Bichon Place

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Malachy the Pekingese Takes Top Prize

2012-02-16T02:54:00.000-05:00

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Malachy the Pekingese Takes Top Prize: The 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show had a surprise winner this year when a Pekingnese took the coveted Best in Show prize in New York. Malachy, the four-year-old winner at this year’s Westminster show, made it to the final round at the 2011...

Important Developmental Stages of Bichon Frise Puppies

2012-01-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: -Jer-

If you are getting a new puppy, you may be very interested in reading about various developmental stages of puppies.

You can learn what to expect from your new Bichon puppy.

I happened to read that soon after a puppy is born his/her sense of smell is already developed.

Around the time of the third week, the puppy may try to communicate with their brothers and sisters. By the fourth week of the puppy's development, his senses are fully developed and he is able to become familiar with his new environment.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

Bichon Frises have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Bichon puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family.

It is an extremely important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a lot during these first few weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Bichon puppies may be well-socialized with each other. The Bichon Frise puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder at this point in their lives. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

You probably want your puppy to grow up and mature to be happy and well-adjusted for his/her lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for Bichon Frise puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your puppy's socialization experiences to be positive and rewarding.

A Bichon Frise puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

The time before the Bichon puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences.

Praise and positive reinforcement are essential with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

At this age, your Bichon Frise puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him/her some basic commands, such as sit, stay and come.

You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy. It may be very helpful to read my "Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy" and "Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy" which are older posts listed under my December 2009 Archive section of my blog.

Hopefully, your Bichon Frise puppy may be in a good developmental stage to learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Bichon puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be more independent and may want to test you or his environment a little more. You may need some patience and be consistent and keep up your training lessons during this developmental stage. Your Bichon puppy may be slightly more brave with his efforts. It is helpful for you to guide and encourage your puppy along.

Is Your Bichon Frise Bored When He or She is Home Alone?

2012-01-26T01:46:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall

You may be wondering what your pampered pooch is doing at home while you are working at your office job and your kids are at school during the day. The house may be too quiet and your dog might feel lonely or bored.

It is common for a dog to possibly experience a little separation anxiety when you leave the house. Dogs of all ages can have separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them.

You are probably the most important thing in your dog's life. When a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

Listed below are examples of common behaviors associated with separation anxiety:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your dog makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. If you are in the kitchen cooking, or watching television in your family room your dog would want to be right with you. When you go out of the house to do a few errands, your dog may always give you a dramatic welcome greeting as soon as you return home.

When you or your kids finally come home from work or school, you may also find that your dog has become very clingy, and he never lets you or the kids out of his sight.

Additional characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety include the following:

The behavior occurs mostly when your dog is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

However, it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

Listed below are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your dog:

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Helpful ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your dog in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

You can try to alter your daily habits a little bit. Do you have a set routine time each day before you leave the house to go to work or school? Maybe you jingle your keys, put your purse, briefcase, packed lunch or jacket near the door right before you are ready to leave the house. Your dog may pick up on these visual cues and associate them with your leaving the house. It may be a little helpful to try and mix up your normal routine by doing your usual activities in a different order.

It may be helpful to take your dog for a nice walk before you leave. It might give your dog a reason to look forward to your leaving. It will be good exercise for him and a little change of scenery.

Hopefully, with a few of these helpful tips, your dog will feel relaxed instead of anxious when you leave the house.

Characteristics of the Bichon Frise Breed

2012-01-22T01:02:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: mrRobot

Bichon Frises are known for their gorgeous white powder-puff coat and plumed tail and their pleasant, fun-loving personality. Bichons may possibly have some color shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around their ears or body.

Bichon Frises usually have a gentle nature; however, they are sturdy little playful dogs. The normal Bichon weight is about 10 to 18 pounds. It is important to remember that each dog has their own individual personality. The life expectancy of the Bichon is known to be about 15 years.

In general, specific breeds have certain inherited traits. Bichon Frises are known to have friendly and devoted personalities. It is easy to understand why they can be great companion dogs because they usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family.

Bichons may not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Routinely, Bichon Frises can keep up with the more active members of the family. They are known to enjoy outdoor activities and going for walks. Also, they are good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Bichons can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate and gentle nature.

Bichon Frises can adapt to their new environment very well. Fortunately, they may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Video

2012-01-21T04:08:00.000-05:00

Basic Rules In Training Your Puppy

2011-12-11T04:00:00.000-05:00

By Sandy Rutherforde

Having a new puppy is always a joy as they can brighten up any home. However, training your puppy can be difficult, especially for first time owners. When it comes to house training your puppy, the rule is the earlier the better. Just like people, puppies develop differently. It's crucial that owners not push their pets. Instead, follow their pace of learning. At the same time, owners need to get into the mind of their puppies and understand what they are thinking in order to avoid frustration.

Puppies, or any animal for that matter, have only one thing on their minds when it comes to relieving themselves - they will do it when and where the need sets in. This is exactly why an untrained pet will see nothing wrong with doing it right on your living room floor. At the same time, dogs tend to look for a spot which is away from their feeding and sleeping quarters, and which provides them with some privacy.

Owners need to pick a specific spot in the backyard where they want their pets to do their business and be very consistent about it. The main principle of training your puppy has to do with consistency and getting used to a routine. It is also necessary to know when a puppy is more likely to feel the need to relieve itself. Most of the time, pets feel the need right after they have woken up, after they have eaten, and when they are excited. Owners have to be very quick with letting their pets out during these instances because puppies are unable to control their bladder that well.

Training a pet means that one has to keep an extra eye on the pooch. A pet who has to go will exhibit a few signs which include walking around in a circle with an upright tail and sniffing the ground. After seeing that ritual, the owner has to take the puppy out to the designated spot and then wait for the pup to urinate or defecate.

There are some times when a puppy will not immediately do anything. In this case, it is not advisable to have the dog linger for a long time in the yard or garden, and the owner should take his or her pet inside. This is to keep the puppy from thinking that taking him out means play time. Instead, the owner has to keep his or her eyes peeled for more signs and then take the pup out again in ten minutes or so.

Training a puppy does not come easy and the pooch will have a few accidents in the course of the training. Owners should never punish their pets for these accidents since doing so will only lead to trauma and fear. Practice and constant positive reinforcement is the way to go in house training any pet.

Do you need help with puppy behavior problems? Be sure to visit my site to learn how to stop puppy begging and puppy jumping.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

A History of the Bichon Frise

2011-12-11T03:23:00.000-05:00

By Kyle R Lambert

While the specific beginnings of the Bichon story are quite cloudy, it is believed that Barbets and water spaniels (small white dogs known to be direct ancestors of bichons) have been a part of nautical traders' lives for over two thousand years.

This line of Barbets is known to have sired the Barbichon and Caniche lines which in turn evolved into the bichon breed. In fact, there were six breeds that fell under the Bichon name. These were the Bichon Havanese, the Maltese, the Coton du Tulear, the Tenerife, the Bolognese, and the Lowchen. The modern Bichon Frise evolved from the Bichon Tenerife.

Because they are descended from the Barbichon and Barbet, the modern Bichon Frise can trace its roots back to ancient Mediterranean Sea traders, specifically from Italy. With the increasing expansion of trade routes, they were brought along as ship companions and offered as exotic trade items in distant lands. Through these trades the Bichon worked its way to the Tenerife Island. Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is located in the Atlantic Ocean between Spain and Northern Africa. It is here that the breed was given the name Bichon Tenerife.

For a long time the original Italian population forgot about the Bichon. It was not until the 1300s, when the Renaissance was beginning and exploration was exploding again, that explorers rediscovered the Bichon on the Island of Tenerife and brought it back with them. The Bichon experienced its own Renaissance at this time, becoming the beloved pet of both the merchant middle class and the noble high class of Italy. By the mid-1500s, after France had invaded Italy, many Italian customs and influences were working their way into French culture, and this included the Bichon. The breed found enormous popularity under the crown of Henry III. A certain Bichon legend is that Henry so loved the Bichon that he carried his dog in a basket tied around his neck with ribbons. It is also believed that the dog is responsible for the French verb "bichonner" which means "to pamper."

The next interesting point in Bichon history comes during the mid to late 1800s. At this point the breed was no longer a dog of royalty, but a common dog. Known as a smart and extremely capable dog, it was used by street entertainers and in carnivals. Bichons could be found performing pet tricks at circuses and fairs or accompanying organ grinders. Their attractiveness brought in the children and their fantastic abilities helped their owners make a lot of money!

About fifty years later, shortly after World War I, dog lovers in Belgium and France recognized the Bichon for what it was and began to breed it for these characteristics. They loved the attractiveness of the dog, but also the loyal, friendly, and loving demeanor the dogs are famous for.

In 1933 the official breed standard was adopted in France, and the name Frise (meaning fluffy or white) was attached. It was over twenty years before the Bichon Frise was to arrive in the United States, but after 1956 the population of Bichons exploded. Within eight years the breed was accepted in the the American Kennel Club.

With a long and interesting history, the Bichon has only grown more and more popular through the ages. It is a dog that is loved for beauty and temperament, and will be loved for years to come.

Kyle Lambert is a writer and bichon owner. After years of raising bichons, he decided to create a website dedicated to the breed. Focusing on all bichon related issues, Kyle hopes to educated people interested in the breed. Find his full website dedicated to Bichon Information by following the link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_R_Lambert

How to Help a Shy Bichon Frise Become More Social at Any Age

2011-10-10T03:04:00.002-04:00

Is your dog shy? One common reason that a dog may be shy is because he possibly had a lack of exposure to new people, places and things when he was at a young age. You can help your Bichon Frise at any age to overcome his shyness with lots of love and patience.

An important goal for an owner is to have a puppy grow up and mature to be friendly and well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Puppyhood is an important period for a dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

The time before the puppy is sixteen weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Socialization actually begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

If you have a puppy that shows signs of being shy and he has already had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about when and also how to introduce your puppy to other animals in a safe manner.

Once you know that it is fine to socialize your Bichon Frise puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new puppy to some of your friends in a pleasant, supervised manner. You may want to get your puppy comfortable with handling, especially if they may need routine grooming in the future. You can safely hold your puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you.

It may be lots of fun to safely take the puppy on short car rides, so he becomes familiar with riding in the car. This positive experience may make it easier for the both of you when you need to go for any future veterinarian office visits.

If you happen to already have another pet in the home, you may want to make sure that you provide enough individual attention to your new dog to help them develop their own personality.

You can help build your Bichon's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. It is positive reinforcement to reward your dog with treats or verbal praise when he acts with confidence.

Dog obedience classes may offer an opportunity for the dog to socialize with people and other dogs in a safe, supervised setting. Some professional dog trainers specialize in helping shy dogs.

Spending quality time with your Bichon Frise is very important for his mental well-being. You can enjoy walks together. You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible. Always remember to reward your dog when he has done something right. Helping your dog feel a sense of accomplishment is a great confidence builder. You may also wish to check out the following:

Cute Bichon Frise Video

2011-10-09T02:01:00.000-04:00

Bichon Frise Training - Some Things to Consider

2011-10-02T04:31:00.000-04:00

By Richard Cussons

Now that you have decided to get a bichon, or perhaps who have already brought home one charming puffball, the next thing to consider is bichon frise training. Training a bichon is easy if the training starts early and continued consistently. And besides, bichons love humans. They would be obedient to follow commands knowing that being obedient pleases their owners.

A well mannered bichon sure makes every owner proud and happy. In order to make yours a well mannered little dog everybody loves to be around, here are some things to consider:

Also true when training other breeds, bichon frise training should start early. At two weeks of age, a puppy can learn simple associations and at around three weeks, socialization period should be started. Though puppies as young as two weeks can learn simple stuff, they should not be taken away from their mothers before eight weeks of age as puppies are fearful during that time of their life. So remember, take home a puppy of about eight weeks of age.
House train your bichon with determination. Bichons can be difficult to house train or appear not to be house trained if they are not happy or if left alone too much.
Bichons are active little dogs but one can live in an apartment if he gets enough exercise through play and other activities indoors. However, just like any other breeds, a bichon needs a daily pack walk to fulfill his primal instinct to walk.
Be determined and consistent when training your dog the basic commands such as sit, down, stay and down. You can start training these commands when the puppy is about eight weeks of age.
You may want to consider basic training classes. Training classes are offered by many kennels, pet stores and independent trainers to train the dog's guardian to train the dog. Training classes also help socialize a dog to other people and dogs as well. In order for a puppy to be accepted in training classes, he must be at least three to six months of age and has completed the required vaccinations.
Use appropriate training method. There are various training methods you can use when training your bichon, the most common is the positive training method. In positive dog training, you are molding a dog's behavior with the use of rewards or praise without having to inflict pain, fear or punishment.

Richard Cussons is a long-time dog owner who likes to give advice on bichon training. To learn more about bichon frise training, please visit bichonfrisesavvy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Puppy Obedience Training - 5 Steps for a Good Start

2011-10-02T02:34:00.000-04:00

By Carolyn Anderson

Training your puppies can be a challenging task but the rewards are good as well. Of course, a well-trained pet is one that most pet owners want but this will also be your responsibility. Before even owning a pet and before even bringing your puppy at home, it is always important that you know your responsibility as a pet owner and you have to make sure that you will be able to do your responsibility to your pet.

For a puppy obedience training to be successful, here are simple steps to help you start with your training.

1. Start early with your obedience training.Like a teaching a child, it is often advantageous that you are teaching your dog early as this means it has not yet started making bad habits. Of course, it is a lot easier to teach someone who has not yet learned something. Right after bringing your pet home, it is important that you start right away with your training. You may want to start with obedience training and then do the potty training to help your pet establish good behavior and habits at home.

2. Train your pet to recognize his name. You may not be able to get his attention right away especially if you are giving him a new name, and this will make the training a little difficult as well. You may want to call him with his new name frequently to be able to let him familiarize with the name at first before giving him instructions.

3. Start developing commands for your obedience training. Be sure to be consistent with them. You commands may be single-word commands and make sure that they are given in a way where you can get his attention and follow the order. Being consistent with your commands is important. You cannot train your puppy to do exactly the same thing with different commands, thus make sure that you strictly stick with the commands and be consistent with them.

4. Establish a schedule for your day to day training. Dogs are animals of habit and if you want to make your puppy obedience training effective right from the start, you may want to establish a schedule that will help your dog stick to the schedule for the training. The more you are consistent with the schedule as well as the commands, the easier it will be for the animal to make everything a habit and that helps a lot in being able to make the training more effective and systematic.

5. Be patient. Do the training each day and at every set schedule to make it more effective andstick with your schedule. You have to do the puppy obedience training day by day without skipping a schedule. This way, you will be able to make everything consistent and effective as well. Without cutting the focus and concentration of the animal towards the training, it will also help your pet learn more easily as well.

Carolyn Anderson trains her pet dogs herself. For a good guide to train your dog fast and easy, check out Clickertraining 4 Secrets. Also check out Sit-Stay-Fetch Dog Training another guide to help you change the behavior of your dog and become an obedient part of the family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson

Bichon Frise Dog - Puffball Cutie

2011-09-14T01:20:00.000-04:00

By Mary Stevenson

The Bichon Frise is a cute puffball of a dog that is charming and which has loose and curly double-coated hair that is mostly white in color, though they may also turn out to be cream, gray as well as apricot colored. This predominantly white colored dog has a special liking for humans and the Bichon Frise personality will charm you and it is also very gentle in its manner, and less of a yapper than you would expect from a toy breed. Nevertheless, it is self-assured and very happy in its outlook and quite easy to get along with.

Also, the Bichon Frise dog originates from the Mediterranean area is sociable and will get along with other dogs and pets, and is also an excellent watchdog and able to perform many tricks as well. In fact, the Bichon Frise was among the few "yuppie puppies" of the eighties, though the same popularity has led to its being improperly bred, so lookout before buying this breed. Nevertheless, you will still love him for his competitive nature and also for his obedience, though often it can prove to be stubborn and rather difficult to housebreak, just like most other toy breeds.

The Bichon Frise dog is an excellent choice for those who want a small yet sturdy pet and also one who does not need much exercise and he is good watchdog that also gets along well with other pets. Also, the Bichon Frise personality is such that he requires a lot of companionship and is not happy when left alone. When he is unhappy about something, the Bichon Frise will show it through becoming destructive and also by barking. He is also naturally soft by nature and if he is not given adequate exposure to people, he can become excessively shy and even suspicious.

Other aspects to the Bichon Frise personality include his being quite stubborn at times, and even quite manipulative. Thus, to get them to obey you, the Bichon Frise needs to be consistently shown that you mean what you say, and not allow it to think otherwise by vacillating between firmness and softness while training him. In addition, the Bichon Frise will bark at the slightest provocation and this can be quite unnerving because of his intense as well as high-pitched bark.

There is no doubt how cute the immensely attractive Bichon Frise dog is and he is also a very charming creature, which adds to his appeal amongst dog owners. In addition, the Bichon Frise personality is one of confidence as well as wanting a lot of human attention, while at the same time he is very stylish and also vigorous. The Bichon Frise dog is also extremely intelligent and very attentive as well as a good show dog that could easily win prizes in ring competition.

The Bichon Frise dog is also one who loves comfort as well as human company and will generally make a great pet dog, though from the time you take him in as a pup until he grows up you may need to cuddle him and provide him with a snug bed to suit his temperament and personality. In fact, for the real Bichon Frise personality to bloom he must be given plenty of affection otherwise he can easily become shy as well as withdrawn.

Mary Stevenson has owned and bred dogs and has also devoted a great deal of time to studying dogs and thus is considered by some to be an expert on all types and breeds of dogs. To learn more about the history behind the Bichon Frise requires sifting through every available bit of information that will help you understand how this toy breed has survived many ups and downs in his life. For those who want to learn about the history behind the breed, this article provides all the necessary Bichon Frise information on the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Stevenson

Some Basic Information About Bichon Frise Puppies

2011-09-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

By Mary Stevenson

The pups of the Bichon Frise breed are just like little clouds dancing before your eyes. These puppies are very fun when they are playing and bouncing, and they seem to almost giggle. Your hart melts when holding a puppy in your hand. Cute names and accessories come into your mind. Before you completely lose your head, and before you settle on a name like "candy" or "fluffy," there is much more that goes into the care of a Bichon Frise pup than sparkly collars and chew toys. You first need to research the breed. You can surf the net, or stop by your local library or bookstore. Another good idea is to visit a dog show, where you can see how your pup will show in a few years and you can also talk to some Bichon Frise owners.

You can hear from them some tips related to puppies behavior, needs and care. When you visit some breeders to decide on buying, they can provide you with the most important information you need to take good care of your puppy. After their mother gave birth to the Bichon Frise pups, the breeder was the most close person to them. They will have the most in-depth information on how to continue molding the wee one into a fun-loving, delightful adult.

The Power of the Puppy

Socialization is very important to a Bichon Frise puppy. They constantly need to meet new people and animals. This way you will have a friendly pup and not a frightened one. And it will not became aggressive or anxious. Continue whatever lessons were begun with the breeder.

It is a big mistake to get angry and to try negative treatment, discipline or punishment because the pup will not respond well at all. The key to successful training is positive reinforcement. Ask the breeder or another owner about a puppy kindergarten in your neighborhood. At the puppy kindergarten, your pups will be learning the basic training and they will also get the social interactions they need.

Your new Bichon Frise puppy will also need to have a crate or a small kennel for itself. This will assist you during housebreaking, and times when you will be away from home. It would also be a good idea to feed your pup in the crate, as The Bichon prefers to be undisturbed while eating.

You may ask the breeder for recommended food, but usually the Bichon Frise puppies eat dry kibble, and there are lots of puppy formulas available. You will want to have plenty of toys on hand for your new bundle of joy. And do not forget to buy the sparkly collar you have dreamed for.

Picking the right name for your little cute is one of the greatest problems of all. Luckily, there is the Bichon Frise Club of America online where you can ask for suggestions.

There is much involved in preparing for Bichon Frise puppy care. You can collect the appropriate information from different articles and books and also from other owners and breeders.

They are like little clouds dancing before your eyes, those Bichon Frise pups. Picking the right name for your little cute pup is one of the greatest problems of all. The Bichon Frise puppies usually eat dry kibble.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Stevenson

Housetraining Your Bichon Frise Puppy

2011-06-06T04:18:00.001-04:00

Bichons are intelligent dogs, but you may need to be patient when you are housetraining them. It is helpful to teach them routine housetraining rules to follow. A well-known method of housetraining would be the crate method.

The idea behind using the crate method is based on the theory that dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep or eat. The crate used for your puppy needs to be large enough for your puppy to be able to easily stand up and lie down and get comfortable. You may choose to place a comfortable and safe, washable dog blanket in the crate.

You may wish to take your puppy's collar off while he is in the crate for safety reasons. It is helpful for your puppy if you keep the crate in the room where you are going to be in, so that your puppy will still have your company and not be lonely. Your puppy will hopefully learn to think of his crate as his own special place, almost like his own doghouse or den to go where he can relax and rest.

A good feature is the crate can be quite portable. You should be able to easily take it from room to room with you. Puppies need love and attention from their owner, so it may be a good idea not to leave your puppy inside the crate for longer than one hour at a time during the day, if possible.

