Dealing With A ‘Problem’ Bichon Frise
Funny how I was talking only a few days ago about the amount of exercise you can do being the key to choosing your dog – and how lack of exercise creates problem dogs.
It can even happen with toy breeds who traditionally are thought of as not needing much exercise.
I’ve just caught a programme on dog training where the problem was a Bichon Frise. Bichons are a low allergy toy dog breed. However, just like all other dogs they need sufficient exercise and stimulation otherwise they cause problems. This dog wasn’t getting anywhere near enough of each. So she found ways of venting her energy – through non-stop barking, racing round the garden with non-stop barking, shredding the mail, bouncing at people when she did get out on a lead and so on.
Part of the problem is that Bichons can be very smart, so they need mental as well as physical stimulation. They love to learn and are very people orientated. So once the family had started to teach her new commands and tricks (with treats and lots of praise) she really started to blossom.
The dog trainer showed just how intelligent and energetic Bichons can be. Because of the dog’s excitability, the owners didn’t really enjoy walking her. So she got less exercise than she needed, and that just added to the problems! And because they were stressed about the dog’s bad habits, this made the dog even more stressed and excitable when out walking. However, with the trainer’s help, they became calm and confident out walking and as soon as the dog got the exercise she needed (Bichons can play all day!), she became much calmer in the house.
The dog was also very spoilt, and the trainer helped them deal with that so they set proper boundaries and became pack leaders. (However, the dog still slept in the owners’ bedroom, and that’s something my dogs are never allowed to do!).
The problems with this little Bichon really arose because the owners didn’t appreciate what they had or what its needs were. So they were providing the dog with a lovely home – but not the things it really needed to be happy and well adjusted.
So when choosing your dog, and after you have it, really take time to meet all of its needs fully. That way you will have a happy, healthy, balanced dog to share your life with.
Claim Your Free Guide Today!
You’re about to discover what most people will never know about choosing the right dog for a lifetime of joy. Make it better, cheaper, faster, easier, and a whole lot less risky to get the love that you want. 16 easy, powerful, no-nonsense lessons to Quick Start your success, where millions FAIL. Don’t delay, claim your FREE Guide today!