She was very energetic and seemed quite a happy dog, but went shy and shaky when we first got there, looked like she was scared. I had my kids there and she nipped at one of them when trying to pat her. After a little bit she did warm up to us, was trying to climb out if her pen to play, but still seemed quite anxious in her energy, lots of licking, fidgeting. Is this a normal papillon thing? Or am I looking at a pup that hasn't been socialised much or perhaps just has a temperament like that? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossumCorner Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 Did you go ahead with buying (or fostering) one of the more guardian type breeds you were considering a while ago? This pup might have been overwhelmed by strangers walking into the room if her socialising has been limited - are there children in her current household? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 @Papillon Kisses ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I think with a young family and kids who are going to want to pat, play and carry a more confident nature might be a better fit? If this little girl was feeling over whelmed with attention when she was already in her comfort zone, that may not bode well. Unless the family have a good understanding of dog body language you may find her 'warning' body language gets missed by excited kids which leads to nips which can let to outright bites in a bid to be heard. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 18, 2017 Author Share Posted June 18, 2017 PossumCorner - we fostered a few more dogs, but then had some major life changes and I decidedto put a hold on any dogs until just recently. But due to house changes etc have settled on getting a small companion dog for now. My big dog dream will have to wait for a while.. I think in general she might be a good dog, but she apparently lives mainly in the pen and doesn't go out much. The nipping happened after the owner put her in my lap unexpectedly and my son quietly tried to pat her, so I absolutely understand why that happend. I asked about it and it has happened before with a 2 year old. I've been teaching my kids about dog body language and personal space etc, but I guess I want them to be able to really enjoy living with a dog and not have to worry constantly about upsetting a dog. We currently have a cat for that :D (Pet-sitting..) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen15 Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 (edited) My westie loves kids. He is your typical terrier, wanting to be in everything I had the young boy from next door visiting and they were chasing the tennis ball, which went under the couch and all you could see was two bums poking out as they went to fetch it and started wrestling under there. The cocker is less lively and a softer dog, not as out there and excitable. I don't know if that's the breed or just her. She likes kids too, but isn't much of a player. Prefers to sit and cuddle. My staffy also loved kids and, like the westie, was happiest in the thick of things. I don't have kids myself, but do make a point of using my friends kids of all ages to socialise the dogs. I'm not sure what breeds you have looked at, or what you like. Me, I love terriers and their personalities are very suited to me. Edited June 18, 2017 by karen15 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airedaler Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 The nipping would be a deal breaker for me regardless of the circumstances and particularly if it has happened before with a 2 year old. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 I think the fact that I have such big doubts about it are a good indicator that it's not a good match. I have read there a some anxious and high strung paps out there.. I've been mainly looking at papillons and japanese/german spitz's. Not a huge fan of the shorter leg stocky terrier look I'm afraid. We're fairly active family, I like to walk a lot, we go camping a few times a year, go to the beach nearly every week in summer, just generally like to spend time outside. At home though we're more chilled. I'm keen to try some dog sports too, agility or flyball or something. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 Paps aren't low energy ,they are awesome at agility and dog sports real go getters and great kids dogs but I don't think this pup is the right fit for your kids 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 (edited) A Papillon shouldn't be anxious. I would describe them as happy, energetic, friendly, intelligent social butterflies. Ours loved visitors, he basically thought that anyone in his presence was there to admire him. Guests over? Must be a party thrown in his honour. I don't think this particular Papillon would be suited to your family. A Papillon in general may not be suitable depending on the age and temperament of your children. A toy breed puppy could easily be hurt by an on-the-go, rough-and-tumble kid. That's not to say they are always unsuitable though. We got our Papillon when I was four and the breeder did not usually sell to families with kids quite so young but took our temperaments into consideration. PS he was great with kids too. Edited June 19, 2017 by Papillon Kisses 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 She did seem like a happy dog by the end of our visit, very energetic and was licking the kids hands and even whinged when we were leaving. But the nipping is a concern definitely. And if she has been kept mainly in the pen inside then she'll need a whole lot of socialising still. So you're all right, not the one for us unfortunately. My kids are a bit older now, 5&7 and while there is a bit of the usual rough boy stuff here, they know how to be very gentle with small animals. Saying that, I wouldn't want to get a tiny 2kg dog either, that particular pap was a good 5kg and not fragile looking at all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 (edited) I note you're in NSW. I'd give Rick & Sue Scott from Kalkite a call to chat about all things Papillon. Rick is the current secretary (I think) of the NSW Papillon Club. Incidentally they have a Papillon puppy listed who sounds like he might be suitable. Here's all the puppy listings for NSW: https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/puppies/papillon.asp?state=NSW Edited June 19, 2017 by Papillon Kisses 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 What you need to factor is your new pup not only has to deal with your kids but there friends (which would need managing anyway which im sure you know ) 5kg is a BIG pap 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 I think the location is set on default, I'm in QLD (Brisbane) Is there anyone around here you would recommend? I was surprised she was that big! The smallest foster we had was 3kg and my kids were completely fine with her, but something about 4-5kg is my own preference for size. And yes obviously kids and pup will need close supervision. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 Well that pup is gone already, ad went up yesterday! She hadn't been desexed either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 5 hours ago, Hunbun said: And if she has been kept mainly in the pen inside then she'll need a whole lot of socialising still The problem with 'socialisation' is it doesn't really work with older dogs who have led an insulated life. There is a window to properly socialise a dog and its basically up to 16 weeks. In this time frame they're more open to new experiences so its the perfect time to take them out to experiences different sights, sounds, people, places and things etc. As long as its done in a positive manner they build confidence which makes them better able to cope with change or new things later. When a dog misses out on these valuable lessons or they had a bad experience or maybe they aren't a confident dog anyway the process of getting them used to new things becomes more desensitisation and counter conditioning. Much harder work to build their confidence! Puppies can be hard work but at least you have complete control over their training and lessons in life I can't seem to find if you've mentioned how old this little girls is but Im presuming more than 16 weeks?. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 Yes absolutely, I suppose that's more what I meant too and it's not a project I need tbh. She's 7 months, but the listing has been taken down now. There's a show on Sunday and I'm kid free, so will try to make it there. If anyone from Brisbane is going and wants a tag-along, let me know 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_PL_ Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 (edited) We usually work with the proviso that if the dog hasn't been in care (tested thoroughly) with little children then we don't place them into a home with little children. It's too risky. I'd find a rescue big enough that they have carers with young kids and then only take a proven dog. Or a breeder whose kids have been handling the pups would be a good alternative. Edited June 19, 2017 by Powerlegs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted June 20, 2017 Author Share Posted June 20, 2017 That particular dog was a purebred papered dog that the owners were advertising directly. I do keep an eye on all the rescue sites, but because I'm looking for a small young female with fluffy hair my chances of finding one like that are pretty slim. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_PL_ Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Agreed it can be hard. I've rescued a few Japanese Spitz (you mentioned them above I think) and they are absolutely wonderful dogs. I looooove them, and that's coming from a steadfast terrier person! lol. Not sure what they are like with kids but I find them to be cheerful loving souls. There's Dog Breeds 101 here on DOL where you might get a bit of info too. Sorry if you've already seen it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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