Crate training should be a positive experience. It is very important that at night you are able to have the crate near your bed where your puppy can definitely see you and let you know when he may need to go outside to go to the bathroom.

Please don't forget that puppies may need to go to the bathroom every two to three hours or more during the day when they are young. The time span will increase as they get a little older. Puppies will usually be ready to go to the bathroom when they first wake up in the morning, after eating and drinking, and also after playing.

You may feed your puppy inside the crate. When he is done eating, carry your puppy outside close to the area where you want him to go to the bathroom.

Try to use the same approximate area every time, so your puppy gets into a familiar routine. After your puppy goes to the bathroom outside you may want to praise him for doing good. Then, when you go back inside you may want to offer him a treat, while having him walk back into his crate. It is so important to establish a daily time schedule for your puppy to eat his meals and also his routine schedule to go outside. You may also want to read more about the Bichon Frise:

Characteristics of the Bichon Frise

2011-05-15T02:07:00.000-04:00

Bichons are routinely known for their beautiful white powder puff coat and plumed tail and their charming personality. Bichons may also have some color shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around their ears or body. The normal Bichon weight is about 10 to 18 pounds. The life expectancy of the Bichon is known to be about 15 years. Bichon Frises are sturdy little playful dogs with a gentle nature.

Each dog has their own individual personality, but in general specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Bichon Frises are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Bichons usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. Bichon Frises can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people.

Bichons can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature. Bichon Frises usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Bichons may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Schnauzers available, www.MaximilianSchnauzers.com

2011-05-15T01:59:00.002-04:00

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Dog Supplies for Your New Bichon Frise

2011-04-15T19:28:00.001-04:00

It is a very special time when you get a new puppy! If you are bringing a new Bichon Frise puppy home you may be thinking about some specific dog items that you may be shopping for to make the transition easy for you and your puppy in his new home. For example, your puppy will need an appropriate place to play and sleep and he will also need some items for daily maintenance. The following helpful list includes specific items that some people may think about and consider when getting a new puppy.

Appropriate dog food and treats for puppies

Feeding and Water dishes

Safe and comfortable dog bed and dog blanket

Appropriate dog collar and leashes

Dog brushes and combs

Possibly a dog pen

Dog nametag or ID

Dog shampoo

Safe and appropriate dog toys (recommended for puppies)

Video of Syncronized Bichon Tricks

2011-04-09T03:43:00.000-04:00

Owning a Bichon Frise

2011-02-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

Bichon Frises are known to be adorable dogs with a characteristic white, fluffy powder-puff coat. Bichons usually have a charming personality with a gentle nature.

These dogs enjoy loving attention from their owner and their families. They enjoy companionship and activities such as going for walks outside, throwing a frisbe, playing with them and their dog toys, teaching them tricks, taking them with you on your daily errands if possible, and making a habit of talking to them.

It is also important to have patience and consistency when raising and training a Bichon Frise. It is helpful to use positive reinforcement and encouragement when teaching them new things, such as successful house training.

Patience and understanding is so important when a dog makes any mistakes. A future owner of a Bichon Frise might be the type of person who is motivated to meet the emotional and physical needs of their dog. A positive, relaxed, consistent approach to caring for your dog may help him to develop his personality to it's fullest potential throughout his lifetime and you might both feel very rewarded and happy!

A Cute Bichon Frise Video

2010-12-09T03:07:00.000-05:00

Family Pets and Emotional Benefits For Owners

2010-08-31T22:16:00.000-04:00

Pets can be a positive influence in our lives. Our pets can influence how we feel about ourselves in a positive way. There are so may wonderful emotional benefits of owning a dog. The bond that forms between a new puppy and their owner may develop quickly. A new puppy may look and act so cute. As the time goes by, all the experiences that you share with your dog, both happy and sad help to strengthen the emotional bond.

When your puppy is about one year old or more each family member usually develops a special emotional attachment with their puppy. Sometimes, children even turn to their pet for comfort if a family member leaves the family or becomes ill. Parents may decide to include children in the appropriate care of their pet. Parents may want to supervise their children while teaching them how to safely care for their pets. Parents can make a chart for daily care that includes providing fresh water throughout the day, all feedings, walking or exercise and playing. Having a dog can be a positive, rewarding experience for a child and the whole family. Family pets can prove to be faithful and loyal companions who provide happiness and unconditional love to the family!

Adults that may have lost a loved one may feel comfort if they have a pet. People that happen to live all alone may feel a little isolated. If they choose to have a dog or cat and they are physically able to take care of their pet, it may help to make them feel they are needed. They may feel happy to have a special pet to share their life with. A good pet can be a very nice companion.

Dogs can help us focus our attention away from our worries. Sometimes when we feel sad or stressed spending a little time with our friendly dog or cat can hopefully brighten our day.

Our daily lives may be full of so many responsibilities whether at work or at home. Often times our pet may do some cute funny things which may help us to relax and laugh. When we come home from a frustrating work day it can be so nice to be greeted by our family dog with their big beautiful eyes and their tail wagging because they are so happy to see us. It is a wonderful thing that our pets can accept us just as we are and we can be ourselves when we are around them. Our pets don't care if we are disabled, old or young, rich or poor. Dogs can provide great companionship.

Dogs can add some consistency and routine to our lives and give us something nice to look forward to every single day. Many people may come and go in our lives, but our dogs are usually with us everyday.

Your dog can help to keep you active by getting more exercise, like when you are taking your dog for a nice walk and getting some fresh air and sunshine or playing Frisbee outside with him. The general basics of caring for a dog, such as daily feedings, grooming and playtime will help to keep you both active.

Your dog may view all the family members with great affection. Each family member may play an important role for your dog. The man in the house may be the one that usually takes the dog out for his walks and plays fetch outside with him in the backyard. The woman in the house may be the one that routinely gives the dog his meals and lots of attention. If there are any children in the family they may offer their dog a lot of hugs and fun playtime together.

The dog appreciates the family interaction and affection and he has probably established great trust in his family. As a proud pet owner you will be able to recognize the maturity in your dog and as time goes by you will learn the favorite things that your dog likes, his strengths, weaknesses and any fears he may have at times.

The human-animal emotional bond between an owner and their dog is one of trust, affection and love. Dogs enjoy being part of the family and a loyal dog can be a best friend. If we love them, they usually show us unconditional love in return!

Housetraining Your Bichon Frise Puppy

2010-07-30T02:58:00.006-04:00

One of the first things you will want to teach your new Bichon Frise puppy when you bring him home is housetraining. This is the start of your bond with you and your puppy and it is good to make it a positive, stress free experience for both of you. Housetraining your puppy requires patience, consistency and commitment. It may take a few weeks to successfully house train your puppy. Your Bichon Frise puppy will learn to get used to a routine schedule for eating, playing, and going outside to eliminate.

To begin the housetraining you may want to take your puppy outside at least every two hours during the day. You may take him outside after every meal or drink, or after he wakes up from a nap. Always remember to take your puppy out when he wakes up in the morning and also after playing, and before going to bed at night.

Choose an area outside and try to take your puppy close to that same spot each time, so he becomes very familiar with it. When you are going through this housetraining process, it is really helpful if you praise and reward your puppy when he eliminates outside. Praise him verbally and you may also want to give him a treat. This is a type of positive reinforcement for your Bichon Frise puppy. He will learn that going to the bathroom outside is what is expected of him. Also, feeding your puppy at the same times each day is helpful to keep a good routine.

During the night, some puppies can sleep for several hours without having to eliminate. Your puppy may wake you up during the night. If that happens you may quietly take him out to eliminate, and then help him get back to his bed.

During the day when you are with your Bichon Frise puppy, you can learn to watch for signs that your puppy needs to eliminate. Some signs may be restlessness, sniffing around, barking, going to the door, or trying to squat. When you see these signs you may quickly take your puppy outside to his bathroom spot. If he eliminates, you can praise him and reward him with a treat. Hopefully some of these housetraining tips are helpful!

Helpful reminder of usual times that puppies may need to eliminate:

When they first wake up in the morning

After each meal throughout the day

After drinking a good amount of water

After they play hard

After they wake up from a nap

Right before they go to bed at night

When they awaken during the night

Spending Quality Time with Your Bichon Frise

2010-07-30T02:36:00.002-04:00

It is important for your Bichon Frise to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them.

It is helpful if your dog understands the house rules. Here are some examples of some common house rules:

Being polite with people: you may want to teach your Bichon Frise to sit, instead of jumping up on people when greeting them.

Discourage chewing of furniture and other items: As a new owner you may want to provide safe and appropriate chew toys and routinely spend time with your Bichon Frise so he is not bored.

You may want to discourage excessive barking for attention.

Good house training habits are also very important for your dog.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Spending quality time with your dog is very important. We can often get so busy with our daily work, whether working at a routine office job, going to school, or doing household chores and taking care of the family. We can very easily forget to make time to balance our lifestyle and relax and have some healthy fun. People who make a habit of relaxing more may possibly be a little happier and less stressed. Your relationship with your Bichon Frise is important to both of you.

Your relationship with your dog can be much more than just the daily care and responsibilities of owning a pet. Hopefully, it is more than you being the master and your Bichon being your dog. You can learn to have fun with your Bichon Frise by doing activities together. By doing physical activities, like walks and maybe teaching your Bichon some tricks, you are keeping him mentally and physically active and hopefully he will be less bored and be very contented and happy.

Maybe you can think of some fun things that your Bichon Frise might like to do. He probably would enjoy going for a nice walk or playing catch, or getting together with another friend and possibly their dog, if appropriate. Well-socialized adult dogs are great companions. If you are relaxed and having fun, the chances are that your Bichon Frise is too!

Here are more ideas on how to spend quality time with your Bichon Frise:

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your Bichon Frise. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat, or some nice play time.

How To Teach Your Bichon Frise Good Manners and House Rules

2010-07-26T03:46:00.000-04:00

You will be happy to know that you can train your dog to have good manners and be well-behaved. It will take some time and effort on your part, but it will be worth it. Your dog can learn to be polite around your family and friends. A well-mannered dog can be a wonderful companion. You are your dog's leader. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior to your dog. A dog owner should appreciate his dog’s good behavior. A dog with good manners doesn’t bark uncontrollably at people or other dogs. He doesn’t jump on people or chew up your expensive furniture. Also, good housetraining habits are very important for your dog.

Be consistent when training your dog. Remember to keep your dog's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your dog when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him. If your dog does something right, it is helpful if you praise him immediately. Focus on the good behavior that your dog demonstrates, not the bad behavior. If you happens to see your puppy starting to chew on your expensive shoes, try to offer him a safe and appropriate dog toy made for chewing instead of the shoes.

Some behaviors you may want to discourage are the following:

Jumping up on people

Barking too much

Chewing on household or personal items, such as furniture or shoes

I will try to give some helpful tips on how to improve these behaviors.

1. Teaching Your Dog Not To Jump Up When Greeting You, Your Friends or Family Members

You probably really love your dog and you may actually be happy when he jumps up to greet you when you come home. However, this is not always practical for you or for other people that may come over to your house to visit. Many people are a little scared when dogs jump up on them. Your friends and other visitors may wear very nice clothing that they don't want ruined by accident. Sometimes, you may have a few large grocery bags in your arms that you are carrying in from the store, or you may have some expensive clothing on that you happened to wear for work or a special occasion. It is up to you whether you want to routinely allow your dog to jump up when he greets you. If you decide that you don't want your dog to jump up, you will need to teach him not to do this and be consistent about it.

To teach your dog not to jump up, you can carefully help him get back down when he jumps up on you and tell him to sit. Give him nice verbal praise when he obeys you. It is good to be consistent when teaching your dog not to jump up when greeting you.

For example, if you are wearing your old clothes on the weekend and you think it is fine for him to jump up during these times, but not when you are wearing your expensive clothes, he will get confused. The important thing for your dog to understand is that he is definitely allowed to greet you, but instead of jumping up, it will be in a sitting position. If you continue to praise your dog when he obeys, he will probably quickly learn what is expected of him.

2. How To Help Prevent or Control Excessive Barking

It's only natural, dogs bark to communicate with their owners or other animals. It is important for your dog to understand when it is appropriate to bark and when it is good to be quiet. Dogs will bark for several different reasons. It's their way of communicating and expressing themselves. Listed below are some common reasons why dogs bark.

Dogs may bark to try to get your attention. They may start young as puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, when they are frustrated or scared, or just when they want some attention. It is common for a new puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely or frightened. Sometimes, we may not realize it at first, but we may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be helpful not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention. When your puppy is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. It is important to remember that teaching your puppy good behavior from the start is easier than changing inappropriate behavior later on.

Socializing your puppy is very important. You may want to introduce your puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive way. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

You can go slow and gradually introduce your puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sounds from an alarm clock, noise from a vacuum cleaner, sound of the television or any music playing.

Your dog may bark because they are so happy about playing Frisbee outside, going for a walk or for nice ride in a car. They may also bark because they are excited when friends come to your house to visit.

Your dog may bark when he hears other dogs in your neighborhood barking.

Your dog may bark to try to warn you, if he sees an unfamiliar person coming to your home. It is common for dogs to bark at mail carriers.

Another common reason why dogs bark is because they are bored. It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog every day.

You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important person in your dog's life. When a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some separation anxiety. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your dog may bark or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety include the following:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your dog in the house, you can give him a piece of clothing that has your scent.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming and relaxing.

Sometimes, having safe and appropriate dog toys available for your dog will be a little distraction and help to keep them busy.

Next, I will mention ideas to help dogs that may have a habit of chewing furniture or some of your personal items.

3. Why Dogs Chew and Some Helpful Tips About Chewing

There are some basic reasons that dogs chew. Puppies may check out some of the new things in their environment by putting objects in their mouths. Puppies may also chew to relieve pressure of their new little teeth erupting through their gums. They may teethe for about 6 months, which usually causes some discomfort. Chewing can make their sore gums feel better.

Some dogs chew because they are bored. It may be helpful to give your dog enough daily attention. Safely taking him with you when you do errands, if possible, may give him a change of scenery and some variety.

Dogs chew to relieve stress. Maybe, your dog is experiencing separation anxiety. Dogs that don't get enough exercise use up some energy by chewing. Another reason why dogs may chew is because as a puppy, they were not taught what to chew and what not to chew. For example, chewing can be done on a safe bone or safe chew toy.

A Few Helpful Tips About Chewing

You can make a good habit of keeping clothing, shoes, books, trash, and children's toys out of your dog's reach.

You may decide to use a safe place that's dog-proof in your home and provide fresh water and safe and appropriate dog toys.

It is helpful for your dog to have enough attention and exercise each day. When you are deciding on the amount of exercise, keep in mind his age and health.

If you happen to see your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, you can offer him a safe chew toy instead. You may also wish to offer your dog a treat in exchange for the item in his mouth.

Your dog will need time to learn the rules about chewing and remember to take precautions, and keep things out of his reach that you don't want him to get. Training your dog to learn good behavior is so important for your dog or puppy. Effective communication is necessary to teach your dog what you want him to do or not to do. Hopefully, it will be a positive experience if you teach your dog not to jump up on you or your friends, and not to chew the furniture.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. Always remember the following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

It is also important to routinely spend quality time with your dog. You will want your dog to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them.
A few ideas for spending quality time with your dog include the following:

You can enjoy walks together.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch television or talk with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe, you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident. Your dog can understand your house rules.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your dog. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a big hug, a favorite treat or some nice play time.

What Determines Whether A Certain Dog Bed Is Comfortable?

2010-07-19T04:04:00.000-04:00

By: Terry Walker

With dog bed business thriving, an individual can't help but think that these dog beds may just be worthy of the buzz, as well as the cash. Designer dog beds can keep their spot as sought-after ornamental and completely functional furniture items. Memory foam dog beds have been invaluable in keeping the good old family dog happy. Once you come to think of it, it truly is understandable that many consumers want to obtain sleep-stuff for his or her best friends.

A dog's anatomy might not be like a human being's, but like ours it too consists of joints plus muscle mass. Unquestionably, arthritis or no arthritis, almost everyone may find it comfortable to rest on a plush bed. Consider how pleasant it would be for your dogs and cats to acquire some semblance of this comfort, as opposed to needing to deal with with a cold and hard floor. The simple truth is, dog beds, with the exemption of most expensive or custom products, are usually low-cost, thus there really isn't any explanation for the dog owner to disregard the comfortableness of a pet, at least when it comes to sleeping hubs. To find out what makes a dog bed comfortable, take a look at the examples below.

Protection

Most dogs are no different than any other living creature. They want to be secure, and feel safe; otherwise, it's not great for its health and well being. One way of ensuring security is by checking on how sturdy the frame of your pet bed is. In case you have a nest-shape, a doughnut-type or a similar bed, then it would not matter. If the bed contains a frame, ensure that the cushioning is adequate and also the frame is solid. Another way to ensure that your dog is comfy would be to study their particular sleeping habits. When they have a tendency to curl when resting, you may need to acquire round, or doughnut style beds. Note that younger dogs tend to be more anxious, and may want a nest-type or possibly a walled bed for added comfort.

Stuffing

What tends to make dog beds genuinely cozy is the materials used for stuffing in addition to being a protective cover. While it's true that it is better to have extra stuffing, well-padded dog beds aren't for every single dog. There aren't any strict recommendations for this. It is advisable to (once again) study the sleeping routines and determine if your pet would prefer a pillowy mattress or a more solid one. Figure out whether or not your dog likes sitting on the sofa, or rest on the hard floor. Smaller dogs usually like luxuriant fabrics and beds they can sink into, given that they are not likely to weigh much and smush the foam or something like that. Then again, large breed dogs want a more solid sleeping area where they could fully stretch.

Nobody really understands what's happening in a dog's brain. Nonetheless, it does not take a rocket scientist to learn what may make an animal, particularly dogs and cats, happy. A clean spot, sufficient food plus a comfy home may do a lot. Add a quality pet bed and you'll have a pet that will feel as relaxed as any dog would've helped its owner feel comfortable.

Author Resource: Confused about where to begin when shopping for a new outdoor dog bed? Turn to the Internet's trusted dog bed resource. Visit our website for the latest information on all styles of dog beds including outdoor dog beds and heated dog beds.

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Is a Bichon Frise the Right Dog for You and Your Family?

2010-07-18T23:46:00.000-04:00

Bichon Frises are known to be charming, adorable dogs with a characteristic white, fluffy powder-puff beautiful coat. Bichons usually have a delightful personality with a gentle nature.

These dogs enjoy loving attention from their owners and their families. It is so important to have enough time available to spend with them. They enjoy companionship and activities such as going for walks outside, throwing a Frisbee, playing with them and their dog toys, teaching them tricks, taking them with you on your daily errands if possible, and making a habit of talking to them.

It is also important to have patience and consistency when raising and training a Bichon Frise. It is helpful to use positive reinforcement and encouragement when teaching them new things, such as successful housetraining.

A future owner of a Bichon Frise might be the type of person who is motivated to meet the emotional and physical needs of their dog. Patience and understanding is so important when a dog makes any mistakes. A positive, relaxed, consistent approach to caring for your dog may help him to develop his personality to it's fullest potential throughout his lifetime, and you might both feel very rewarded and happy!

I wrote a list of some helpful things to think about when you are deciding if a Bichon Frise is the right dog for you and your family.

1. Did you do your research on the Bichon Frise breed? There are many informative books available and also a great deal of online information regarding the Bichon Frise, including the characteristics of the breed and routine care.

2. Do you have enough time available each day to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your puppy, and helping him get the proper exercise, healthy diet, and necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and committed to take of a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. Are you interested in a dog that is playful, pleasant, and usually loves to be with people?

5. If there are children in your home, are they old enough to understand about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a puppy?

6. Are you able to afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

7. Did you think about a plan for maintaining your new Bichon's beautiful coat? Are you able to afford routine professional grooming or do you plan on purchasing grooming supplies and learning how to do this yourself in the proper manner?

8. Do you have a safe and comfortable place to keep your Bichon Frise when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

9. Do you know what dog or puppy supplies that you might need to bring a new puppy into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe?

10. Do you routinely need to travel away from home for any job requirements? Do you usually take a vacation away from home once or twice a year? If you need to be away from your home for more than a few hours, what are you planning to do with your dog? Are you planning on taking him on vacation with you and your family, if possible? If you are unable to bring your dog with you during your travel time away from home, are you able and willing to make the necessary arrangements for your dog to be properly cared for during that time period? Always remember the importance of your dog's comfort, health and safety.

Create A Bond With Your Dog Through Puppy Obedience Training

2010-07-16T01:04:00.002-04:00

By: Mark Robert

Just because you love your puppy with all of your heart does not mean you shouldn't get the little fuzzy guy some obedience training.

In fact, if you have a new puppy, you should really look into all of the advantages and disadvantages of the training so you can make an educated decision on whether to enroll your pet or not.

There are a plethora of reasons why obedience training should be considered.

In the first place, there are some people who visit you who may not share the same love for your puppy that you have.

There are some pet owners who feel they have to lock their pet in a room or put them outside when visitors come to their home, but a little bit of obedience training can fix this problem.

This way, you will be able to keep your pet with you, and you will not run into any expected problems while your guests are there.

Secondly, many dogs, and especially puppies, are at to run out the front door and into the street when a new guest arrives. You certainly don't want them to get hit by a car!

