The Complete Guide To Bichon-Frise

The Complete Guide To Bichon-Frise

By June Summers

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 For Dogs Sake! ®

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Publisher: For Dogs Sake!®

©K. Winslet 2013

Author: June Summers

Table of Contents

1 BICHON-FRISE DECISIONS

The Right And Wrong Reasons For Purchasing A Bichon-Frisé

-- The Right Reasons

-- The Wrong Reasons

Bichon-Frises And Social Responsibility

Where To Purchase Your Bichon-Frise

-- Private Sellers

-- Breeders

-- Shelters And Rescues

-- Puppy Farms

-- Pet Shops

General Equipment You Will Need

Choosing The Right Bichon-Frise

A Breed Guideline

Conclusion

2 YOUR CHOSEN BREED- THE BICHON-FRISE

The Bichon-Frise Breed Standard

Personality And Temperament Of The Bichon-Frise Breed

The Reality- Life With A Bichon-Frise

3 ALL ABOUT BICHON FRISE PUPPIES

Choosing The Right Bichon-Frise Puppy

What To Look For In A Bichon-Frise Owner Or Breeder

When Is the Bichon Puppy Old Enough To Leave the Mother

How to Choose the Right Bichon-Frise Puppy

What To Watch For

Paperwork

Questions to Ask

Bringing The Bichon Puppy Home

Keeping A Healthy Bichon Puppy

-- Good Nutrition

-- Vaccinations And Vet Visits

Common Bichon Puppy Health Problems

-- Puppy Diarrhea

-- Bloat

-- Puppy Allergies

-- Fleas And Ticks

-- Puppy Vomiting

Exercise

In Conclusion

4 THE RESCUE BICHON-FRISE OWNER’S MANUAL

The Truth Behind Rescued Bichon-Frises

Why Adopt From A Rescue Home?

-- Misconception: Anyone Can Get A Bichon-Frise From A Breed Rescue

-- Misconception: As Soon As You Put In Your Name And Are Approved You Will Get A Bichon-Frise

-- Misconception: It Is Easy To Get A Puppy At A Bichon-Frise Rescue

-- Misconception: Rescues Will Take In Vicious Bichon-Frise

-- Misconception: Rescued Bichon-Frise All Have Personality Or Temperament Problems