You definitely don't want your beloved four-legged friend to be hit by a vehicle! Through obedience training, your dog will figure out where you want him to be and when. This way, you will be able to ensure that he is safe at all times.

This will increase his safety and give you peace of mind.

Many pet owners have rooms that are off-limit to their pets, and these can range from sitting rooms to the kitchen.

The temperament of you dog is an important determining factor for the need of obedience training, because certain breeds have aggressive tendencies that make such training a must.

There are a variety of dog breeds, including German Shepherds and Bulldogs that can greatly benefit from obedience training, and it is important to start them at a young age.

Lastly, many owners find that going through obedience training with their pet helps them maintain a good relationship; spoiling only leads to subordination and domination -- usually by the pet.

Through proper communication and instruction, you will be able to house train your pet and establish boundaries that both of you can respect.

You will find that there are many options for obedience training, and the only thing you will have to do is decide what approach is best for you and your pet.

Author Resource: Looking to find the best advices on dogs obedience training, then visit www.puppyobediencetrainingtips.net/ to find the best information on puppy obedience training.

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Bichon Frise as a Family Pet

2010-07-14T02:07:00.002-04:00

Each dog has their own individual personality, but in general specific breeds are known to have certain inherited traits. Bichons are known to be friendly, affectionate and gentle. They can be cheerful, sensitive, well-mannered, very playful, energetic and funny.

Owners may wish to consult the veterinarian about how to introduce the new puppy to children or other animals in a safe manner. If you are thinking about bringing a new Bichon Frise into your family, give some thought to the age and nature of the child or children in the family. It is important to note that infants and also very young children that have not learned how to correctly handle a dog should definitely not be left unsupervised with a Bichon. Also, if a puppy has not seen any children before, the first sight of a child can be a little frightening to an inexperienced puppy. Regardless of how friendly a dog may appear to be, it is good practice for the parent to safely supervise any interaction between the dog and a child.

Parents can teach children some important helpful safety tips such as to never approach a dog while he is eating or sleeping or never try to take the dog's food away while he is still eating. If you are bringing a new puppy home, parents can teach children in a safe way how to handle and play with the dog in a gentle manner that won’t frighten or hurt him. Parents can teach children how to touch and handle dogs, and always safely supervise any interactions between dogs and young children.

If the puppy seems scared about a specific person or member of the family, it may be a good idea to introduce that person more slowly, and you can try to associate the person with something positive, like a favorite treat. With proper supervision maybe that person can offer treats to the puppy.

You may want to get your puppy comfortable with proper handling. You can safely and comfortably hold your cute puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you and the children in the family. Your family and friends can help by gently handling the puppy the proper way. Children need to learn that puppies need to be treated carefully like any living thing. Positive reinforcement for your puppy may include lots of friendly praise and maybe also their favorite treats.

But once a good relationship is established it is refreshing to see how nicely children and Bichons can bond and learn to trust each other and enjoy each others company. Bichons usually enjoy well-mannered children that treat them properly with love and respect.

Bichons might be happy playing catch or Frisbee outside with a boy in the family as well as sitting with a girl in the family while she is having a pretend tea party with her stuffed animals.

Bichons can be wonderful companions for children and the whole family. They enjoy joining in their games or just sitting in their laps. Bichons are intelligent, playful and energetic and need a moderate amount of exercise, such as walking. If the child is old enough and knows how to properly treat a dog, with the parent's help, he could learn some basic commands and tricks to teach the dog that will help strengthen their relationship.

Many parents believe that having a dog in the family helps to teach their children responsibility. The parent should teach the child just how dependent the dog actually is on the owner and the parent can always be on hand to take care of situations that are too much for the child to handle.

Parents may decide to include children in the appropriate care of their pet. Parents can make a chart for daily care that includes providing fresh water throughout the day, all feedings, walking or exercise and playing.

Having a dog can be a positive, rewarding experience for a child and the whole family. Bichon Frises are also known to be very good companions for senior family members too. Family pets can prove to be faithful and loyal companions who provide happiness and unconditional love to the family!

The Bichon Frise Maintenance and Grooming

2010-07-13T00:26:00.001-04:00

The Bichon Frise is known for their beautiful white powder-puff coat and plumed tail. Bichons may also have some color shadings of buff, cream or apricot around their ears or body. It is important to try to keep the beautiful coat of the Bichon Frise well maintained. To keep the Bichon looking nice he may need to be routinely cleaned, brushed and trimmed. You may choose to have the grooming and trimming done professionally. However, there are things that you can do at home between professional visits to keep your Bichon Frise looking beautiful.

The Bichon is double-coated. The undercoat is soft and dense and the outercoat is coarser and has a curlier texture. The Bichon's coat serves as insulation against heat and cold. Brushing and bathing your Bichon will help to keep his coat and skin healthy. You may want to get your Bichon puppy used to grooming, so that it becomes a positive, enjoyable experience. You may wish to establish a consistent grooming routine. Hopefully, your Bichon Frise will enjoy grooming.

You will need a good dog brush and comb for daily brushing. Routine daily brushing will help to prevent tangling and mats. It is very important that you brush the coat of your Bichon before their bath and they should be mat free. You may decide to bath your Bichon at least once a month to keep him clean. Some owners have the professional groomers do the bath and also the haircut about once a month. Daily brushing can help your Bichon Frise maintain his gorgeous white, fluffy, powder-puff look that people so often admire. The Bichon Frise also loves to smile!

Bichon Frise Information

2010-07-13T00:05:00.000-04:00

The Bichon Frise has a very interesting history. The Bichon is actually from Mediterranean ancestry. It is known that the Bichon Frise is descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, from which came the name Barbichon, and later was shortened to simply Bichon.

The Barbichon group of dogs developed into four varieties: The Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltaise and the Bichon Tenerife. Today's Bichon Frise is from the Bichon Tenerife.

The Bichon's cheerful temperament helped to promote their popularity. Because the Bichons were small, sturdy and so likeable they made very good companions to the Spanish sailors. The seamen decided to take their dogs with them on their travels. The Bichons went with sailors from continent to continent. It didn't take the Spanish sailors long to discover that their cute, little fluffy dogs were greatly admired by the ladies and had value for trade or barter.

It is thought that the Spanish sailors introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Teneriffe. Around the time of the 1300's, Italian sailors discovered the charming and spirited little dogs and they soon gained popularity with Italian nobility.

The Bichon was not always a dog that was with royalty. In the late 1800's, it was known as just a common dog. The Bichon could be found running the streets along with the organ grinders and doing tricks in circuses.

The breed did enjoy great success France. I thought it was interesting that "Frise" refers to the dog's soft, curly hair. I read that the Bichon was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel Club on On October 18, 1934. The Bichon Frise was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in October, 1972. The Bichon was recognized in show classification in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC shows April 4, 1973.

Characteristics of the Bichon

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the Bichon is their beautiful white powder-puff coat and plumed tail and their charming personality. Bichons may also have some color shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around their ears or body. They are sturdy little playful dogs with a gentle nature. The normal Bichon weight is about 10 to 18 pounds. The life expectancy of the Bichon is known to be about 15 years.

Each dog has their own individual personality, but in general specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Bichons are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Bichons usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Bichons can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

Bichons usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Bichons may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Tips For Choosing the Right Dog As a Pet

2010-07-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

By Kelly Marshall

Dogs happen to be one of the best pets - there's a reason they are called "man's best friend." Of course, if you want a pet of your own, you'll want to make sure that you will get a dog that will fit your personality, living style, and more. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your canine pet.

You may want to consider going with a purebred puppy for your new pet, and there are many different breeds out there that you can choose from. The great thing about choosing a puppy that is pure bred is that you will know how your dog will turn out in the end. You can even research how easy that breed is to train, the grooming the breed needs, and how they behave. This can help you to better choose a pet that will adapt with your lifestyle.

Assuming that you are going to go with a purebred pet dog, you'll definitely want to consider the shedding that you're pet will do. Every dog is going to shed some hair, but some will shed more than others. If you plan to keep your dog in your home and want to avoid having hair everywhere, then choosing a dog breed that does not shed is going to be your best option.

You'll want to consider how easy your dog will be to train as well. If the dog is easy to train, you won't need as much time to train him. Another thing to think about is the grooming that your new pet is going to require. Dogs that have long coats usually require a lot more grooming than short haired dogs.

Ask yourself if you are looking for a pet to hang out with and cuddle with, or do you want an athletic dog that can keep up with you when you go out jogging or you engage in other activities with your dog. There are some breeds of dogs that have a lot of stamina, and if you want to go hiking, jogging, or walking with your dog, choose a breed that has plenty of stamina.

Another important tip to keep in mind when you are trying to choose the right dog as a pet is whether or not you have children. There are some breeds of dogs that are well known for being great with kids, and you'll want to choose one of these dogs if you have young children that will be around your dog on a regular basis. There are a couple dogs that may not be as great with children, and they should be avoided.

Choose the right dog and you'll have a faithful friend and pet for life. However, if you choose a dog that isn't suited to you, chances are that you and the dog will not be happy. Before you get a new dog as a pet, always keep these considerations in mind to ensure you make the right choice.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for organic dog treats online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Make Your Home Welcoming and Safe for Your Puppy

2010-07-12T02:59:00.001-04:00

By: Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Unlike bringing home a newborn child where you have some time to make your home safe, bringing home your new puppy means you need to puppy proof your home right away. Puppies are just like toddlers with lots of energy and ready to get into everything. They have an insatiable curiosity that makes them check out everything including those things that might not be so safe for them. As the puppy's new owner, you must puppy proof your home.

One good step to take towards puppy proofing your home is to look at it from the dog's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look around. You might be surprised at what you see down there that could look so tempting to a puppy in his new home. Remember your puppy will want to check out all this new stuff as he has never seen it before and it just might be dangerous to him.

Be very aware of electrical cords that your puppy can access and chew on. Just think of what a puppy chewing on an electrical cord, in use, could lead to. Place the cords where the puppy can't access them. Place them behind furniture or up high where he can't reach. Try laying them under something like a rubber mat.

Stairs can provide as much danger to a puppy as to a toddler. They can have trouble getting up and down them. In their boisterousness, they can even fall down a flight of stairs. Best to just block off the stairway until the puppy has grown and is more capable of navigating them. Stairs might also lead to a place you do not want your puppy to be such as the basement. If you have a door, then you must be sure the door is always closed.

Another step in making your home puppy proof is to be sure there are no hazardous household chemicals where he can get into them. Such are usually stored under the kitchen sink or even the bathroom sink. Can your puppy get ready access to these places? You may even have to go so far as to use those plastic cabinet locks that are used for toddlers.

These are a few steps to take in making your home puppy proof. Keep in mind the level of your home your puppy lives at and what he sees and can get into at that level. Having a puppy proof home can go a long ways to having a happy and healthy relationship with you puppy.

Author Resource: Visit our Puppy Training website at http://ezpuppytraining.com/ for a free course on "Welcoming Your New Puppy Home and Puppy Training". Find more puppy training and care tips at our website.

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Cute Bichon Poodle Video

2010-07-08T01:40:00.000-04:00

Tips for Training an Older Dog

2010-07-08T01:36:00.000-04:00

By: Andrew Bicknell

There is a saying that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". For many people with an older dog that was never properly trained they probably think this is true. Just like people do, when dogs get older they get pretty set in their ways. Think old and stubborn. This of course is not entirely true; it is possible to train an older dog but it will take more time and patience.

The thing with older dogs is they have been behaving in a certain way their entire life and to them that is the way things are. They do not distinguish between right and wrong like people do. For a dog repetition is their primary way of learning and if all they've done is the wrong thing their whole life their behavior will reflect that.

One thing you can try with an older dog is to make the training you are doing seem like it is actually the dogs idea. If he thinks it's his idea he will more than likely keep doing it. He probably will resist your attempts to force him to do something like sit. But if he sits on his own give the command "sit" at the same time and reward or praise him. If you keep doing this, repetition, before long your old dog will be sitting when you tell him to. You can use this technique with a variety of commands such as come, heel, and stay.

It is certainly not true that all older dogs are more difficult to train but for the vast majority of dog owners this is the case. Dealing with the stubbornness of a dog set in their ways can be difficult and frustrating but if your dog is exhibiting bad habits and behavior it is important to break them of that. In the long run have a well trained and obedient dog will make both you and your dog much happier and will lead to a stronger bond.

If your old dog is being particularly stubborn and your not making any head way on your own then consider joining a dog training class or working with a professional dog trainer. This will give you the benefit of working with people who have experience with all sorts of dogs and their different behaviors. You might be amazed how quickly your dog responds to someone who knows how to deal with their behavior problems. These are also lessons you can take home and continue to use as you train your old dog to do new tricks.

Author Resource: For more dog training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

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Adorable Bichon Frise Video

2010-07-07T01:26:00.000-04:00

Dog Obedience Training - Professional Or DIY?

2010-06-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

By: Rebecca Prescott

Having a new puppy as an addition to the household can be very exciting. Although it is easy to get caught up with this excitement, it is important as a responsible dog owner to ensure that your dog receives proper socialization and obedience training.

Dog's are not humans, and whilst this statement may seem obvious, it can be suprising how much we unconsciously expect them to behave or learn as we might. No matter how much a part of the family they may seem, they communicate in a different way to humans, and this is why obedience training is so important. The right obedience training can help to make your life easier in terms of relating to your pet, and it can even help keep your dog safe when there are hazard around. A good example of this is being able to make him stop if he escapes the leash and heads for the road during his daily walk.

Getting the right obedience training

There are a number of options available when it comes to obedience training, but do bear in mind that training - particularly for the novice dog owner - may not be easy. Each dog will respond differently to obedience training methods. Some dogs tend to be very responsive to training, whereas others can be stubborn, strong willed, and determined, which can make training difficult. However, you are not alone, as there are plenty of resources and help out there.

For those that intend to undertake obedience training without going to a class, there are a number of resources available, including books, DVDs, and Internet advice. However, it is important to remember that many dogs will assume leadership unless you have the confidence and assertiveness to show him who is the boss. The way you do this is important too - it should be done using positive methods and reinforcement, and not by shouting and screaming at him, as the latter can result in fear and even aggression in your dog.

If you are not confident about taking on obedience training yourself then there is help available. Properly trained and experience trainers can prove the ideal solution for your dog's obedience training needs, and can help to teach your dog the basic commands as well as more advanced obedience training. The older your new dog is, the more difficult the training is likely to be Thus, those with adult dogs, or a new young adult, should consider using a professional trainer.

With professional training you can select from non-residential training, which involves going with your dog and helping with in the training process with the supervision of the professionals, or a residential course. In a residential course, your dog goes to 'boot camp' for a specified time and receives obedience training from the experts. Many owners prefer the former method, as it enables them to get assistance with obedience training whilst still enabling them to form a close bond with their pet. Plus, it helps them learn how to handle their dogs in an environment where good feedback is possible.

Author Resource: For tips on teaching your dog to come, click here. Rebecca writes on dog training and other topics here.

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The Importance Of A Well Behaved Dog

2010-06-05T01:43:00.001-04:00

By: Amy Nutt

If you have a dog, you have probably been concerned with his or her behavior at some point. This is important if you frequently have company, or if your dog is your constant companion out in public. Even if this isn't the case, it is still important to be sure your dog is well-behaved and will obey you. This also helps you develop a good relationship with your dog.

The first step to having a well behaved dog is to fully understand the dog's behavior. Only then will you be able to learn to communicate effectively with your pet, thereby, building a successful partnership. This is important, especially if you are the sole owner of the dog.

If you are the sole dog owner, you will probably spend a lot of time with your dog. Another step toward having a great relationship with your animal is to make sure he or she receives proper care. This means that you should regularly walk your dog, take a vested interest in his or her health needs, and always make sure you provide love and affection.

If you are having difficulty with your dog's behavior, there are steps you can take to work out a solution that will work for both dog and owner. This can mean consulting your vet for ideas, or enrolling your pet in obedience school. Obedience will teach your dog how to behave in certain situations as well as how to respond to given commands. A trainer can also help break bad habits your dog may have that is affecting his or hers behavior.

You will also be provided with step-by-step obedience exercises that you can practice with your dog at home. This will help to enforce the behaviors learned in class. Not doing so will most likely result in your dog resorting back to past behavior because the new behaviors are not being re-enforced.

It is also important to talk to and listen to your dog. Pay attention to how your dog acts and responds to those behaviors. If they are negative, try to find out what you can do to stop and prevent them. If your dog is doing well, be sure to give him or her, the proper praise that is well-deserved. Praise is just as important for dogs as it is for people and will help to promote continuing good behavior.

Author Resource: Bark Busters is Canada's most successful dog obedience training organization and will come right to your home to help you! http://www.barkbusters.ca/

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A Very Cute Video of a Smiling Bichon!

2010-06-02T00:22:00.000-04:00

Choosing The Right Dog For Your Lifestyle

2010-05-20T22:40:00.000-04:00

By: Amy Nutt

There is a lot to consider when choosing the right dog for your lifestyle. Depending on your specific living situation, you will have several factors to consider before actually making a choice. If you have a family, especially if that family includes children, you will want to be sure your dog behaves well around them.

A dog that requires a lot of one-on-one attention is probably not suited for this type of family, and should most likely be a pet for a single owner. Likewise, a dog that likes to run and play and responds well to different personality types may work out well in a family with children.

Before you decide on a dog, examine your own lifestyle and find a dog that will match. If you live alone in a small apartment, adopting a large dog might not be a good idea because he or she would not be able to get the much needed exercise in an open environment.

Likewise, small dogs are not often good as outside pets, and much prefer being indoors with the owner or rest of the family. If, however, you have a family of four and are looking for a dog that will match your active lifestyle, a bigger dog might be right for you.

Important factors to consider when choosing the right dog to fit your lifestyle include: the size of the dog, his or her exercise requirements, whether or not he or she is friendly, his or her assertiveness, and compatibility with children. Also, being a responsible dog owner is just as important to how well your dog reacts to your lifestyle.

If you do not have a lot of time to spend with your dog, do not choose that requires constant attention. If you do not have time to spend with a dog at all, you should reconsider your decision. Dogs need just as much attention as do people, and it is crucial that they are treated well.

Learn about different mixes and breeds and which types will suite various lifestyles. This is just as important as choosing the right animal because certain breeds are great for children, while others are better for those who are single. It can be a difficult decision, but one that will bring you pleasure for years to come.

Choosing the right dog will provide you with years of constant companionship, and add another member to your ever-growing family.

Author Resource: Bark Busters has been leading the pack in solving dog behaviour issues, dog obedience training issues, and puppy training since 1989. http://www.barkbusters.ca/

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Helpful Tips On Getting A New Puppy To Routinely Sleep Through the Night

2010-05-19T04:09:00.000-04:00

Bringing a new puppy or adult dog into your family may be a very exciting adventure. You may have already selected certain dog supplies, such as
appropriate puppy or dog food, treats, dog dishes, safe dog toys, and maybe a very nice dog bed.

A good dog owner may need some patience and planning to establish a routine to help their puppy sleep through the night. It is important for a dog to have their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

You may choose to place the puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A quiet, comfortable corner of the room may be nice for your puppy. Hopefully, you have a safe, cozy dog bed for your new puppy.

The puppy may feel a little more secure if he can see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are close by may help your puppy to stay more calm. It is common for puppies in a new environment to feel somewhat anxious. The puppy may miss his mom in the beginning. A new puppy may whine to get some attention.

The puppy may enjoy having a favorite dog toy or comfortable blanket with him for a feeling of security. You can begin to develop a daily bedtime routine for your puppy. It may be very helpful to have your puppy go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. Dogs like to know what is expected of them.

You may want to allow for adequate exercise for the puppy throughout the day, so he can sleep well at night. It may also be helpful to plan a routine schedule for meal times for the puppy. Dogs usually respond well to daily schedules.

It may be a good habit to have a little quiet time before the actual bedtime. The puppy may need to go outside to eliminate right before bedtime. Providing soothing background noises, such as a soft sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night.

If the puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him back to his bed. It is so important for your puppy to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. Hopefully, with these helpful ideas you and your puppy will get plenty of sleep every night and feel rested and happy.

Another Very Cute Bichon Frise Video!

2010-05-18T03:49:00.000-04:00

How to Properly Train a Puppy

2010-05-17T12:39:00.000-04:00

By: Andrew Bicknell

There is nothing quite like bringing home a new puppy. The excitement level can be quite high, particularly if children are waiting anxiously. But before you even bring home a new puppy be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons because while puppies make great gifts they are a responsibility that lasts for their entire life. A new puppy can make a lifetime of great memories but they also require a lot of training and work if they are to become a member of your family.

Your puppies breed and temperament will go along ways in determining what sort of training may work best for him. Of course the smarter the breed of puppy the easier it will be to train, but at the same time a smart dog will probably be somewhat resistant to being told what to do at first, at least until it is determined who is dominant in the dog/human relationship.

Training a puppy is something that can take a short amount of time depending on how much time and attention you spend doing it. This does not mean that you need to spend hours a day training your puppy. Just like small children their attention span only lasts so long. Break your training sessions up into a few short sessions throughout the day and your puppy will respond in a positive manner.

When you first start training your puppy you will need to start with basic obedience training, teaching commands such as sit, come, stay, heel and fetch. As they get older and master these simple commands you can start to incorporate more difficult training.

The idea of training a puppy can be somewhat overwhelming for some people but it is really not that hard. Most puppies and the dogs they grow into really want to do nothing but please their owners. By teaching them correctly you will create a bond that will cause them to remember everything you teach them simply because they like to be rewarded.

If you choose not to train a new puppy the consequences may not be to your liking. They will learn that they do not have to listen and will essentially become the master of your house. And puppies can be very destructive. As they teeth they will chew on anything available if they don't know better. If they are taught the difference between right and wrong the damage they can do will be limited.

While you can use any number of training aids to help you train your new puppy sometimes the best approach is to just work with him on a daily basis. The more interaction you have with your four legged friend the better his response to training will be. It is also important to remember that training should be a continuing process, even as your dog gets older and grows bigger. The positives of a well trained puppy and dog are many and will make for a lifelong companion who is happy and healthy.

Author Resource: For more puppy training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

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A Very Cute Video Of A Bichon Frise Puppy

2010-05-17T00:41:00.000-04:00

A Few Considerations Before You Adopt A Dog

2010-05-16T23:10:00.000-04:00

By: Bowe Packer

There are many of you who have treasured to bring a nice cuddlesome dog home as a pet. There are different ways that you can go about the business of selecting your future pet but you may want to think about adopting a dog. Before you can officially adopt a dog there are certain items that you will need to take into consideration.

Now I know that pets play on our emotions and make it very challenging to make a decision based on providing a good home for the dog. Do yourself a favor and try to take into consideration the following.

The first consideration should be what kind of dog will be right for your home and your lifestyle. This is very important to consider as some dogs are actually suited for patrolling large compounds and other types of dogs have stacks of surplus energy that should be worked off in a regular active routine.

In addition when you are going to adopt a dog you will have to think about the full size of your new pet and if your home can accommodate your dog's environmental needs. For instance you need to realize if a full size Great Dane will be pleased living in a small country cottage or trailer house.

The other item that you must consider is the food that you will need to give your new pet. As each dog is different in temperament and size you will need to purchase the right type of food for your dog. For this rationality adopting a dog involves knowing something about the breed and what kind of food and environmental issues that are necessary for the future well being of your new pet.

The research of the breed doesn't have to be never ending, long drawn out process. Just enough information so that you feel comfortable knowing that your home and environment will provide the needs of your new dog.

You can find some of this information from books and the internet. However before you start looking for this information you will need to see the assorted breeds. From this data you can make a realistic conclusion if you are capable of caring for a Chihuahua, a Labrador, a German Shepard, or even a mixed breed.

Once you have looked at the assorted dogs you can find a pet adoption center where you can find many different breeds of dogs. From these places you should be able to adopt a dog that is in need of lots of care and love. You can ask for information about the dog that you want to adopt.

These questions can include the name of a good veterinarian, an individual who can help you to train your new pet how to behave. You can also ask about the other facts that you may feel are necessary to care for your new dog.

Even though you may have thought that having a pet is an easy matter there are many items that need to be seen to when you adopt a dog. For the person who is willing to give some of their time and love to a dog you will find a lifelong companion who will give you gobs of implicit love.

Now remember, the more information you gather, the better understanding of what you can and can't provide will be clear. Adopting a dog can be fun and exciting, always remember to take the pet into consideration as well. The last thing I know you want to do is bring a dog home and find out that your accommodations don't suite their needs.

Author Resource: Bowe Packer provides free and valuable information to online consumers. He has written over 20 articles on pet adoption and delivers additional information on the subject through his website. Visit his site and gleam Free pet adoption information.

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The Bichon Frise and Grooming

2010-05-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

I know you are interested in keeping the gorgeous coat of the Bichon Frise well maintained. The Bichon is double-coated. The undercoat is soft and dense and the outercoat is coarser and has a curlier texture. The Bichon's coat serves as insulation against heat and cold. To keep the Bichon looking nice he may need to be routinely cleaned, brushed and trimmed.

You may choose to have the grooming and trimming done professionally. You may want to get your Bichon puppy used to grooming, so that it becomes a positive, enjoyable experience. You may wish to establish a consistent grooming routine. Hopefully, your Bichon will enjoy grooming.

There are things that you can do at home between professional visits to keep your Bichon looking nice. Brushing and bathing your Bichon will help to keep his coat and skin healthy. You will need a good dog brush and comb for daily brushing. Routine daily brushing will help to prevent tangling and mats.

It is very important that you brush the coat of your Bichon before their bath and they should be mat free. You may decide to bath your Bichon at least once a month to keep him clean. Some owners have the professional groomers do the bath and also the haircut about once a month. Daily brushing can help your Bichon maintain his gorgeous white, fluffy, powder puff look that people so often admire!

Dog Training Tips for the New Dog Owner

2010-05-12T01:03:00.000-04:00

By: Andrew Bicknell

Let's face it, for many people training their dog is a struggle that sooner or later leads them to just give up and let their dog do whatever he pleases. Then they ask themselves why they have such a disobedient dog. More experienced dog owners know that dog training is something that is always going on. Whenever they are with their dog they are always training him. Going for walks, playing in the park, even just relaxing around the house are all opportunities to teach.

Dogs by nature are curious creatures who get easily bored. If there is not a proper outlet for this boredom they will find something to do. And to a dog who doesn't know the difference chewing up a shoe or digging holes in the yard is neither good nor bad. It's just something to do. The more a dog learns to please himself and do whatever he wants the less control his owner will have. A disobedient dog does not just happen; by ignoring, mistreating or being lackadaisical about training him he will learn all sorts of bad behaviors all by himself.

Dogs love to please their owners but without feedback they have no idea if they are doing right or wrong. Everything is the same to them. This is why it is important to praise a dog when they are being obedient. Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful dog training tools a dog owner can use.

Many people do not realize the amount of work needed to train some of the more amazing dogs they see on TV or here about in news reports. Police dogs, seeing eye dogs, military dogs can take a good year of intense training to get them to the point where they can even start working in that capacity. And their training never stops. Dogs do not come trained and they will not learn simply because they inhabit the same space as their owners. Dogs have no inborn sense of right and wrong; everything is the same to them, unless they are taught.

Dog training is all about teaching a dog good behavior. Repetition is the name of the game when it comes to having an obedient dog. Combined with praise for a job well done a dog will soon learn what its boundaries are and who is actually in charge. The first thing every dog should learn is their name. This is what gets their attention and simply saying it should stop them dead in their tracks from whatever they are doing. From there on a dogs training should be a daily routine; housetraining, sitting, staying, not barking or jumping up on people, these are things that will make life with a dog easier and much more enjoyable.

Author Resource: For more dog training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

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Cute Bichon Frise Video

2010-05-11T19:02:00.000-04:00

Certified Dog Trainer Qualities

2010-05-11T01:13:00.000-04:00

By: Lars Rohde

All dog lovers know just how much company these four-legged friends can be. They are special pets that can provide so much love and entertainment. It seems like they can predict when you feel good and when you don't. They are loyal to the very end.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't run into problems with these adorable pets once in awhile. That is when you need the expertise of a certified dog trainer to step in and help you get or keep control over your pet. So what are some of the qualities of a certified dog trainer?

Some qualities of a certified dog trainer that you need to look for includes confidence. A good trainer will know they can benefit and improve your dogs overall attitude and your pet can sense if they do not have this quality. Kindness is very important.

A qualified trainer will have the ability to be kind and firm at the same time. They will make training a fun and exciting time for your beloved dog. Safety will also be a huge aspect of their training technique. They will also understand how different breeds of dog learn and be able to teach by understanding the individual personality of your pet.

Qualities of a certified dog trainer include keeping up to date on all the latest training techniques. There are always new and improved items that can assist in the way your dog is being trained. Knowing and understanding these techniques is the only way that a trainer can be completely efficient and do the best job with your pet.

New information is also being reported that can be very beneficial. A certified trainer always stays on top of this information. They also follow the ''code of ethics'' which includes being honest, dependable and professional at all times.

You will be able to see a happier, healthier pet when the training has been completed. These are reasons why you should use a certified dog trainer to help teach your dog how to be a better pet and companion. You will see the bond between the two of you grow stronger every day. It will be the foundation of a new life together.

A professional trainer can teach your pet how to interact in social gatherings. This means you don't have to worry about how they will act when in the company of other pets and people. Imagine how proud you will be to have the best behaved dog in the park.

Author Resource: Want more stuff from a dog lover, then head over to our sites WestiesInfo and DogPractice.com. He strives to provide his readers with quality information on dogs and you will always find good content and useful resources at our sites.

Article From Article Directory

Your Dog’s Personality

2010-05-09T18:38:00.000-04:00

I recently read that research studies have concluded that dogs really do have their own individual personalities. Instinct can also influence a dog's personality. Did you ever wonder why Princess the Bichon Frise is so friendly and easy going, and Ashley the Miniature Poodle so smart or little Jack the Papillon so alert and peppy? One reason may be due to selective breeding. In the past, dogs have been bred to perform certain functions and those instinctive behaviors may still remain in the specific breeds. For example, a beagle can easily follow different scents because of his hunting breed’s natural instinct.

It is important to note that dogs can also pick up on their owner’s individual personality. Dogs that are more relaxed and calm may have relaxed, friendly owners. It is interesting to know that your dog has his own unique personality, as well as the dominant qualities of his particular breed. This information may be helpful when training your dog. You may wish to read Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: "While some scientists have dismissed the idea of distinct pet personalities, recent studies prove what owners have always known—dogs really do have their own individual personalities."

So, in summary each dog has their own individual personality, but specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Bichons are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Bichons usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Bichons can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

Bichons usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Bichons may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Does Your Dog Have The Blues When He is Home Alone or is He Bored?

2010-05-07T01:12:00.000-04:00

You may be working hard at your daily office job and your kids are away in school all throughout the day. The house may be too quiet and your dog might feel lonely or bored. Your dog might even experience a little separation anxiety when you leave the house.

Dogs of all ages can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Young dogs and even older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them. You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

What behavior may your dog display if he is experiencing separation anxiety?

The most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include the following:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your dog makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. If you are in the kitchen cooking, or folding laundry, or watching television your dog would want to be right with you. When you go out of the house to do a few errands, your dog may always give you a dramatic, overwhelming greeting as soon as you return home.

When you or your kids finally come home from work or school, you may also find that your dog has become very clingy, and he never lets you or the kids out of his sight.

What are some other characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety?

The behavior occurs mostly when your dog is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

But it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

What are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your dog?

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Some other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your dog in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

You can try to alter your daily habits a little bit. Do you have a set routine time each day before you leave the house to go to work or school? Maybe you jingle your keys, put your purse, briefcase, packed lunch or jacket near the door right before you are ready to leave the house. Your dog may pick up on these visual cues and associate them with your leaving the house. It may be a little helpful to try and mix up your normal routine by doing your usual activities in a different order.

It may be a big help to take your dog for a nice walk before you leave. It might give your dog a reason to look forward to your leaving. It will be good exercise for him and a little change of scenery.

Hopefully, with a few of these helpful tips, your dog will feel relaxed instead of anxious when you leave the house.

Cute Video of Bichon Frise Puppies

2010-05-07T01:01:00.000-04:00

Taking Your Dog To Work With You

2010-05-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

I just read a really interesting article about taking your dog to work with you. You may enjoy reading Should You Take Your Dog To Work?: "A dog can bring smiles and joy to a workplace—if the circumstances are right. READ THIS FIRST"

First, you must know your company's dog policy. Some places of employment do not permit dogs on the premises due to different reasons.

You also need to be considerate of your co-workers. Even if your company says it is perfectly fine to bring your dog to the office, that doesn't necessary mean that all of your co-workers definitely agree with that idea. One of your co-workers may happen to be allergic to dogs. That is why it is so important to check with your co-workers and make sure they consent to the dog's visit.

If you have everyone's permission, there are a few things you may want to consider. How your dog responds to your work environment may depend on his own personality and prior training.

Always remember your dog's daily needs. If you take your dog to work with you, remember to bring his dog food and bowl, a water bowl, and some safe and appropriate dog toys. You may also want to bring a portable dog bed or crate. It may be helpful to bring some supplies to clean up after your dog, if necessary. It will be important to your dog to show him some attention throughout the day and schedule enough time to take him out for walks.

It may be a smart idea to just bring your dog in part-time, maybe half-days at first, so you can see how he reacts to your work office environment.

A dog can bring a lot of happiness and smiles to a workplace!

Did You Ever Happen To Think About Becoming A Professional Pet Sitter or a Dog Trainer?

2010-05-05T21:29:00.000-04:00

Training Tips for When You Bring Your New Puppy or Dog Home

2010-05-02T00:37:00.000-04:00

It is such an exciting time for you and your family when you bring your new puppy or adult dog home for the very first time. Now that you have brought your new puppy home and you are both a little bit adjusted to your new schedule, you may be thinking about some training for your puppy, other than routine house training. Maybe you are wondering where to start with training.

It is important for your dog to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them.

Now, back to the topic of training. Are you thinking about training your new puppy yourself or taking some dog obedience classes together, when he is at the appropriate age? Maybe you even had thoughts of working with a private, professional dog trainer. Well, no matter which way you decide to begin any training with your puppy, I can offer you some tips.

Some Helpful Training Tips:

One very important thing in the beginning is to decide on some house rules for your new puppy. You need to decide what he can and can't do.

Dogs like to know what they are supposed to do and what is expected of them. Dogs like structure in their life. The puppy's mother is it's very first pack leader. Now that your puppy is home with you, he probably looks to you as the leader. You can decide to set reasonable house rules for your new dog. If the rules are settled in the beginning, you can avoid confusion for both of you later on. If you don't provide your dog with some leadership and direction, he may begin to make his own rules.

For example, if your dog steals a portion of your sandwich and then eats a little bit of it and then tries to hide and bury the rest of it in your living room couch and you happen to laugh and say isn't that cute. Your dog will get the wrong idea and think this type of behavior is acceptable and OK to do. You may have reinforced the fact that he is in charge and you may have reinforced his bad manners. Actually, dogs can become stressed when they think they can do anything they want.

Often times, dogs feel secure and confident with knowing exactly what you expect from them and having some fair house rules. A dog usually looks for their owner's positive approval. Your dog's well-behaved manner may depend on your good teaching and leadership! You can teach your puppy what you want him to do or not do and you can praise him when he obeys and he will very likely a happy companion!

Here are some examples of some common house rules:

Being polite with people: you may want to teach the dog to sit, instead of jumping up on people when greeting them.

Discourage chewing of furniture and other items: As a new owner you may want to provide safe and appropriate chew toys and routinely spend time with your dog so he is not bored.

You may want to discourage excessive barking for attention.

Good house training habits are also very important for your dog.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him.

The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Spending quality time with your dog is also very important.

Here are a few ideas:

You can enjoy walks together.

You can play in the backyard together. Dogs usually like to play fetch or Frisbee with their owners.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your dog. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat or some nice play time.

Don't forget to help him relax when he first comes home. Whatever you can do to help him get comfortable in his new home will be good for both of you. Set up his private space or den area in the house.

Your dog will probably really appreciate and enjoy a space for himself in the house where he will feel comfortable. You may provide your puppy or dog with his own private sleeping area, where he can routinely relax and get plenty of good rest. It is important to set a good habit for bedtime in your home, so that you and your puppy will both feel rested and happy! Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

You may wish to have your puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a safe, cozy dog bed for your Bichon puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise.

Your Bichon Frise puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm.

It may be helpful to get into the habit of some calm, quiet time before the actual bedtime. The puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night. He may also enjoy a little time to be left alone at times in the comfort and safety of his den area.

Another helpful thing you can do is to teach your puppy to come to you when you call his name. You can get down on his level and tell him to come to you using his name. For example: You can say come here, Jack. Then, when he does come to you, maybe you want to tell him that he is a good dog! He will be happy if you make a big deal using positive reinforcement. Always remember to reward his good behavior.

It may be helpful to try to maintain a regular daily routine or schedule so that it will be easier for your Bichon Frise to understand what is expected of him. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior to your Bichon Frise.

The Bichon Frise is a very intelligent dog. The history of the Bichon indicates they used to be circus dogs and street performers. Be consistent when training your Bichon Frise. Remember to keep your Bichon's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your Bichon Frise when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him.

Reward your puppy or dog's good behavior with positive reinforcement. Use treats, toys, love, or lots of praise. Let your dog know when's he's getting everything right.

You can help your puppy to learn not to jump up when greeting you. Puppies routinely love to jump up in greeting. Don't reprimand your puppy, just ignore his behavior and wait until he calms down before giving positive reinforcement. Don't encourage jumping behavior by praising your dog when he's in a jumping position when he is greeting you. You can praise him when he settles down and he's in the sitting position.

You will want to discourage your puppy from biting or nipping. Instead of scolding your puppy if he is trying to nip, a great way to discourage him from this behavior is to pretend that you're in great pain when he's biting or nipping you. He will probably stop immediately. Another thing you could do is to try giving him a safe chew toy for your hand or pant leg. He will probably like the chew toy better.

Lastly, it is a good practice to end training sessions on a positive note. Again, you can give lots of verbal praise to your dog, maybe his favorite treats, some petting or some fun playtime. Your dog has probably worked hard to please you throughout the training. All of the positive reinforcement that you provided him throughout your training session might encourage him to start his training lesson next time with his tail wagging, eager to learn!

Video of Synchronized Bichon Tricks

2010-05-02T00:29:00.000-04:00

Getting A New Pet - 7 Tips

2010-05-01T01:22:00.000-04:00

By: Mike Singh

Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life. This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as well. Keeping in mind that you need to take care of your animal, no matter what you do decide to bring home, here are some tips to help to prepare yourself, the animal and your home for your new adventure together.

Realize how much space you really do have. While everyone would like to own a pet, it's not always the right choice. Before you even head to the pet shop, take into account the amount of room your new animal will need and how much room you have. Dogs need room to run and to play. The larger the pet, the more space he or she will need. What size pet works best for your home, then?
Prepare your home then. Just like having a new baby at home, there are things you need to do to prepare your home for your new pet. You'll need to make sure they will not get hurt on anything within your home. Move furniture if necessary to keep them safe.
Prepare a bed or sleeping area for your pet next. A dog often enjoys sleeping on a padded, warm area whereas a cat will want more of a dark area to sleep. The larger the animal, the more room you'll need to make room for.
Set up a place to feed them. The location should be someplace they can get to easily. They should be able to get to their water and food at anytime. It should be in the same place each day and should be continuously cleaned and well taken care of.
Time is also a necessary factor to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Dogs need to be walked. Will you commit a certain amount of time each day to doing this?
Let's not forget about our animal's bathroom needs. Where will your pet go? Who will be responsible for scooping up the cat litter or cleaning the yard as needed? This is a task no one wants to do that is necessary when it comes to properly taking care of your pet.
Lastly, prepare yourself. It is very important for you to be ready for the challenge of taking care of a pet. It is a large job and can be a costly one when you take into consideration your needs for a vet and pet care in general.

Author Resource: Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of pet-related websites. Please check out his pictures of all dog breeds and articles on buying a cat.

Article From Article Directory

The Responsibilities of Caring For a Puppy

2010-04-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

By Jeff Van Dalsum

Caring for puppies is not something that should be taken lightly. A large percentage of puppies are later abandoned due to the fact that the owner was not fully prepared to care for another life. Typically, the owner later realizes that he doesn't have enough time, energy, or money to make the commitment.

To comprehend this immense responsibility, think of it as adding a new baby to your family. He will require constant attention, supervision, care, and love. It's a lot of hard work at first, but the results are very rewarding.

To fully understand what it means to care for a puppy, there are several aspects that you will be responsible for and that you should understand before you make the commitment.

Health
Caring for a puppy means constantly monitoring his health. One of the first things you should do as a new puppy owner is to select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Your new puppy will need certain vaccinations to prevent common diseases. Worms and fleas can also be a problem for puppies so make sure to discuss this with your vet. Always be on the lookout out for signs that could indicate that your dog is sick. Ideally, a perfectly healthy puppy should have smooth skin, a clean coat, and bright eyes.

Sleep/Rest
Caring for a puppy also involves preparing a safe and cozy sleeping place. Choose which room he will sleep in ahead of time. If you decide to let him stay in your room, you should know that there could be howling, whimpering, and barking as the puppy deals with separation anxiety the first few nights. A good way to ease this transition is to bring his bedding to the breeder or shelter (wherever you receive him) a few days before taking him home to give the puppy a familiar object in your house.

Feeding
You will also be responsible for feeding your puppy each and every meal. If you have other pets, you should be sure that each one has his own set of bowls for water and food. Sharing bowls tends to lead towards territorial conflicts and bullying as each pet tries to assert their dominance over one another.

Also, the quantity of the food that you give him varies over time. Puppies eat much more frequently than older dogs and also have extremely different nutritional requirements. Therefore, it's important to select the right type of dog food for each stage in his life. As a general rule of thumb puppies 6 to 8 weeks old eat four times a day, 12 to 20 weeks old eat three times a day, and 20 weeks and older eat only twice a day.

Play/Exercise
Another aspect of caring for puppies that is very important not to overlook is play time and exercise. Make sure to establish a safe place where your puppy will be allowed to be himself. This may be indoors or outside, but either way the area should be a controlled environment for the first few months of your puppy's life. Play with your puppy regularly to promote socialization and healthy development.