Older Bichon-Frises Versus Younger Bichon-Frises

Process For Adopting A Rescue Bichon-Frise

1. The First Step Is Research

2. Contact The Rescue In Your Area

3. Be Patient

4. Renew Your Application When Necessary

5. Follow Through

6. Consider Volunteering

Common Issues With Rescued Bichon-Frises And How To Deal With Them

-- Fear

-- Biting

-- Rescue's Anxiety

-- Housetraining

Particular Problems With A Bichon-Frise Rescue Dog

A Final Word

5 BICHON-FRISE HEALTH

General Considerations For Keeping Your Bichon-Frise Healthy

Typical Bichon-Frise Health Issues

-- Fleas

-- Ticks

-- Worms

-- Weight Loss / Weight Gain

-- Diarrhea

-- Vomiting

-- Coughing

-- Trouble Breathing

-- Bad Breath

-- Hip Dysplasia

-- Walking Dandruff

-- Canine Arthritis

-- Ear Infections

-- Eye Infections

-- Constipation

-- Heat Stroke

-- Allergies

Specific Dog Health Issues For The Bichon-Frise Breed

-- Eye Diseases

-- Skin Allergies

-- Dental Problems

-- Bladder Infections And Stones

-- Patellar Luxation

-- Deafness

Non-Medical Emergencies

-- Missing Bichon-Frise

-- Bichon-Frise Safety In Cars

-- Ventilation And Overheating

-- Cold

-- Bichon-Frise: Bites And Liability

In Summary

6 BATHING AND GROOMING YOUR BICHON-FRISE

Tools

Bathing

Ear Care

Nail Clipping

Anal Glands

7 THE GOOD BICHON-FRISE FOOD GUIDE

The Importance Of The Right Diet

Changing Types Of Food

Keeping A Routine

How Much And What To Feed

Making Your Own Bichon-Frise Food

Foods To Avoid

Specific Feeding Advice For The Bichon-Frise

Weight, Dieting And Bichon-Frises

Feeding Obese Bichon-Frises

Diabetic Bichon-Frises

Barf

Health Foods For Bichon-Frises

Homemade Treats

In The End

8 WORKING AND SHOWING YOUR BICHON-FRISE

Options For Working Your Bichon-Frise

The History Of Working Bichon-Frises

The Bichon-Frise As A Guard Dog

Training Your Own Guide Bichon-Frise

Bichon-Frises For therapy

Bichon-Frises as herding dogs

Obedience

Working Trials

Agility

Doggy Dancing

The Problems of a Working Bichon-Frise

Showing Your Bichon-Frise

Choosing the Perfect Bichon-Frise for show

Ringcraft

Grooming the Show Bichon-Frise

Transporting and Caging Your Bichon-Frise

In Ending

9 TRAINING YOUR BICHON-FRISE

Training Your Bichon-Frise Puppy

Basic Commands

Common Puppy Problems

-- Housetraining a puppy

-- Dog Barking

-- Biting or Nipping

-- Jumping Up

-- Leash Problems

Choosing a Trainer or a Class

Training Your Adult Bichon-Frise

Particular Training Challenges With A Bichon-Frise

Common Adult Bichon-Frise Problems and Solutions

-- Biting and nipping

-- Barking

-- Chasing other animals

-- Aggression towards other animals

-- Chewing

-- Digging

-- Anxiety

-- Running Away

-- Pulling on the leash

-- Coprophagy

-- Constantly Distracted

A Last Word

10 BREEDING YOUR BICHON-FRISE

Basic Breeding Information

Breeding Checklist

Finding The Perfect Partner For Your Bichon-Frise

Pregnancy And Beyond

Whelping

Special Notes On Breeding A Bichon-Frise

Puppy Care

Registering The Puppies

Choosing Good Homes For Your Bichon-Frise Puppies

The Transition

A Last Word

11 THE OAD CARE GUIDE: OLD AGED BICHON-FRISE AND CANINE BEREAVEMENT

Older Bichon-Frises And Their Needs

-- Diet

-- Exercise

The Aging Bichon-Frise

Health Problems and Older Bichon-Frise

-- Arthritis

-- Diabetes

-- Tooth And Gum Diseases

-- Cognitive Problems

-- Loss Of Hearing Or Vision

Dealing With Grief

Bichon-Frises and Grieving

Bichon-Frise that lose their owner

Preparing For The Worst

-- Euthanasia

-- Planning For Burial

-- Dealing With The Loss

To Conclude

1

BICHON-FRISE DECISIONS

THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING A BICHON-FRISÉ

Planning to purchase a Bichon-Frisé is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning a Bichon is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning a Bichon is a wonderful, rewarding experience but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about Bichons largely based on your living situation, as well.

The Right Reasons

There are many right reasons for purchasing a Bichon, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A Bichon requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Bichon is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a Bichon will usually live at least 12 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Bichon include:

You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

You can make the time commitment to train and work with the Bichon both now and in the future.

You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to the Bichon. The average cost of raising a Bichon is approximately $250.00/£160 per year in vet fees plus an additional $100.00/£65 per month in dog food. For those that have Bichons that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $150.00/£75 to $200.00/£140 per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£20 to $50.00/£30 per month. These costs are per Bichon, so families with more than one pet will pay significantly more per year.

You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the Bichon will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house the Bichon in a quality home environment.

You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Bichon is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Bichon.

The Wrong Reasons

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reason. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Bichon from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

Purchasing a Bichon-Frisé based on emotion rather than planning and thought. All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow. Rescues for Bichons are full of dogs that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

Purchasing a trendy breed. Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Bichon can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a Bichon without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

Purchasing a Bichon-Frisé to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

Feeling guilty about a Bichon-Frise and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a Bichon even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

Taking home a Bichon-Frise when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

Purchasing a Bichon-Frise for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Bichon will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

BICHON-FRISES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There are several considerations that a Bichon owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owner’s job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owing a Bichon-Frise:

Travel

Will you bring your Bichon-Frise with you? Who will provide care for the Bichon while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your Bichon to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those Bichons that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit, is an important consideration.