Also, make sure to buy appropriately sized toys for your puppy. If he is small, he should have smaller toys. For larger breeds, small toys can be a choking hazard. Most toys such as bones, ropes, stuffed animals, and balls come in all different shapes and sizes.

Potty Training
Potty training can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy, but it's very important to get right. When and where to potty are the things that your puppy has to learn, and it may take some time. If you're at work during the day, you should seriously consider crate training.

Grooming/Cleaning
Proper upkeep, such as grooming and cleaning, are an essential part of puppy care. Not only will it encourage healthy development, but it will also remove unpleasant odors. Most puppies love to be brushed so don't be afraid to give it a try. It will remove dead hair and keep his coat beautiful. Also, don't forget about brushing his teeth and gums regularly.

Now that you understand what it takes to properly care for a puppy, you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed, but you shouldn't. Caring for a puppy is only difficult at first. The adjustment is the hardest part. Once you establish routines and good habits, the only thing left to do is enjoy the company and make memories together. The most important thing is to prepare your life for a puppy ahead of time to reduce the time it takes to adjust to your new family member.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated and developed by puppy care enthusiasts who have taken it as their goal to help you raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Van_Dalsum

Careers for People Who Enjoy Working With Animals

2010-04-29T01:21:00.003-04:00

Did you ever happen to think about having a career in which you would be able to work with dogs or other animals? You may need some professional training for certain careers in this field. I will include helpful job descriptions for several career options that would enable you to be working with dogs or other animals in general.

The first career professional that comes to my mind is the veterinarian. To become a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) you may need to complete a four-year undergraduate program and then an additional four years of veterinarian training for your career. Veterinarians may diagnose animal health problems and prescribe the proper medications for animals suffering from certain illnesses. They may provide appropriate vaccinations for the animals against diseases, such as distemper and rabies. Veterinarians may also offer some advise to pet owners about behavior and preventive care for the animals. They can usually perform diagnostic tests such as Xrays, blood work, urine tests and much more.

Next, there is the interesting career of the professional veterinary technician or veterinary assistant. These technicians may help with many duties in the veterinarian's office. To qualify as a licensed veterinary technician you may need to complete a two-year or possibly a four-year educational program. You could even search online to check for schools that train people to be veterinary assistants. If you are sincerely interested in pursuing this career, you may wish to ask a reputable veterinarian for some information about becoming a veterinary technician or an assistant. There is also the option of performing clerical work in a veterinarian's office or being a receptionist.

A pet sitter is another animal related career option. Sometimes dog owners may have to leave their home temporarily for a few days or more and they are unable to bring their dog with them, so they may hire a professional pet sitter. They usually look for a reputable pet sitter that is honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general. The pet owner may carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that they would like the pet sitter to fulfill while they are away. This is an ideal time for the owner to write down any important information about their pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by their veterinarian for their pet or special diet). They should write down their veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. They will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where they can be reached. The pet owner will want to talk about what specific food to feed their pet and how often to feed their pet. They may want to explain where they routinely walk their dog and how often their dog needs to be walked. The pet owner will want to know their pet will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while they are away.

Another option that involves working directly with dogs is a job working in a doggy daycare. Doggy daycare is an available option for dog care if dog owners just need supervised care for a few hours a day, or during certain occasions. Sometimes dogs just need some additional companionship. Doggy daycare should be a safe place, fully supervised by trained staff members. It is a place where dogs can play with other dogs that match their similar temperament.

There may be safe and appropriate dog toys and comfortable dog beds for napping. Most doggy daycares have an outdoor area for exercise. You may wish to read the following article: Doggie Day Care? Really? The staff should be trained to understand and appropriately respond to dog behavior and interactions.

There should be enough humans around to give each dog nice attention and positive reinforcement. Doggy daycare should be secure and safe. All dogs in doggy daycare usually need to meet minimum health requirements. Dogs must have their current vaccinations and be free of infectious diseases. The dogs may be evaluated to make sure their temperament is fine for the daycare environment.

A dog groomer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs and have patience. If you think you may be interested in this line of work, you may wish to visit and talk with a professional dog groomer in your area.

Another job for people who like to work with pets is to work in a pet shop. You could also decide to volunteer or work in an animal shelter.

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

It must be a fun career to be a dog trainer for celebrities or who happen to be lucky enough to work with dogs that appear in movies. If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

A Cute Video of Two Bichons Doing Tricks

2010-04-27T04:40:00.000-04:00

Tips For Bringing A New Puppy Or Dog Home

2010-04-26T01:53:00.000-04:00

By Matt LeClair

Have you been considering the thought of buying a new puppy or dog but you're just not sure where to start with all of the different things that need to done in order to make the process of buying a dog for sale go smoothly? There are a number of things you can do to help make your experience more pleasurable and worth your while including finding a trustworthy seller, making sure your home is ready for the puppy or dog, and making sure you have the proper supplies that your puppy will need.

First, before you even purchase the puppy or dog you must research your options to discover which breed of dog will be best for your family. This will depend on a number of factors like children, hobbies, and more. These factors will most likely include your dog so it's important to take them into consideration. Next, you'll want to find a trustworthy seller. There are a number of options for finding someone who has dogs for sale including the classifieds in the local paper, the phone book, or through online websites. Whatever method you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the buyer to make sure you know they are legit and will not pull a fast one on you buy selling you a bad puppy or dog.

Second, you'll want to make sure your home is ready for a new puppy or dog, sort of like child proofing it. Do you have a big back yard? If so, is it fenced in or does it need to be fenced in? This could be a concern if you live in a busy neighborhood or near a busy roadway where there is a lot of traffic. You want to eliminate all safety concerns before bringing your new dog home so that you don't have any trouble after the fact. It would be a good idea to check your home for safety hazards for the dog. Things like loose wiring, exposed household chemicals, or exposed sharp objects all pose a threat to your dog or puppy and should be taken care of before hand.

Finally, you'll need to get some essential supplies for your new puppy or dog before you bring them home in order to make their transition into your living environment more comfortable. You'll want to have supplies like food, a dog cage, dog bed, collar and leash, toys, bowls, and more which will all help to give your dog the care and attention that he or she needs to be happy. Many of these are necessities that you will have to purchase, some are things that are nice to have in order to keep your dog company or give him a little extra curricular activity to encourage being healthy and fit.

If you've been considering bringing home a new dog or puppy and want to make sure the process goes smoothly, just follow these few simple tips and you'll be well on your way to being a successful and happy dog owner.

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Developmental Stages of Puppies

2010-04-23T02:32:00.001-04:00

The developmental stages of puppies are important to be familiar with if you are getting a new puppy. You might want to know what to expect from your puppy. I recently read that soon after a puppy is born his sense of smell is already developed. Around the time of the third week, the puppy may try to communicate with his brothers and sisters. By the fourth week of the puppy's development, his senses are fully developed and he is able to really check out his environment around him.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

Bichon Frises, like most puppies have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Bichon puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family. It is such an important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a great deal during these first weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Bichon Frise puppies may be somewhat well socialized with each other. The Bichon puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

One of your goals may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your Bichon puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A Bichon Frise puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the Bichon puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be at the developmental stage where he is very curious about his new environment. It is so important to puppy proof your house. You may want to read a blog post that I wrote which is entitled “A Few Tips About Trying to Make the Inside of the Home Puppy Proof.” (It is listed under the January 2010 Archive section of my blog.)

At this age, your Bichon Frise puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy. It may be very helpful to read my "Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy" and "Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy" which are older posts listed under my December 2009 Archive section of my blog.

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be in a very good developmental stage to hopefully learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Bichon puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be more independent and may want to test you or his environment a little more. You may need some patience and be consistent and keep up your training lessons during this developmental stage. Your Bichon puppy may be slightly more brave with his efforts. It is helpful for you to guide and encourage your puppy along.

Housetraining Your Puppy

2010-04-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

There are some simple steps for housetraining your Bichon Frise puppy. One of the first things you will want to teach your new puppy when you bring him home is housetraining. This is the start of your bond with you and your puppy and it is good to make it a positive, stress free experience for both of you. Housetraining your Bichon puppy requires patience, consistency and commitment. You may wish to read Housebreaking Your Dog In Four Simple StepsDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It may take a few weeks to successfully housetrain your puppy. Your puppy will learn to get used to a routine schedule for eating, playing, and going outside to eliminate.

To begin the housetraining you may want to take your puppy outside at least every two hours during the day. You may take him outside after every meal or drink, or after he wakes up from a nap. Always remember to take your puppy out when he wakes up in the morning and also after playing, and before going to bed at night.

Choose an area outside and try to take your Bichon Frise puppy close to that same spot each time, so he becomes very familiar with it. When you are going through this housetraining process, it is really helpful if you praise and reward your puppy when he eliminates outside. Praise him verbally and you may also want to give him a treat. This is a type of positive reinforcement for your Bichon puppy. He will learn that going to the bathroom outside is what is expected of him. Also, feeding your puppy at the same times each day is helpful to keep a good routine.

During the night, some puppies can sleep for several hours without having to eliminate. Your puppy may wake you up during the night. If that happens you may quietly take him out to eliminate, and then help him get back to his bed.

During the day when you are with your Bichon Frise puppy, you can learn to watch for signs that your puppy needs to eliminate. Some signs may be restlessness, sniffing around, barking, going to the door, or trying to squat. When you see these signs you may quickly take your puppy outside to his bathroom spot. If he eliminates, you can praise him and reward him with a treat. Hopefully some of these housetraining tips are helpful!

Important Tips You Should Keep In Mind When Training Your Dog

2010-04-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

By Matt LeClair

When it comes to training your dog, there are a few important tips that you need to keep in mind in order to be successful. Nothing ever comes easy and the same is true with training your dog. Some of the most important tips to keep in mind are to be patient, be consistent, and make it fun for you and your dog. This article will discuss some of the essential tips for successfully training your dog.

This first tip for training your dog is to be patient. Think back when you were a kid and it was your first time trying out your new bike. Did you learn how to ride it right away or did it take you a few tries to get the technique down? Your dog is the same way. It will take a lot of practice and repetition for your dog to learn what you are trying to teach so don’t give up if it doesn’t work out on the first try.

Second, it’s important that you remain consistent throughout your training techniques with everything from commands to rewarding your dog for the proper actions. Rewarding your dog is only useful if you do it at the right time, which is when your dog is showing the behavior that you are looking for. Never punish your dog when he is showing poor behavior as this will only reinforce the fact that you are giving him attention for that poor behavior, and they love to get attention from you however they can. If you choose a voice command for a certain action, always stick to that command and don’t vary it. If you vary it, this will only confuse your dog and you’ll not get the results you are looking for as easily.

Third, try to make the training activities fun and exciting for your dog. Chances are you’re going to have more success if you have your dog’s full attention because something is enjoyable. If the activity is not very fun and exciting for your dog, then it is likely that he will become inattentive and distracted by other more exciting activities around him.

Always show praise for the good behavior that your dog portrays by allowing him to lick the back of your hand or by rubbing his belly. These rewards will also show that you are in charge, or the alpha dog, of the pack so they will understand that if they listen to you and behave properly, they will be rewarded. Don’t be afraid to give words of praise too since, again, dogs love to get all the attention they possibly can from you.

Some behavior may be cute and funny when the dog is a puppy but it may not be appropriate when your dog is an adult so it is important that you correct poor behavior while your dog is a puppy. This will prevent him from continuing to show that behavior throughout his life.

Follow these simple tips and your training experience will be much more fun and exciting, and chances are you will also be successful in your efforts as well.

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Hypoallergenic Puppy Breeds and Their Benefits

2010-04-20T23:51:00.000-04:00

By Jeff Van Dalsum

A puppy can bring so much joy to your household. However, if someone in your family has an allergy to your pup, they can't enjoy his company without itching, scratching, and sneezing.

People who are allergic to puppies are sensitive to dander or saliva. Dander is the flakes of skin and scurf that are shed by every dog throughout the course of a day.

Many people believe that some breeds of puppy are less likely to cause a reaction in sensitive people. Poodle puppies seem to have a coat that is more like hair than fur, so it may be less likely to cause a problem. The Labradoodle was bred by crossing Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, to try and produce a larger hypoallergenic dog.

Dander tends to be shed with hair, so a pup with a thick fur coat is more likely to cause reactions in allergic people. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic pup, it may be a good idea to choose a breed with a short thin coat, such as a Greyhound or Whippet.

Hairless pups, such as the Chinese Crested Dog or Mexican Hairless Dog are also considered to be a lower allergy risk than most other breeds.

Keep in mind that there is also lots of variation between individual dogs. Just because your family member can cuddle one dog with no problems, that doesn't mean they'll be fine with all other dogs of that breed.

So as you can see, there really is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic puppy, because all pups shed hair or dander and all dogs produce saliva. However, if you choose your breed carefully, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions but you're not likely to eliminate them completely.

People with allergies can still enjoy the company of a puppy, but it takes a little work.

Firstly, reduce the amount of hair and dander that drifts through your home. This means vacuuming the house every day, and washing your pup's bedding to remove excess hair and skin scurf. Bathe and brush your pup twice weekly, so he doesn't shed as much hair. Both these tasks should be done by a non- allergic family member. Keep in mind that if you wash your pup with the wrong shampoo, it can dry out his coat. The result is more skin scurf and dander, which can make allergies worse. Choose a mild, soap free shampoo, and consider adding a fatty acid supplement to your pup's diet, to condition his coat from the inside.

There are also medications that can stop your body reacting to an allergen, and these can be helpful in controlling the symptoms of an allergy to pups.

There are so many health benefits to owning a pup such as reducing your stress levels and encouraging you to exercise more. If you choose your pup carefully, and keep your environment free of dog hair, your allergic family member can also enjoy your pup without constantly reaching for a tissue.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated to helping your raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy. We have taken it as our goal to provide you with all of the information you need to know in order to make living with your puppy a memorable and fun experience. We want to make sure that you understand all of your choices for your puppy and that you will be able to make fully-informed decisions in respect to training, health, dietary, and general puppy care situations. We update our blog daily with new information on puppy care.

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Cute Bichon Exercising on a Treadmill

2010-04-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

Keeping Your Puppy Safe While Outdoors this Spring and Summer

2010-04-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

Now that the weather is getting a little warmer and more enjoyable in many locations, your new puppy or adult dog may be more eager to go outside. Puppies are usually very curious and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new puppy home the puppy may want to start checking out many things inside and outside the house. You may be interested in puppy proofing your home to keep your Bichon Frise puppy very safe at all times. You will want to make sure there is nothing within his reach that could harm him indoors or outdoors.

It is very important to make sure the outside of your home is safe. You can consult your veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. You may wish to read Puppy Proofing Your Home. There are so many great ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful. Hopefully, you can puppy proof your backyard before your puppy goes outside. You will want to be with your Bichon Frise puppy when he is outside, so you can supervise him.

If you have any fencing in your yard, you can check to make sure there are no holes through which your puppy could squeeze through and sneak out of the yard. Check to see if all of the gates are securely closed and that your Bichon puppy would not be able to crawl underneath the gate.

It is also important that your dog gets the proper exercise for his well-being. A responsible dog owner will obey leash laws and not let their dog run loose. You will probably need to get a license, and possibly a name tag for identification for your puppy. It is also important for your dog to be up-to-date with his vaccinations. You may be interested in reading 10 Pet Safety Tips You Should KnowDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It is also very important for a good dog owner to keep their dog safe while riding in a car. Car safety for dogs: "Safety tips for securing your dog for car rides" is a helpful article about this subject.

Some plants and trees outside may be toxic to dogs. Many bulb plants can also be poisonous. Some mulch can be toxic to dogs. Again, you can ask the veterinarian for a complete list of plants and trees that are dangerous or toxic to dogs. You may want to read Plants Which Are Potentially Poisonous. You will want to keep your Bichon Frise puppy off of freshly treated lawns.

Keep all gasoline, auto supplies, insecticides, fertilizers for your lawn, oil, or any paint in securely closed containers out of reach from your puppy. Also, keep antifreeze out of reach from your puppy.

Swimming pools or hot tubs should be properly covered or fenced off.

For a safety measure, keep your Bichon Frise puppy away from any barbecue grills during outdoor cooking.

Garbage should be kept in closed containers that have secure lids.

It is so important to keep your puppy healthy and safe.

Where Are You Going to Find the Right Dog for You and Your Family?

2010-04-16T18:57:00.000-04:00

There are so many important things to think about when deciding to add a new puppy to your family. You may have been doing a lot of research about many different breeds. Now, you might have come to the conclusion that the time is right for you to get a puppy. Where are you planning to get your new puppy? Now, these are some example questions you may want to think about as a potential dog owner.

1. Do you have the necessary time that is needed to care for a puppy each day? Will anyone routinely be at home during the daytime hours to care for the puppy?

2. Do you have children or other pets?

3. Do you have general knowledge about the breed you are interested in?

4. Do you enjoy grooming or do you plan on hiring a professional on a routine basis, if it is necessary?

5, Do you have a good, reputable veterinarian to continue regular health exams and future vaccinations for your new dog?

Just in case you are thinking about getting a Bichon Frise, I will include some helpful information about the characteristics of the breed. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the Bichon is their beautiful white powder puff coat and plumed tail and their charming personality. Bichons may also have some color shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around their ears or body. They are sturdy little playful dogs with a gentle nature. The normal Bichon weight is about 10 to 18 pounds. The life expectancy of the Bichon is known to be about 15 years.

Each dog has their own individual personality, but in general specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Bichons are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Bichons usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Bichons can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

Bichons usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Bichons may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area. You may want to read this helpful article: Finding the Dog That Was Made For You.

A Video Of Two Cute Dogs Relaxing Together

2010-04-14T01:49:00.000-04:00

How to Successfully Use a Crate to House Train Your Puppy

2010-04-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

Your new puppy is probably a lively, little puppy that you will want to keep safe, healthy and happy. Dog crates have some effective use in dog care and training. A safe and appropriate dog crate can be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy for a short time. A dog crate can be like an indoor dog den for your Bichon Frise. It can be your dog's quiet, safe place for him to go if he wants to relax and curl up and take a nice nap.

Dog crates are often used for house training purposes. The idea behind using the crate method is based on the theory that dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep or eat. Bichon Frises are very intelligent dogs, but you may need to be patient and consistent when you are house training them. You may wish to watch Crate Training Your Puppy Video | DailyPuppy.com. The dog expert in the training video describes how to successfully use a crate to house train a puppy. She also includes some helpful information about what size crates may be best suited for different dog breeds.

Teaching Your Puppy to Lie Down on Command

2010-04-13T18:09:00.000-04:00

The Bichon Frise is an intelligent dog. Be consistent when training your puppy. Remember to keep your Bichon's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your Bichon Frise when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior or new commands to your puppy.

You may want to watch this Video Training Puppy to Lie Down | DailyPuppy.com, a puppy training video which shows how to teach a puppy to lie down on command. The dog expert works with a Corgi in the video and she demonstrates how to use positive reinforcement while teaching the Corgi how to lie down. She used a little piece of cheese, but appropriate dog treats may be used as a reward.

It may be helpful to try to maintain a regular daily routine or schedule so that it will be easier for your Bichon Frise to understand what is expected of him. Hopefully, you will both enjoy your quality time together when you are teaching him new commands and having some fun together!

A Safe, Comfortable and Supportive Dog Bed for Your New Puppy or Adult Dog

2010-04-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

Your loyal dog would more than likely appreciate and welcome a very comfortable and cozy dog bed. Usually dog owners select a good dog bed, along with a new collar, leash, healthy dog food and water dishes for their new puppy. You may want to consider your dog's personality, lifestyle and age when selecting a style to match your dog's needs. Your Bichon Frise may be so happy to have his own special sleeping space, so he can routinely get a good night's sleep. You may wish to read Why Every Dog Needs a Bed: "Dog beds provide both physical and emotional comfort. HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE".

Dog beds can also be very beneficial for dog owners. Once your dog gets accustomed to using his own bed, he might not be so likely to jump up on your bed or couch at night. This may possibly help to prevent injuries by keeping your dog from jumping up and down on your furniture. Having a dog bed located in one specific area in your home may also help in controlling the spread of dog hair and dander.

Some dog owners may choose to have a couple of dog beds for their pets. People sometimes put a comfortable dog bed in their home office area, the living room, the family room, or in the finished basement, where the family may watch TV. Their pet can relax and enjoy their company while they are working on their computer, talking on the phone or enjoying a movie. Your Bichon Frise can use his comfortable bed just to relax when he is tired out or to get some quiet time, if the household is extra busy and chaotic at times. You may want to read the following article: Dogs & Dog Beds.

Hopefully, a good dog bed can offer some cushioning support for your dog's joints and bones. An appropriate dog bed can help to provide warmth and protect him from a cold, uncomfortable floor. It can also give him a feeling of security.

There are a few important things to think about when selecting the right bed for your own dog. First, you will want to make sure the bed is big enough for your dog. The dog bed should be large enough in size to comfortably support him when his body is stretched out and relaxed at night for sleep.

It is a great idea to take into consideration your dog's unique sleeping habits. You can observe your dog where and how he sleeps to check for special sleeping patterns. Does your dog like to curl up on a chair or sofa with a blanket or does he really like to stretch out? Some dogs like to even sleep on your bed with their head right on a soft pillow. With the help of some of these clues, you will want to determine exactly what kind of bed would be best suited for your dog.