Vaccinations

Not only should all Bichons be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even Bichons that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your Bichon on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

Kenneling

Finding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your Bichon.

Car Safety

Teaching your Bichon to ride in the car, in a crate or using a leash seat belt, is important. These devices keep the dog safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

Biting and Other Legal Issues

Keeping your Bichon in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying a dog, check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.

Insurance and Micro chipping

Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs. There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet. Micro chipping is a great way to permanently identify your Bichon-Frise. A small microchip is inserted just under the skin and allows identification of your dog at any vet’s office, shelter or rescue center. Your vet can complete this process at any time.

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR BICHON-FRISE

After you have made the decision and completed the research on the breed, the next step is to decide where to buy the Bichon. There are several different options for purchase or adoption, all which have pros and cons. The following section will describe the various methods for purchasing a Bichon and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

PRIVATE SELLERS

Sometimes known as backyard breeders, private sellers are individuals that have either pure bred or mixed breed Bichons that have litters of puppies.

Advantages

Usually the parent Bichon, at least the female, are family pets and are well cared for and socialized. Often the owners have the litters in the house so the puppies are used to being handled and may also be started in basic training and socialization with people. Most private sellers love their Bichons and do their best to care for them. Bichons from a private seller may be registered or unregistered depending on the breeder.

Disadvantages

The owners are usually not showing the Bichon so, although they may be purebred, they may not be eligible for show depending on their characteristics or faults. The price of puppies from some private sellers may be just as expensive as from a breeder with a proven kennel, without the extras provided by the breeder. The owner may not have checked the male or female for hereditary conditions and usually will not offer a health guarantee. This is considered a buyers beware market and researching the breed is very important before making a purchase from a private seller.

BREEDERS

Breeders are those individuals that actively show and raise Bichon puppies. Their goal is to enhance the development of the breed and is not a for profit emphasis on the sale of Bichon puppies.

Advantages

Breeders are registered with a Kennel Club and must uphold the ethical standards of the club. They are required to health check the male and female parents for genetic conditions, as well as avoid breeding any lines that have known health problems. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for the puppy, as well as provide a return option should the puppy not adjust to your home. Many breeders will also have the new owner sign a contract that prevents the re-sale of the dog; rather it is to be returned to the breeder. Most puppies, unless otherwise indicated, will be eligible for show and competition and free from disqualifying faults.

Disadvantages

Since breeders are very selective in the breeding of their Bichon there may be a long waiting list until a puppy becomes available. Breeders also require most owners to complete a questionnaire about their home and lifestyle and breeders may refuse to sell to a particular family or individual for a variety of reasons. Many breeders require that owners agree to spay or neuter their Bichon instead of allowing them to breed. Breeders may charge more per puppy than some of the other purchase options.

SHELTERS AND RESCUES

Shelters are usually run by the local municipality, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), or a non-profit organization. They may take in unwanted pets or may trap or catch stray or abandoned dogs within certain geographic areas. Rescues are usually breed specific shelters that are run by volunteers or boards. Rescues may take Bichons from a shelter or from owners that can no longer care for the pet. They adopt out the Bichon when they find a good match with a prospective owner.

Advantages

Many Bichon from shelters or rescues are adults that are already housetrained and even obedience trained. They are often very loving and will adjust quickly to a new home. Bichon-Frises from shelters and rescues are usually not as expensive as a puppy from a breeder or a private owner. Most Bichons from these facilities are already spayed or neutered or have spaying and neutering included as part of the adoption cost. Since a Bichon from a rescue or shelter is already full-grown there is little guesswork needed as to the space that they will require. Their temperaments are already developed and can be matched to the family and lifestyle.

Disadvantages

One of the only disadvantages of obtaining a Bichon from a shelter or rescue is that there is often a long wait between the application