There are so many varieties of good quality dog beds to select at the pet store or while shopping for dog supplies online. There are roomy, square or round lounging dog beds that are nice and soft. Another style is a nestling type bed, which has supportive sides for your dog to rest his head. There are also bolster beds, which may be good for dogs who love to sleep with their head resting on an armrest of a chair or a pillow.

The veterinarian may recommend certain types of supportive orthopedic dog beds for older or arthritic dogs. They are often made of foam and/or box spring construction. The traditional or classic dog beds may come with machine-washable covers. Another style would be the mats or pads, which are usually made of foam construction. There are also travel dog beds for families on the go.

A good dog owner will want to make sure their dog's bed is safe and made very well. The construction of dog beds may consist mainly of foam, polyfil, or box spring support, or a combination of all three. Hopefully, your dog will benefit from the support for their bones and joints, comfort and warmth, and also a nice feeling of security.

Don't forget about the outdoor dog that sleeps in a doghouse. You may wish to get an outdoor-safe bed for an outdoor dog. It is so important to protect your outside dog. They make dog beds that are tough and water-resistant.

Where you place your dog's bed in your home is also an important factor. You may want to have the dog's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable corner or section of the room may be nice. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the dog where there is not much noise that would disturb him. The Bichon Frise may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm.

Most puppies in a new home environment may feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. I will offer some helpful tips on how to help a new puppy sleep through the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home. He may miss his mom and family litter in the beginning.

The puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of familiarity and security. Dogs sometimes instinctively circle around their sleeping place where they are going to sleep. If you want the Bichon Frise puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if the puppy leaves his dog bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When the puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own dog bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So the puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate and appropriate exercise for the puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for the puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. It may be helpful to get into the habit of some calm, quiet time before the actual bedtime. The Bichon Frise puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If the puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. The Bichon Frise puppy will learn that his owner is a good leader and he will feel loved and protected. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get sufficient sleep every night and be happy!

Choosing a Professional Pet Sitter or a Reputable Doggy Daycare

2010-04-08T00:20:00.000-04:00

For most dog owners there may come a time when you need to decide exactly what to do if you have to leave your home temporarily for a few days or more and you are unable to bring your dog with you. This situation may happen due to travel requirements for your job, a planned vacation, or it may be due to medical reasons. Maybe you might have to travel out of town to see extended family and you are not able to bring your dog. As a good dog owner, I know you would want to plan for the very best care options for your puppy or adult dog. You may decide to ask your friends who have pets if they know of a very reputable pet sitter. People sometimes ask their dog groomers if they know any names of professional pet sitters. A very good idea may be to check with your veterinarian about what he would recommend for your dog. Possibly your veterinarian can refer you to an excellent boarding facility for your Bichon Frise. But, you may want to talk to him about finding a very reputable pet sitter. You will want to find a pet sitter that you can feel comfortable with and you will want them to be very honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general.

Before you contact a pet sitter, you may want to carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that you would like the sitter to fulfill while you are away. This is an ideal time to write down any important information about your pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by your veterinarian for your dog or special diet). You should write down your veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. You will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where you can be reached. You will be able to give the pet sitter your helpful list and discuss these essential things during your first meeting.

Then, if the pet sitter has some questions, he/she will have a good opportunity to ask you in person. You will want to talk about what specific food to feed your dog and how often to feed your dog. You may want to explain where you routinely walk your dog and how often your dog needs to be walked. It may be helpful for your Bichon Frise to have an up-to-date ID tag.

At the appropriate time during your interview meeting you can introduce your dog to the pet sitter and see how well they interact together. The pet sitter may ask you if your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date and how your Bichon Frise behaves when he is out walking around other animals and people.

It can be somewhat stressful for you and your dog, if you are leaving your Bichon for any reason at all. You will probably feel more reassured knowing that you have found a wonderful pet sitter whom you feel that you can trust. You will want to know that your dog will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while you are away.

Doggy daycare may be an available option for dog care if you just need supervised care for a few hours a day, or during certain occasions. If you have been recently working long hours away from home or your Bichon Frise just needs some additional companionship, you may want to learn more about doggy daycare. Doggy daycare should be a safe place, fully supervised by trained staff members. It is a place where your dog can play with other dogs that match his similar temperament.

There may be safe and appropriate dog toys and comfortable dog beds for napping. Most doggy daycares have an outdoor area for exercise. You may wish to read the following article: Doggie Day Care? Really? The staff should be trained to understand and appropriately respond to dog behavior and interactions.

There should be enough humans around to give your dog nice attention and positive reinforcement. Doggy daycare should be secure and safe. All dogs in doggy daycare usually need to meet minimum health requirements. Dogs must have their current vaccinations and be free of infectious diseases. The dogs may be evaluated to make sure their temperament is fine for the daycare environment. Bichon Frises are usually fun-loving, social dogs and they may enjoy the safe and appropriate dog play at doggy daycare.

Choosing a Veterinarian for Your New Puppy or Adult Dog

2010-03-22T03:37:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for a good veterinarian? Maybe you recently adopted a new puppy or an adult dog and you need to find a veterinarian. Or possibly you just moved to a new town because you just got married or you needed to relocate for a new job. A new Bichon Frise puppy will probably need a check up soon after coming into your family. It is a good idea to find a veterinarian before you bring your new puppy home.

Here is a helpful list of some important things to think about when looking for a new veterinarian.

1.You may wish to contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask if they can give you a list of veterinarians in your area.

2.Talk to other dog owners that happen to live in your neighborhood about their veterinarian. You can ask a friend, a dog groomer or even a pet sitter for a good recommendation.

3.The phone book is a good resource of information. You can easily search for Veterinarians and Animal Hospitals.

4.You can also do a search online for local veterinarians in your area.

5.It is important to check if the veterinarian has a membership in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

6.If you happen to be looking for a specialist, you may want to check if the vet is board certified in the specialty you are interested in for your pet's needs.

Once you have narrowed down your search for a veterinarian, there are some questions to think about at this point.

1. Do you have a flexible schedule that would allow you to go to an office appointment during the morning or afternoon hours of the day? What are the veterinarian's regular office hours? Is the office open on Saturdays or open in the evenings a few days a week? It may be very important to know if there are after-hour emergency services available.

2.Do you mind driving a little distance across town to get to a good veterinarian or would you prefer an office nearby?

3.How many veterinarians are actually in the office practice?

4.Do they routinely offer any boarding services?

5.Does the veterinarian have any areas of specialty in his practice?

6.Are services like x-rays, bloodwork or other diagnostics done in their office?

7.What is their normal procedure for scheduling appointments in advance for your pet?

8.What forms of payment are accepted and do their fees fit your financial budget at this time?

Next, you may want to schedule a visit to meet the office staff and learn about their specific policies. You can check to see if the office is clean and if the receptionists and assistants appear caring and knowledgeable. It may be helpful to know if they offer products like specialty dog food or items that are routinely used for grooming purposes, like specific dog shampoos.

Hopefully, this information will be of some help to you when you are looking for a veterinarian to take the very best care of your dog! You many also want to read this informative article: Choosing a Veterinarian : The Humane Society of the United States.

I will include some additional information about helping a dog stay calm and relaxed when going to the veterinarians.

Your dog’s visits to the vet can be calm and pleasant. There are some helpful ideas to make the experience a positive one. Taking your dog to the vet isn’t always the easiest thing to do. A little planning ahead can help to make the trip much easier. You may want to have your Bichon Frise go to the bathroom before getting into the car to go to the vet's office. (Some offices have a place outside the building where you can take the dog if he needs to go to the bathroom.)

You may wish to bring a favorite dog toy or your Bichon's favorite blanket for him to have in the car when you are riding to the vet's office. Having something familiar may help to relax him. Many people use a dog leash or dog carrier when they take their dog into the office. It is helpful to give your dog praise for his good behavior while he is in the vet's office.

If you act like you are confident and in control during the visit you will reassure your Bichon that it’s routine and fine and nothing to get worried about. Keeping your Bichon occupied will take some of the attention away from any other pets, owners, receptionists, assistants or technicians that may be in the office area.

Occasional praise for being a well behaved dog helps to make it a positive
experience. In the examining room if you have conversation with the vet or his assistants, the dog will hopefully feel calm and relaxed.

You may decide to stop by with your Bichon Frise and make an informal visit to your vet's office at another time just to say hello or to purchase a dog supply, like dog shampoo, so that your visits can be associated with routine, positive experiences for your dog.

How To Be a Good Responsible Dog Owner

2010-03-18T02:00:00.001-04:00

Good dog ownership starts right in the very beginning. It is so important when you are first thinking about getting a dog to do some valuable research on which breed of dog would fit your lifestyle the best. When you choose your dog, it may be helpful to think of it as a true commitment for the dog's lifespan, which may be many years to come. You will want to make sure that you have enough time available each day to be able to properly care for a dog. You will want to select a dog that will hopefully work out great for you and your family.

If you are adopting a dog from an animal shelter, you will want to make a well thought out decision about your selection, so you wouldn't need to unnecessarily bring the dog back to the shelter. Owning a dog is about more than the friendship you share. You will be responsible for your dog. It's your job as a good owner to make sure he is healthy and happy and that he stays safe.

So, you may want to think of some of these helpful ideas when choosing your new dog. For example, maybe you are looking for a small, lap dog like a friendly Bichon Frise or a Miniature Poodle or maybe your personal style would be a long haired active breed, like a Golden Labrador. Are the dog's grooming needs a factor for you? Do you live in a small apartment or have a house out in the country with a big backyard for a dog to run? If you have children you may be looking for a breed that is known to get along well with kids.

After you choose your puppy and bring him home, you may wish to consult the veterinarian about how to introduce the new puppy to children or other animals in a safe manner. If you are thinking about bringing a new Bichon Frise into your family, give some thought to the age and nature of the child or children in the family. If there are children in your family, are they old enough to understand about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a dog?

It is important to note that infants and also very young children that have not learned how to correctly handle a dog should definitely not be left unsupervised with a Bichon. Also, if a puppy has not seen any children before, the first sight of a child can be a little frightening to an inexperienced puppy. Regardless of how friendly a dog may appear to be, it is good practice for the parent to safely supervise any interaction between the dog and a child.

Parents can teach children some important helpful safety tips such as to never approach a dog while he is eating or sleeping or never try to take the dog's food away while he is still eating. If you are bringing a new puppy home, parents can teach children in a safe way how to handle and play with the dog in a gentle manner that won’t frighten or hurt him.

Parents can teach children how to touch and handle dogs, and always safely supervise any interactions between dogs and young children. Many parents believe that having a dog in the family helps to teach their children responsibility. The parent should teach the child just how dependent the dog actually is on the owner and the parent can always be on hand to take care of situations that are too much for the child to handle.

Parents may decide to include children in the appropriate care of their pet. Parents can make a chart for daily care that includes providing fresh water throughout the day, all feedings, walking or exercise and playing. Having a dog can be a positive, rewarding experience for a child and the whole family. Family pets can prove to be faithful and loyal companions who provide happiness and unconditional love to the family!

Don't forget, when bringing a new puppy home, you may be thinking about some specific items that you may be shopping for to make the transition easy for you and your puppy in his new home. For example, your puppy will need an appropriate place to play and sleep and he will also need some items for daily maintenance. You will want to have a safe and comfortable place to keep your dog when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands. The following list includes specific items that some people may think about and consider when getting a new puppy.

Feeding and Water dishes

Appropriate dog food and treats for puppies

Dog brushes and combs

Appropriate dog collar and leashes

Possibly a dog pen

Safe and appropriate dog toys (recommended for puppies)

Safe and comfortable dog bed and dog blanket

Dog shampoo

Dog nametag or ID

Next, when you bring your new puppy or adult dog home, you will more than likely go the veterinarian's office for the dog's check-up. The veterinarian may check to see if the dog is up-to-date with his vaccinations.

A good dog owner will want to obtain and keep accurate health records and other important documents about their dog. Some animal shelters may provide an evaluation, which includes a history of animal health and behavior at their prior home, and a veterinary exam and screening. If you get a pet from the shelter, it would be helpful if you could obtain a written copy of the evaluation and any veterinary health records to keep, if at all possible.

It is important that if you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder that the proper documentation is provided to you, such as a copy of the dog's pedigree (AKC registration). Usually a certified copy of the pedigree can be obtained from the American Kennel Club.

The registration certificate is like the dog's birth certificate. The breeder should transfer this information to the new owner. The breeder should give you any documentation of the puppy's health record, including information such as the specific dates of vaccinations and also the information about when future vaccinations are due.

It is very important to provide regular veterinary care for your puppy or adult dog. Vaccinations, check-ups and dental exams are essential to your dog's good health.

Your veterinarian may help educate you about your dog's dietary needs and he may recommend certain healthy dog food to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy, balanced diet. You can talk to your veterinarian about any questions you may have in general about what you are thinking about feeding your dog. There are certain human foods that may be toxic to dogs and your veterinarian can explain this to you in detail. You may want to also read the following article: Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog.

Water is so important and essential for your dog. You can make sure that fresh water is always available for your Bichon Frise. Dogs can become dehydrated.

It is always important to keep your Bichon Frise clean and routinely take care of any grooming needs. They have such a beautiful, white, fluffy coat. It is also important that your dog gets the proper exercise for his well-being. It might be a nice idea to play with your puppy at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. A responsible dog owner will obey leash laws and not let their dog run loose. You will probably need to get a license, and possibly a name tag for identification for your puppy.

It is up to you to teach your dog what he needs to know. Dogs like to know what they are supposed to do and what is expected of them. Dogs like structure in their life. You can decide to set reasonable house rules for your Bichon Frise. Actually, dogs can become stressed when they think they can do anything they want.

Often times, dogs feel secure and confident with knowing exactly what you expect from them and having some fair house rules. It may be helpful to try to maintain a regular daily routine or schedule so that it will be easier for your Bichon Frise to understand what is expected of him.

A Bichon Frise usually looks for their owner's positive approval. Your Bichon's well-behaved manner may depend on your good teaching and leadership! You can teach your Bichon Frises what you want them to do or not do and you can praise them when they obey and they will very likely be happy companions.

A good owner will want to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. You can consult the veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof a home. You may want to read the following article: Puppy Proofing Your Home.

There are many ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful. It may be helpful to also read my recent post entitled “Puppy Proofing Your Home."

Your may want to have your puppy grow up to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. A good way to help your puppy develop an emotional bond with you is to spend time with him, especially during the first few days he is with you. This is an important time for you and your Bichon Frise puppy. Remember that when your pup first arrives his new home will be unfamiliar to him, and he will be missing his mom and his littermates. You can help make this time easier for him by spending quality time with him. You may wish to read Ask A Vet: How do I ensure my puppy bonds with me?: "By spending time with him".

A good owner will understand that socialization is so important for a new puppy. You will want your Bichon puppy to feel comfortable in his new world. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

Until your puppy has had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about socialization. You may consult your veterinarian about when and also how to introduce your puppy to other animals in a safe manner. Once you know that it is fine to socialize your puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new puppy to some of your close friends or relatives in a pleasant, supervised manner.

Here are some helpful tips about spending your first day and night with your new puppy or adult dog.

It is such an exciting time for you and your family when you bring your new puppy home for the very first time. You need to remember it is probably the first time your Bichon Frise puppy is separated from his mom, the litter family and the breeder and you don't want to overwhelm him. I can just imagine all of the important puppy supplies you now have in your home, such as a feeding dish, maybe a new dog bed and blanket, collar and leash, appropriate puppy food and treats. You must have already picked out an adorable name for your new puppy.

You may want to keep your puppy happy and relaxed when he comes home for the first time. Talking in a calm manner to your Bichon puppy and handling him gently may help him get comfortable with his new family. Your Bichon Frise puppy may want to explore some of his new home, with your supervision. Your Bichon will most certainly appreciate all the human attention that he will get from you and your family.

You may want to get down on your puppy's level and let him sniff your hands so he can get familiar with you. You may want to pet him gently. This may be comforting to your Bichon Frise puppy and you can start to form an emotional bond. Each person in the family may spend some time with the puppy, so he becomes familiar with them. Your puppy's socialization may have started with the breeder, but now it is your job to continue it.

What a busy day your puppy may have experienced! Maybe, your Bichon puppy had his very first car ride home. He probably had a good chance to meet all of the family members and explore his new house with them. Your Bichon Frise puppy may have eaten his first meal in his new home already and checked out his backyard with you.

Your Bichon puppy is probably tired and getting ready for some sleep. This may be his first night that he will be without his mom and litter family. He could be a little apprehensive and lonely. You can be reassuring and comforting to your new Bichon Frise puppy.

It may be time to show your puppy where he will sleep. It is important to set a good habit for bedtime in your home so that you and your puppy will both feel rested and happy! Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep. You may want to read Why Every Dog Needs a Bed: "Dog beds provide both physical and emotional comfort.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE".

You may wish to have your puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a safe, cozy dog bed for your Bichon puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise.

Your Bichon Frise puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. It is common for most puppies in a new home environment to feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your Bichon puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home.

Your puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of security. If you want your Bichon Frise puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if your Bichon puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When your Bichon Frise puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So your Bichon Frise puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate exercise for your puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for your Bichon puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. Your puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm your puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If your Bichon puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get adequate sleep every night and be happy!

It might take at least two weeks or more for your Bichon puppy to get accustomed to his new home environment. With lots of love and positive attention he will soon learn that his new home is a very safe place. You are his leader and his provider of food, water, shelter and security and your puppy will want to stay close to you!

As your puppy grows and he begins to learn commands, and when he is the appropriate age you may want to learn more about "The Canine Good Citizen" program. It is an American Kennel Club program to recognize dogs who demonstrate good behavior at home and in public. The Canine Good Citizen program is based on a test administered by certified evaluators. Basic obedience training may help your Bichon Frise prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test. It is helpful if your Bichon is well socialized.

Dogs who pass the test may receive a Canine Good Citizen certificate recorded with the American Kennel Club (AKC). You may check the American Kennel Club website to find an evaluator or an upcoming test near your area.

A few things that are evaluated during the test are appearance and grooming, accepting a friendly stranger and some commands, such as sit, down, stay and come. You can read the following article to learn more about the 10-part Canine Good Citizen test: Who’s A Canine Good Citizen?

Spending lots of quality time with your Bichon Frise and teaching him the things you want him to learn will help to keep him happy and healthy throughout his lifetime! You may also enjoy reading more about the Bichon Frise:

Teaching Your Dog to Sit

2010-03-17T03:31:00.000-04:00

You probably know by now that your Bichon Frise is a very intelligent dog. You may want to begin training your dog simple commands such as sit, stay, come and lie down. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior or new commands to your Bichon Frise.

Be consistent when training your dog. Remember to keep your Bichon's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your Bichon Frise when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him.

You may want to watch this Video on Teaching Puppy to Sit | DailyPuppy.com, a puppy training video which shows a nice demonstration on how to teach a puppy to sit on command. The dog expert works with a Boxer puppy in the video and she shows how to reward good behavior with treats while teaching the puppy how to sit.

In general, it may be helpful to try to maintain a regular daily routine or schedule so that it will be easier for your Bichon Frise to understand what is expected of him. Hopefully, you will both enjoy your quality time together when you are teaching him new commands and having some fun together!

A Cute Video of a Bichon Havanese Puppy

2010-03-17T03:20:00.000-04:00

How To Teach Your Dog Good Manners

2010-03-15T02:12:00.000-04:00

You will be happy to know that you can train your dog to have good manners and be well behaved. It will take some time and effort on your part, but it will be worth it. Your dog can learn to be polite and he will be a pleasure to be around. A well mannered dog can be a wonderful companion for life. You are your dog's leader and everything you do with your dog is a form of teaching. Positive reinforcement or a reward, such as nice praise or a favorite treat can be very helpful when teaching good behavior to your Bichon Frise. A responsible dog owner should appreciate his dog’s good behavior. A dog with good manners doesn’t growl or bark uncontrollably at people or other dogs around him. He doesn’t jump on people or on things he shouldn’t. And he doesn't chew up your new shoes or expensive furniture.

The Bichon Frise is a very intelligent dog. The history of the Bichon indicates they used to be circus dogs and street performers. Be consistent when training your Bichon Frise. Remember to keep your Bichon's attention and have some fun during training. Reward your Bichon Frise when he demonstrates the desired behavior that you are teaching him. If your dog does something right, it is helpful if you praise him immediately. Focus on the good behavior, not the bad. If your Bichon puppy happens to chew on your expensive designer shoes, try to refocus the need to chew on a safe and appropriate dog toy made for the purpose. Also, good house training habits are very important for your dog.

Some behaviors you may want to discourage are the following:

Jumping up on people

Barking too much

Chewing on household or personal items, such as furniture or shoes

I will try to give some helpful tips on how to improve these behaviors.

1. Teaching Your Dog Not To Jump Up When Greeting You or Your Friends or Family Members

You probably really love your dog and you may actually be happy when he jumps up to greet you when you come home, but this is not always practical for you or for other people that may come over to your house to visit. Many people are a little scared when dogs jump up on them. Your friends and other visitors may wear very nice clothing that they don't want ruined by accident. Sometimes you may have a few large grocery bags in your arms that you are carrying in from the store or you may have some expensive clothing on that you happened to wear for work or a special occasion. It is up to you whether you want to routinely allow your Bichon Frise to jump up when he greets you. If you decide that you don't want your dog to jump up, you will need to teach him not to do this and be consistent about it.

To teach your Bichon Frise not to jump up, you can gently help him get back down when he jumps up on you and tell him to sit and give him nice praise when he obeys you. Then, you can stoop down to your dog's level, while he is sitting and let him give you his happy greeting the way he wants to, while he remains in the sitting position. It is good to be consistent when teaching your Bichon not to jump up when greeting you, so he doesn't get confused.

For example, if you are wearing your old bluejeans on the weekend or your gym clothes after a work out and you think it is OK for him to jump up during these times, but not when you are wearing your expensive clothes, he will get confused. The important thing for your Bichon to understand is that he still is allowed to greet you in his own special way, but instead of jumping up, it will be in a sitting position. If you continue to praise your Bichon Frise when he obeys, he will probably quickly learn what is expected of him and be happy!

2.Why Do Dogs Bark and How To Help Prevent or Control Excessive Barking

It's only natural, dogs bark to communicate with humans and other animals. It is important for your Bichon Frise to understand when to bark and when to be quiet. Dogs will bark for several different reasons. It's their way of communicating and expressing themselves. Listed below are some common reasons why dogs bark.

To Get Attention: They may start young as puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, or when they are frustrated or scared, or just when they want some attention. It is common for a new Bichon Frise puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely or scared. Sometimes we may not realize it at first, but we may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be helpful not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention, but when he is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. It is important to remember that teaching your Bichon Frise puppy appropriate behavior from the start is easier than changing undesirable behavior later on.

Socializing the Bichon Frise puppy is very important. You may want to introduce the puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive way. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

You can go slow and gradually introduce your Bichon Frise puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sound of the TV, or any music playing, and also the noise from a vacuum cleaner.

Barks from Playful Happiness or Happy Excitement: The dog or puppy may be so happy about playing outside or going for a nice walk or ride in a car, or he may be excited because he sees one of his favorite relatives or friends of the family coming over to visit.

Barking when He Hears Other Dogs Bark: Your Bichon Frise may be barking to respond to other dogs he hears barking in the neighborhood.

Warning Bark: The dog may bark if he sees a stranger approaching the house. Dogs often bark at mail carriers, joggers, or people riding bikes on the street by the house.

Bored Barkers: It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog. Dogs who are bored need something to do besides barking.

Separation Anxiety: You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a Bichon Frise that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your dog may bark, whine, cry or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your Bichon Frise in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

Ideas To Help Prevent Excessive Barking:

1. Try to have the dog get enough routine daily attention.

2. The dog should get adequate appropriate exercise.

3. Try the methods listed above to help separation anxiety.

4. Try not to give positive reinforcement to the dog or puppy when he is only barking or whining just for attention. You can reward the quiet, relaxed behavior instead.

Next, I will mention ideas to help dogs that may have a habit of chewing furniture or some of your personal items.

3.Why Dogs Chew and Some Helpful Tips About Chewing and the Bichon Frise

There are some basic reasons that dogs chew. Puppies may check out some of the new things in their environment by putting objects in their mouths. Puppies may also chew to relieve pressure of their new little teeth erupting through their gums. They may teethe for about 6 months, which usually causes some discomfort. Chewing can make the sore gums feel better.

Some dogs chew out of boredom. It may be helpful to keep your dog appropriately occupied and give him enough daily attention. Safely taking him with you when you do errands, if possible, may give him a change of scenery and some variety.

Dogs chew to relieve anxiety and stress. Maybe the dog is experiencing separation anxiety. Dogs that don't get enough exercise use up some energy by chewing. Another reason why dogs may chew is because as a puppy, they were not taught what to chew and what not to chew. For example, chewing can be done on a safe bone or safe chew toy.

A Few Helpful Tips About Chewing and the Bichon Frise:

If you don't want your dog to chew certain things in your home, don't make them available. You can keep clothing, hair supplies like hair curlers, shoes, books, trash, television remote control devices, and children's toys out of your dog's reach.

You may decide to use a safe place that's dog-proof in your home and provide fresh water and safe and appropriate dog toys.

It is helpful for your dog to have enough attention and exercise each day. When you are deciding on the amount of exercise, keep in mind his age and health.

If you happen to see your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, you can offer him an acceptable, safe chew toy instead. You may also wish to offer your dog a treat in exchange for the item in his mouth.

Your dog will need time to learn the rules about chewing and remember to take precautions and keep things out of his reach that you don't want him to get. Dogs are social animals and without the proper training, they may behave like animals. Training your dog to learn good behavior is so important for your dog or puppy and yourself. Training incorporates communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to teach your Bichon Frise about what you want him to do or not to do. Hopefully, it will be a positive experience if you teach your dog not to jump up on you or your friends and not to chew the furniture.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. Always remember the following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

You may want to read the following interesting article: My Dog Won’t Listen To Me Dog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com

It is also important to routinely spend quality time with your dog. You will want your dog to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them. Here are a few ideas for spending quality time with your dog.

You can enjoy walks together.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident. Your dog can understand your house rules.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your dog. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a big hug, a favorite treat or some nice play time.

How To Help a Shy Dog Become More Social at Any Age

2010-03-11T00:20:00.000-05:00

Is your dog shy? One common reason that a dog may be shy is because he possibly had a lack of exposure to new people, places and things when he was at a young age. You can help your dog at any age to overcome his shyness with lots of love and patience.

An important goal for an owner is to have a puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. That is why positive socialization is so important for puppies. You want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

Puppyhood is an important period for a dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

The time before the puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life. Shy dogs may not have experienced many positive opportunities to socialize when they were younger.

I want to mention some ideas to help puppies become well socialized and hopefully prevent them from becoming shy dogs as they mature. If you have a puppy that shows signs of being shy and he has already had all of his proper vaccinations, you may want to be guided by your veterinarian about when and also how to introduce your puppy to other animals in a safe manner.

Here is a cute video of some Bichon Frise puppies playing together.

Once you know that it is fine to socialize your puppy, you may want to gradually introduce your new Bichon Frise puppy to some of your close friends or relatives in a pleasant, supervised manner. Your puppy can learn to get accustomed to people who are quiet or talkative, young or old.

If your puppy seems scared about a certain object or specific person it may be a good idea to introduce that object or person more slowly, and you can try to associate the object or person with something positive, like a favorite treat. If your puppy is afraid of your husband who happens to be tall and speaks in a very loud voice, have your husband offer treats to the puppy.

You may want to get your Bichon puppy comfortable with handling, especially if they may need routine grooming in the future. You can safely and comfortably hold your cute puppy on your lap and help him practice being calm and relaxed with you. Your friends and family can help by gently handling the puppy the proper way. Positive reinforcement for your puppy may include lots of friendly praise and maybe also their favorite treats.

It may be lots of fun to safely take the puppy on short car rides, so he becomes familiar with riding in the car. This positive experience may make it easier for the both of you when you need to go for any future veterinarian office visits.

When the puppy is the appropriate age, you may decide to invite people that you already know that own pets who are friendly, healthy and vaccinated who can come over to your home for a little visit, and with your knowledge and supervision you can work on socializing your Bichon Frise puppy.

If you happen to already have another pet in the home, you may want to make sure that you provide enough individual attention to your new dog to help them develop their own personality.

Here's a cute video of a Miniature Schnauzer and a Bichon Frise together.

After your veterinarian says it is safe for you to take the puppy out into the real world, you can safely introduce the puppy to walks in the neighborhood. Your walks together can be so enjoyable for you and your puppy.

If you are patient and consistent with socializing and training your puppy, he will likely be happier and feel comfortable throughout his life. Always remember that praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training.

Now, I will mention a few ideas to possibly help an adult dog that seems to be shy and very dependent on his owner. Maybe your Bichon Frise wants to be right with you the majority of the time.

You can help build your dog's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You can give your dog lots of praise as he learns the commands. It is positive reinforcement to reward your dog with treats or verbal praise when he acts with confidence.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Dog obedience classes may offer an opportunity for the dog to socialize with people and other dogs in a safe, supervised setting. Some professional dog trainers specialize in helping shy dogs.

Spending quality time with your dog is very important for his mental well-being. Here are a few easy ideas:

You can enjoy walks together.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your dog and build his trust and confidence. Always remember to reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat, or some nice play time.

Keep training periods short, upbeat and fun. Reward desirable behavior and ignore wrong behavior. Helping your dog feel a sense of accomplishment is a great confidence builder.

As a little side note, the Bichon Frise is known to be such a friendly, social, fun breed that they actually have social events centered around the Bichon Frise and their owners getting together. It is usually called a “Bichon Bash.” I will add more information about this type of event for you.

What is a Bichon Bash?

A Bichon Bash is usually an all-day get together for Bichon Frises and their owners to meet each other and have some fun together and probably share lots of cute dog stories! Many times these functions help to raise money for rescue. Some ways they earn some funds are through raffles or other sales.

Some nice activities at the Bichon Bashes may be good food, dog parades, games, contests and special events like grooming demos. So, a Bichon Bash is a nice all-day party for Bichon Frise owners and their dogs! I can just imagine how many precious photos are taken of the adorable Bichon Frises while they are playing together and enjoying each others company!

Bichon Frises are known to very much enjoy the company of other Bichons. The Bichon Bashes are usually held for Bichon Frise lovers and their dogs in different areas in the spring, summer and fall.

Can Your Dog Understand Words and Possibly Learn How to Count?

2010-03-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

Most dogs seem to understand simple words such as sit, fetch, stay, eat, outside, ride and treat. Dogs are intelligent animals and studies have shown that dogs can understand words and gestures. Researchers that study canine intelligence have found that dogs may understand over 100 words or more. I also recently read that dogs may possibly be able to count. You may read the following article entitled Dogs' Intelligence On Par With Two-year-old Human, Canine Researcher Says for more information.

Here is a very cute video of a Bichon puppy that counts and adds.

Dogs may respond to what they associate the word with. A dog may understand what the word “beef” is because when he was learning the word he would actually get a piece of beef when you said the word. Dogs can associate a word with a specific object or an action or event, such as going out or taking a ride in the car.

Another way that dogs seem to understand us is through our body language. Studies have shown that dogs pick up on human gestures or our tone of voice. It is not only important about what you say to your Bichon Frise, but also how you say it that will help you to communicate. Your pet may be sensitive to your tone of voice. Dogs can usually understand whether you are speaking to them in a happy, sad or angry manner.

Dogs can be very good visual learners like when they learn commands with hand signals in training. Dogs can recognize people's facial expressions. Smiling when you are happy with your dog's training may be a positive reward for your Bichon Frise. If your body language matches what you are trying to communicate to your Bichon it may easier for him to learn and understand.

Crate Training Your New Puppy

2010-03-03T04:50:00.000-05:00

You may have just brought your adorable, new puppy home. This is an exciting time for you and your family. As a new responsible dog owner you probably did some research to pick the perfect breed that will easily fit into your lifestyle. Maybe you chose a friendly, white, fluffy Bichon Frise lap dog. Or possibly you and your family decided on a beautiful Golden Retriever, or maybe a lively Papillon or even a Yorkshire Terrier. There are so many nice breeds to choose from when deciding to buy a dog. Whatever breed of dog you chose, you more than likely bought most of your puppy supplies already and did more research to decide on a specific veterinarian for your new puppy.

I bet you had some fun coming up with a cute name for your new puppy, such as Snoopy, Princess, or Snowflake. You may now be in the process of reading informative books about puppy care and dog training. There are many excellent articles and even several videos about caring for your new puppy or adult dog, relating to nutrition, health, safety, grooming and training for your dog.

As a good dog owner, you probably already made the inside and outside of your home puppy proof. You have recently tried to make everything extremely safe for your new puppy and now you have realized that even if you are home the majority of the time, you may not be able to watch over your puppy every single minute of the day. If you happen to be able to work from home, or you are a stay-at-home mom, or maybe you are retired, you will probably still need to go out of the house routinely for some errands or appointments. After reading some of your books on puppy care, you may have gotten some ideas about using a safe dog crate or dog pen for your puppy while you temporarily need to leave the home for an hour or two while doing your errands, like grocery shopping, picking up the kids from school, or going to doctor's appointments.

But, if your circumstances are different and you routinely have to be out of the house for several hours at a time, you may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter, or take your dog to a doggie daycare facility. The idea behind using a dog crate is to be able to use it for a few hours at a time. For example, I recently read that puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time.

Your new puppy is probably a lively, little puppy that you will want to keep safe, healthy and happy. Dog crates have some effective use in dog care and training. A safe and appropriate dog crate can be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy for a short time. A dog crate can be like an indoor dog den for your dog. It can be your dog's quiet, safe place for him to go if he wants to relax and curl up and take a nice nap.

Dog crates are often used for housetraining purposes. The idea behind using the crate method is based on the theory that dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep or eat. Bichon Frises are very intelligent dogs, but you may need to be patient and consistent when you are housetraining them. Crate training can sometimes take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age and temperament. The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and positive. A crate should never be used for punishment. If your puppy definitely does not like the dog crate at all after you have tried your best, you may wish to try a dog pen, which is somewhat bigger than a crate.

The dog crate used for your Bichon puppy should be big enough for your puppy to be able to easily stand up and lie down and get comfortable. Dog crates and dog pens come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores or pet supply catalogs. You may decide to place a safe, comfortable, washable dog blanket in the crate. Your Bichon Frise may appreciate the cozy warmth of the blanket. You may wish to take your puppy's collar off while he is in the crate for safety reasons. It is helpful for your puppy if you keep the crate in the room where you are going to be in so that your puppy will still have your company and not be lonely, if at all possible. Your puppy will hopefully learn to think of his crate as his very own special place, almost like his own doghouse or den to go where he can rest and enjoy some quiet time.

A nice feature is that the crate is very portable. You can help to make the time that your Bichon puppy spends in his crate enjoyable. You can easily take it from room to room with you. Puppies need love and attention from their owner, so it may be a good idea not to leave your puppy inside the crate for longer than one hour at a time during the day, if possible. It is very important that at night you can have the crate near your bed where your puppy can definitely see you and let you know when he may need to go outside to go to the bathroom.

Puppies may need to go to the bathroom every two to three hours or more during the day when they are young. The time span will increase as your Bichon Frise puppy gets a little older. Puppies will usually be ready to go to the bathroom when they first wake up in the morning, after eating and drinking and also after playing.

You may feed your puppy inside the crate at times, or offer your puppy his favorite treats or safe toy inside the crate, so he gets the idea that it can be enjoyable to be in his crate. When he is done eating, carry your puppy outside close to the area where you want him to go to the bathroom. Try to use the same approximate area every time, so your Bichon Frise puppy gets into a familiar routine. After your puppy goes to the bathroom outside you may want to praise him for doing good. Then, when you go back inside you may want to offer him a treat, while having him walk back into his crate.

It is important to establish a daily time schedule for your puppy to eat his meals and also his routine schedule to go outside. After your puppy is housetrained, he may voluntarily use his crate to sleep in at night or to take some naps in during the day.

If you plan on using the crate for when you leave the house for short periods of time to do errands, a good tip is to make your departures in a calm manner. You can praise your Bichon by giving him a treat for entering the crate, and then leave the house quietly. Crates can provide a sense of comfort and security. Your Bichon Frise may think of his comfortable crate as his special cozy den.

You can also read Crate Training : The Humane Society of the United States for more information and a video on this subject.

Here are some examples of dog crates, dog pens and a crate training book below.

Puppy Proofing Your Home

2010-03-01T01:42:00.000-05:00

Puppies are usually very curious and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new puppy home the puppy may want to start checking out many things throughout the house. You will be interested in puppy proofing your home to keep your Bichon Frise puppy safe. You will want to make sure there is nothing within his reach that could harm him.

You can consult your veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. There are so many great ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful.

I will write down a few tips that I read about relating to puppy proofing the inside of the home. It may be helpful to try to think about a puppy's view of a house from what he can see at his eye level.

You may want to keep all breakable items out of your puppy's reach.

Plants: Some specific plants inside and outside of the house may be potentially harmful to the puppy. Consult your veterinarian for a complete list of plants that are dangerous or toxic to dogs.

Medications can be kept in a very safe area where the puppy definitely does not have access.

Cleaning supplies can be kept in high cabinets where the puppy definitely does not have access or childproof safety latches may be used to safely secure cabinets.

Household wastebaskets may be placed in an area that the puppy cannot access.

Electrical cords: I read that people who are trying to puppy proof their house can unplug, remove or safely cover any electrical cords that would be around the puppy's area. Electrical outlets may also be covered when they are not in use.

Bathroom: Toilet lids can be kept down. Bathroom trash cans may be put up high where the puppy cannot access them.

Any possible drawstrings or cords used for draperies or blinds in the home may be tied up high enough so the puppy cannot access them.

Precaution may be taken regarding a rocking chair or chair recliner. A puppy could happen to have his tail near that area or even try to crawl under the area. Take proper safety precautions.

Laundry baskets and clothing can be kept off the floor and out of reach from the puppy.

Small objects can be kept out of reach so the puppy does not have access. Some examples of small objects are the following:

Many childrens toys have small pieces and parts

Crayons, pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, tacks, staples

Jewelry, hair barrettes

String, ribbons, yarn

Buttons, sewing needles, pins

Coins

Safe gates made for dogs may be used across stairs and other areas where the puppy isn't allowed.

There are certain human foods that can cause problems for pets. Consult your veterinarian for the specific list of human foods that can cause problems or be potentially harmful to your puppy.

It is also very important to make sure the outside of your home is safe. Hopefully, you can puppy proof your backyard before your puppy goes outside. You will want to be with your Bichon Frise puppy when he is outside, so you can supervise him.

If you have any fencing in your yard, you can check to make sure there are no holes through which your puppy could squeeze through and sneak out of the yard. Check to see if all of the gates are securely closed and that your Bichon puppy would not be able to crawl underneath the gate.

Some plants and trees outside may be toxic to dogs. Many bulb plants can also be poisonous. Some mulch can be toxic to dogs. Again, you can ask the veterinarian for a complete list of plants and trees that are dangerous or toxic to dogs. You will want to keep your Bichon Frise puppy off of freshly treated lawns.

Keep all gasoline, auto supplies, insecticides, fertilizers for your lawn, oil, or any paint in securely closed containers out of reach from your puppy. Also, keep antifreeze out of reach from your puppy.

Swimming pools or hot tubs should be properly covered or fenced off.

For a safety measure, keep your Bichon Frise puppy away from any barbecue grills during outdoor cooking.

Garbage should be kept in closed containers that have secure lids.

It is so important to keep your puppy healthy and safe.

Adopting A Dog From a Shelter

2010-02-26T00:28:00.000-05:00

Animal shelters can be filled with animals that may become cherished pets for my many families. Animal shelters help match the animals to new responsible owners. Most shelters have both dogs and cats, of various ages. Some of the animals in the shelters may be purebred. Maybe, you may happen to find a nice Bichon Frise, if that is the breed you are looking for at this time. Many animals in the shelters may have good behavior and habits. Shelter animals are in need of new homes with owners that want to care for them and bring them into their family.

The staff that work in the shelters are usually very dedicated and they help find good homes for a variety of animals. There are several reasons listed below why animals may be in a shelter.

Possibly their original owners were not able or uninterested in caring for them anymore.

Their previous owner could no longer financially afford the basic maintenance required for the dog.

There may have been a change in the household: children may not have gotten along with the dog, or maybe there was just a new baby born in the family; or there was a divorce, or a death or major illness in the family.

Possibly the family needed to move and they were not allowed to have a dog in their new apartment complex or townhouse due to rules and regulations.

Change in lifestyle: employment and career changes may have included more traveling away from home or a major shift change or lots of overtime hours in their work schedule. Or the family realized they just did not have the necessary time required for a dog.

Medical reasons: someone in the family developed allergies to the dog or experienced a major, chronic health condition and was no longer able to properly care for their pet.

Possibly the dog had some behavioral problems.

The dog could have experienced some training problems, such as house training issues.

Possibly the dog was a homeless stray dog or unfortunately he may have come from an abusive situation.

Some shelters may provide an evaluation, which includes a history of animal health and behavior at their prior home, and a veterinary exam and screening. If you get a pet from the shelter, it would be helpful if you could obtain a written copy of the evaluation and any veterinary health records to keep, if at all possible.

Before you go to the shelter or anywhere to get a dog, there are some important things to think about when deciding if you should get a dog.

1. Did you do any research on the the type of dog or breed that you would be interested in? When you see all of the animals in need of good homes at the shelter, it may seem a little overwhelming. You should decide on some characteristics you are looking for in a dog, such as the size of the dog, the temperament, age, male or female, and any grooming needs.

2. Do you have enough time available each day to be able to properly care for a dog? Do you have enough patience and motivation for training your dog and helping him get the proper exercise, healthy diet, and any necessary grooming?

3. Are you ready and committed to take care of a dog and have him with your family for many years to come?

4. If there are children in your family are they old enough to understand about the proper treatment and responsibility of safely caring for a dog?

5. Are you able to afford the veterinary health checks and proper food for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog?

6. Do you have a safe and comfortable place to keep your dog when you are temporarily not at home for a few hours, such as when you might be at your place of employment, or doing your grocery shopping, or doing necessary errands?

7. Do you know what dog or puppy supplies that you might need to bring a new puppy or adult dog into your home to keep him comfortable, healthy and safe? You can aslo take a look at some dog supplies that are listed in my post entitled "Dog Supplies and the Bichon" in the December, 2009 Archive section of my blog.

If you definitely know that you want to adopt a dog from the shelter, then here are a few things you may want to consider when choosing a dog.

The age of the puppy or adult dog.

Does the dog have a nice temperament?

Is the dog successfully house trained?

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

Does the dog have any pre-existing or ongoing health problems?

Is the dog up-to-date with his vaccinations?

Does the dog get along well with children and other dogs?

Does the dog have any pre-existing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness?

How much prior training did the dog have in their previous home?

Does the dog look properly nourished?

Next, I will list a few steps that may be part of the adoption process.

Filling out an application

Choosing your pet

Signing a contract (the adoption contract may possibly have provisions such as the following: you will provide good housing, nutrition and health care for your new pet, and also you will return the animal to the shelter if you can no longer take care of him.)

Paying a fee (generally less expensive than buying a pet from a breeder or pet store)

It can be a very rewarding experience to adopt a dog from a shelter. People are so glad they could save a life of an animal by providing them a good, safe home with lots of love. Remember that animals in shelters have had some stress. They may deeply miss their owner who had to give them up and their previous home environment. They more than likely will welcome your patience, affection, guidance and love. Hopefully, you will choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. And maybe you could even find a nice Bichon Frise in the shelter.

If you are bringing a new dog home you may be thinking about some specific items that you may be shopping for to make the transition easy for you and your dog in his new home. For example, your dog will need an appropriate place to play and sleep and he will also need some items for daily maintenance. The following list includes specific items that some people may think about and consider when getting a new dog.

Feeding and Water dishes

Appropriate dog food and treats

Dog brushes and combs

Appropriate dog collar and leashes

Possibly a dog pen

Safe dog toys

Safe and comfortable dog bed and dog blanket

Dog shampoo

Dog nametag or ID

When you bring your dog home, allow him some time to get familiar with his new home. You may want to read my post from February 2010 “Your Puppy's First Day and Night in His New Home!"

You can also work on housetraining, if needed. It may be very helpful to read my "Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy" and also "Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy" which are older posts listed under my December 2009 Archive section of my blog.

If your dog is quiet and shy, just allow for some extra time for him to adjust to his new life. If you take good care of him and show him positive attention and love, he will probably be very devoted to you forever!

Benefits of the Human-Animal Emotional Bond

2010-02-24T02:44:00.000-05:00

Our pets can influence how we feel about ourselves in a positive way. There are so may wonderful emotional benefits of owning a dog. The bond that forms between a new puppy and their owner may develop quickly. Your new Bichon Frise puppy may look and act so cute. As the time goes by, all the experiences that you share with your dog, both happy and sad help to strengthen the emotional bond.

When your puppy is about one year old or more, each family member usually develops a special emotional attachment with their Bichon Frise. Sometimes, children even turn to their pet for comfort if a family member leaves the family or becomes ill. Adults that may have lost a loved one may feel comfort if they have a pet.

People that happen to live all alone may feel a little isolated. If they choose to have a dog or cat and they are physically able to take care of their pet, it may help to make them feel they are needed. They may feel happy to have a special pet to share their life with. A Bichon Frise can be a very nice companion.

Dogs can help us focus our attention away from our worries. Sometimes when we feel sad or stressed spending a little time with our friendly dog or cat can hopefully brighten our day.

Our daily lives may be full of so many responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Often times, our Bichon Frise may do some cute funny things, which may help us to relax and laugh. When we come home from a frustrating work day it can be so nice to be greeted by our family dog, with their big beautiful eyes and their tail wagging because they are so happy to see us. It is a wonderful thing that our pets can accept us just as we are and we can be ourselves when we are around them. Our pets don't care if we are disabled, old or young, rich or poor. Dogs can provide great companionship.

Dogs can add some consistency and routine to our lives and give us something nice to look forward to every single day. Many people may come and go in our lives, but our dogs are usually with us everyday.

Your Bichon Frise can help to keep you active by getting more exercise, like when you are taking your dog for a nice walk and getting some fresh air and sunshine or playing Frisbee outside with him. The general basics of caring for a dog, such as daily feedings, grooming and playtime will help to keep you both active.

Your Bichon Frise may view all the family members with great affection. Each family member may play an important role for your dog. The man in the house may be the one that usually takes the dog out for his walks and plays fetch outside with him in the backyard. The woman in the house may be the one that routinely gives the dog his meals and lots of attention. If there are any children in the family they may offer the Bichon Frise a lot of hugs and fun playtime together.

The dog appreciates the family interaction and affection and he has probably established great trust in his family. As a proud pet owner you will be able to recognize the maturity in your dog and as time goes by you will learn the favorite things that your dog likes, his strengths, weaknesses and any fears he may have at times.

The human-animal emotional bond between an owner and their dog is one of trust, affection and love. Bichon Frises enjoy being part of the family and a loyal dog can be a best friend. If we love them, they usually show us unconditional love in return!

Your Puppy's First Day and Night in His New Home!

2010-02-23T02:59:00.001-05:00

It is such an exciting time for you and your family when you bring your new puppy home for the very first time. You need to remember it is probably the first time your Bichon Frise puppy is separated from his mom, the litter family and the breeder and you don't want to overwhelm him. I can just imagine all of the important puppy supplies you now have in your home, such as a feeding dish, maybe a new dog bed and blanket, collar and leash, appropriate puppy food and treats. You must have already picked out an adorable name for your new puppy.

You may want to keep your puppy happy and relaxed when he comes home for the first time. Talking in a calm manner to your Bichon puppy and handling him gently may help him get comfortable with his new family. Your Bichon Frise puppy may want to explore some of his new home, with your supervision. Your Bichon will most certainly appreciate all the human attention that he will get from you and your family. You may want to get down on your puppy's level and let him sniff your hands so he can get familiar with you. You may want to pet him gently. This may be comforting to your Bichon Frise puppy and you can start to form an emotional bond. Each person in the family may spend some time with the puppy, so he becomes familiar with them. Your puppy's socialization may have started with the breeder, but now it is your job to continue it.

What a busy day your puppy may have experienced! Maybe, your Bichon puppy had his very first car ride home. Possibly, he has even been to the veterinarians for a check-up or vaccinations. He probably had a good chance to meet all of the family members and explore his new house with them. Your Bichon Frise puppy may have eaten his first meal in his new home already and checked out his backyard with you.

Your Bichon puppy is probably tired and getting ready for some sleep. This may be his first night that he will be without his mom and litter family. He could be a little apprehensive and lonely. You can be reassuring and comforting to your new Bichon Frise puppy.

It may be time to show your puppy where he will sleep. It is important to set a good habit for bedtime in your home so that you and your puppy will both feel rested and happy! Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

You may wish to have your puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a safe, cozy dog bed for your Bichon puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise.

Your Bichon Frise puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. It is common for most puppies in a new home environment to feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your Bichon puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home.

Your puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of security. If you want your Bichon Frise puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if your Bichon puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When your Bichon Frise puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So your Bichon Frise puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate exercise for your puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for your Bichon puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. Your puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm your puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If your Bichon puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get adequate sleep every night and be happy!

It might take at least two weeks or more for your Bichon puppy to get accustomed to his new home environment. With lots of love and positive attention he will soon learn that his new home is a very safe place. You are his leader and his provider of food, water, shelter and security and your puppy will want to stay close to you!

What is Doggy Daycare?

2010-02-22T01:32:00.000-05:00

If you have been recently working long hours away from home or your Bichon Frise just needs some additional companionship, you may want to learn more about doggy daycare. Doggy daycare should be a safe place, fully supervised by trained staff members. It is a place where your Bichon Frise dog can play with other dogs that match his similar temperament.

There should be enough humans around to give your dog nice attention and positive reinforcement. There may be safe and appropriate dog toys and comfortable dog beds for napping. Most doggy daycares have an outdoor area for exercise. The staff should be trained to understand and appropriately respond to dog behavior and interactions.

Doggy daycare should be secure and safe. All dogs in doggy daycare usually need to meet minimum health requirements. Dogs must have their current vaccinations and be free of infectious diseases. The dogs may be evaluated to make sure their temperament is fine for the daycare environment. Bichon Frises are usually fun-loving, social dogs and they may enjoy the safe and appropriate dog play at doggy daycare.

What is the Canine Good Citizen Program?

2010-02-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

The Canine Good Citizen program is an American Kennel Club program to recognize dogs who demonstrate good behavior at home and in public. The Canine Good Citizen program is based on a test administered by certified evaluators. Basic obedience training may help your Bichon Frise prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test. It is helpful if your Bichon is well socialized.

Dogs who pass the test may receive a Canine Good Citizen certificate recorded with the American Kennel Club (AKC). You may check the American Kennel Club website to find an evaluator or an upcoming test near your area.

A few things that are evaluated during the test are appearance and grooming, accepting a friendly stranger and some commands, such as sit, down, stay and come. You can read the following article to learn more about the 10-part Canine Good Citizen test: Who’s A Canine Good Citizen?

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

2010-02-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

2010-02-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be at the developmental stage where he is very curious about his new environment. It is so important to puppy proof your house. You may want to read a blog post that I wrote which is entitled “A Few Tips About Trying to Make the Inside of the Home Puppy Proof.” (It is listed under the January 2010 Archive section of my blog.)

At this age, your Bichon Frise puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy. It may be very helpful to read my "Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy" and "Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy" which are older posts listed under my December 2009 Archive section of my blog.

Your Bichon Frise puppy may be in a very good developmental stage to hopefully learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Bichon puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

2010-02-21T19:28:00.000-05:00

Bichon Frises, like most puppies have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Bichon puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family. It is such an important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a great deal during these first weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Bichon Frise puppies may be somewhat well socialized with each other. The Bichon puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

One of your goals may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your Bichon puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A Bichon Frise puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the Bichon puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

More Bichon Frise Information

2010-02-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying my Bichon Place blog. Here is a current list of many interesting topics included in my blog that I have already written about relating to the Bichon Frise. Some of the older topics you will find listed under the 2009 Archive section of my blog or you will find some of the older topics just by clicking on "Older Posts" at the end of each page. I hope you enjoy the Bichon Frise information and there are also some very cute Bichon videos!

List Of Topics (Posts)

Are You Thinking About Buying a Bichon Frise Puppy from a Breeder?

Second Night of the 2010 Westminster Dog Show

Cute Video of a Bichon Frise

More Tips on Housetraining Your Bichon Frise Puppy

2010 Westminster Dog Show Update

134th Annual Westminster K.C. Dog Show – February 15-16, 2010

Be a Good Leader of the Pack for Your Bichon Frise

About Bichon Frise Dogs

2010 “Angel on a Leash” Benefit Event

What is a Bichon Bash?

Bichon Frise Wave

Do You Want a New Bichon Frise Puppy or an Adult Bichon Frise?

Bichon Blitz

The Bichon Frise Personality

A Healthy Bichon Frise Puppy

Teaching Your Bichon Frise Not To Jump Up When Greeting You

Benefits of Owning a Bichon Frise

What is a Bichon Frise Rescue Dog?

Cute Video of a Bichon with Patience While Waiting for Dinner!

How to Get A New Bichon Frise Puppy To Sleep Through the Night

Bichon Frise: Therapy Dogs

These Bichon Frise Puppies Look Like They are Having Fun Playing Together!

Spending Quality Time with Your Bichon Frise and Planning a Daily Schedule

Bichon Frise: Rewards or Positive Reinforcement

Bichon Frise: Why Do Dogs Bark and How To Help Prevent or Control Excessive Barking

Very Cute Video of Amazing Bichon Tricks!

Bichon Frise Information

Helping A Bichon Frise Stay Calm and Relaxed When Going to the Veterinarian's Office

Bichon Frise: Can Your Dog Understand Words?

A New Bichon Frise Puppy

A Very Cute Bichon Frise Video

Why Dogs Chew and Some Helpful Tips About Chewing and the Bichon Frise

Cheerful Bichon Frise Video

Are You Thinking About Bringing a New Bichon Frise Puppy into Your Family with Children?

Would You Like to Own a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise and Quality Time with the Family

Cute Bichon Video

Bichon Frises and Seniors

A Few Tips About Trying to Make the Inside of the Home Puppy Proof

Separation Anxiety and the Bichon

Socializing Your Bichon Puppy

The History of the Bichon

Are You Thinking About Getting a Bichon Puppy?

Dog Supplies and the Bichon

Grooming the Bichon Frise

Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy

Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy

Characteristics of the Bichon

Are You Thinking About Buying a Bichon Frise Puppy from a Breeder?

2010-02-17T01:14:00.004-05:00

There are so many important things to think about when deciding to add a new puppy to your family. You may have been doing a lot of research about the Bichon Frise breed. Now, you might have come to the conclusion that the time is right for you to get a puppy. Where are you planning to get your new Bichon Frise puppy? If you are thinking about buying a Bichon puppy from a breeder, you will probably want them to be a legitimate and respected breeder.

One nice place where you may find some breeders is actually at a dog show. You may even happen to find some breeders that are members of the Bichon Frise Club of America. After the breeders show their dogs sometimes they have a little time to answer some of your questions about the Bichon Frise breed. The breeder could tell you if they currently have any puppies or upcoming Bichon Frise litters in the near future. Good breeders are usually very knowledgeable about their dogs and they are known to breed the Bichon Frise dogs for the actual betterment of the breed.

Some example questions that people ask the breeders:

1. If the breeder would happen to live close to you, you may decide to ask if you would be allowed to see the puppies in their home environment where they were born and are currently being raised. You would hopefully see if the mother and the litter family appear healthy.

2. How many puppies are in the litter?

3. Are the puppies up-to-date with their exams and vaccinations by the veterinarian? Which vaccinations have the puppies received and do they have any specific health certifications or documentation from the veterinarian?

4. Are there any known health problems with the puppies or in the pup's family background?

5. Are the puppies registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)?

6. What type of food do the puppies eat and how often?

7. Did the puppies have any housetraining or crate training?

8. If at any time in the future something would happen and you were unable to keep the dog, will the breeder take the dog back?

9. Does the breeder provide any type of health guarantee?

Breeders may interview you to evaluate whether you would make a good owner for their Bichon Frise puppies. Now, these are some example questions the breeder may ask the potential owner:

1. Do you have the necessary time that is needed to care for a Bichon Frise each day? Will anyone routinely be at home during the daytime hours to care for the puppy?

2. Do you have children or other pets?

3. Do you have general knowledge about the Bichon Frise breed?

4. Do you enjoy grooming or do you plan on hiring a professional on a routine basis?

5. Will you contact the breeder if something would ever happen and you would not be able to keep your Bichon Frise?

6. Do you have a good, reputable veterinarian to continue regular health exams and future vaccinations for your new Bichon Frise?

The breeder may keep the Bichon Frise puppies with their mom for about 8 to 10 weeks or even 12 weeks of age to make sure the puppies get proper nourishment and socialization with the litter family.

It is important that when you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder that the proper documentation is provided to you, such as a copy of the dog's pedigree (AKC registration). Usually a certified copy of the pedigree can be obtained from the American Kennel Club.

The registration certificate is like the dog's birth certificate. The breeder should transfer this information to the new owner. The breeder should give you any documentation of the puppy's health record, including information such as the specific dates of vaccinations and also the information about when future vaccinations are due.

It may also be helpful if the breeder shares a feeding chart or schedule including information, such as how much food is being fed to the puppy and how often. Hopefully, all of this information will help you get off to a great start with taking wonderful care of your new Bichon Frise puppy!

Second Night of the 2010 Westminster Dog Show

2010-02-17T00:55:00.000-05:00

I very much enjoyed watching the second night of the 2010 Westminster Dog Show on television that showed the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups and also the Best In Show. You can read about the results of the Group Competition at Westminster Dog Show – Night 2 – Group Competition Review. The Scottish Terrier won the Best In Show award.

Cute Video of a Bichon Frise

2010-02-17T00:46:00.000-05:00

It looks like this cute Bichon Frise is certainly trying to get some food from the fridge!

More Tips on Housetraining Your Bichon Frise Puppy

2010-02-16T01:42:00.006-05:00

One of the first things you will probably want to teach your new Bichon Frise puppy when you bring him home is housetraining. This can be the start of your emotional bond with your Bichon puppy and it is a good idea to make it a positive experience for both of you. Bichon Frises are intelligent dogs, but you may need to be patient and consistent when you are housetraining them. It is helpful to teach them routine housetraining rules to follow.

To begin the housetraining you may want to take your Bichon Frise puppy outside at least every two hours during the day. You may take him outside after every meal or drink, or after he wakes up from a nap. It is important to remember to take your Bichon puppy out when he wakes up in the morning and also after playing, and before going to bed at night. It may be very helpful to read my "Housetraining Tips for Your Bichon Puppy" and "Additional Tips for Housetraining Your Bichon Puppy" which are older posts listed under my December 2009 Archive section of my blog.

Housetraining your Bichon Frise puppy requires patience, consistency and commitment. It may take a few weeks to successfully housetrain your puppy. Your Bichon Frise puppy will learn to get used to a routine schedule for eating, playing and going outside to eliminate. Repetition and positive praise may help your Bichon puppy be successful with housetraining. You may also want to read some helpful books for more information on this topic.

2010 Westminster Dog Show Update

2010-02-16T00:37:00.000-05:00

It must have been a busy time during the day at the 2010 Westminster Dog Show. Only one dog from each specific breed wins the Best of Breed, and they continue on to compete in the Group competition show, which I watched on television in the evening. I think the dogs must have nice personalities to be able to deal with all of the activities and excitement of the show and the time factor involved.

I really enjoyed watching the competition on television that showed the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups. I especially enjoyed watching the Toy and Non-Sporting Groups. I did see the Bichon Frise that was in the competition. The Bichon Frise had a beautiful appearance. I also enjoyed watching the Toy Poodle and the Miniature Poodle. I am very much looking forward to watching the upcoming competition for the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups.

You may read about the Competition Review at Westminster Dog Show – Night 1 – Group Competition Review.

134th Annual Westminster K.C. Dog Show – February 15-16, 2010

2010-02-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

The 134th Annual Westminster K.C. Dog Show will be held February 15-16, 2010 at Madison Square Garden. I enjoy watching all the breeds, especially the Bichon Frise. I also enjoy watching the Best In Show. You can read more at: 134th Annual Westminster K.C. Dog Show – February 15-16, 2010.

Be a Good Leader of the Pack for Your Bichon Frise

2010-02-15T03:26:00.005-05:00

Dogs like to know what they are supposed to do and what is expected of them. Dogs like structure in their life. The puppy's mother is it's very first pack leader. Now that your puppy is home with you, he probably looks to you as the leader. You can decide to set reasonable house rules for your Bichon Frise. If you don't provide your dog with some leadership and direction, he may begin to make his own rules.

For example, if your Bichon Frise steals a portion of your sandwich and then eats a little bit of it and then tries to hide and bury the rest of it in your living room couch and you happen to laugh and say isn't that cute. Your Bichon will get the wrong idea and think this type of behavior is acceptable and OK to do. You may have reinforced the fact that he is in charge and you may have reinforced his bad manners. Actually, dogs can become stressed when they think they can do anything they want.

Often times, dogs feel secure and confident with knowing exactly what you expect from them and having some fair house rules. A Bichon Frise usually looks for their owner's positive approval. Your Bichon's well-behaved manner may depend on your good teaching and leadership! You can teach your Bichon Frises what you want them to do or not do and you can praise them when they obey and they will very likely be happy companions!

About Bichon Frise Dogs

2010-02-15T02:39:00.004-05:00

Each Bichon Frise dog has their own individual personality, but in general specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Bichons are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Bichons usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. If you are looking for more facts about Bichon Frise dogs, such as the history, appearance, grooming and more, you may enjoy reading some informative books about the Bichon Frise.

2010 “Angel on a Leash” Benefit Event

2010-02-15T02:08:00.003-05:00

The “Angel on a Leash” is a charity of the Westminster Kennel Club. “Angel On A Leash” champion dogs work with therapy dogs in health related areas and more. You may read about the 2010 “Angel on a Leash” benefit event that was held in Manhattan: 2010 “Angel on a Leash” Benefit Event.

What is a Bichon Bash?

2010-02-14T01:56:00.000-05:00

A Bichon Bash is usually an all-day get together for Bichon Frises and their owners to meet each other and have some fun together and probably share lots of cute dog stories! Many times these functions help to raise money for rescue. Some ways they earn some funds are through raffles or other sales.

Some nice activities at the Bichon Bashes may be good food, dog parades, games, contests and special events like grooming demos. So, a Bichon Bash is a nice all-day party for Bichon Frise owners and their dogs! I can just imagine how many precious photos are taken of the adorable Bichon Frises while they are playing together and enjoying each others company!

Bichon Frises are known to very much enjoy the company of other Bichons. The Bichon Bashes are usually held for Bichon Frise lovers and their dogs in different areas in the spring, summer and fall.