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... right away in puppies
.
A dog's first exercise takes the shape
of a strong inclination to play.
If they are healthy, they move. If they move, they play!
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Anyone
who has raised a litter of puppies
will tell you that
by the time they are able to get around ...
that's pretty much all they want to do
(aside from snacking).
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Wrestle, tackle, tickle, chew and chase!
Mother Nature provides ample opportunity for each puppy
to meet this need in the form of a litter of mates who are all happy
to oblige.
Our job as responsible dog owners is to
continue meeting this need
when the litter is no longer there.
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As They Grow
...
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... young dogs will seek more and more
physical activity.
It is very important to make sure that need is consistently met.
An insufficiently exercised dog will almost
always become frustrated and develop behavior problems.
Bichons may look like
adorable stuffed animals come to life,
but they are pack animals by nature,
and, like all dogs,
they intuitively
look for and respond to leadership.
Periods of exercise and play, then,
provide
a wonderful opportunity
to develop your leadership skills
and to teach your Bichon ...
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the rules, boundaries and limitations that
define good behavior.
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Consistency
and Patience ...
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... combined with the proper amount of
exercise and discipline
will
provide you and your Bichon with a very rewarding experience of
mutual well being and
emotional bonding.
Bichons love to chase and be chased!
Many will stand on their back legs and "wave" with their front ones
or dance in circles on command.
They can be graceful jumpers,
too,
almost flying
through the air on agility courses.
Ways to fulfill a Bichons need for exercise are only
as limited as your imagination!
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What About
Walking? ... |
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In nature wild dogs
will follow the pack leader for miles,
before resting at the end of each day.
Walking is a primal need for dogs. Hundreds of years
of selective breeding by humans has not changed that fact.
Every pure breed has a written standard that includes
exactly what their
gait should be.
Every dog, pet or show, will be more balanced
emotionally
and physically with thirty minutes or more
of walking beside his human each day.
Bichons are no exception!
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Do They Swim?
...
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Bichons were never bred to be swimmers
and
the majority of Bichons
have absolutely no interest in the water.
The ones who do, though, do so with a passionate love for swimming
and see an open pool as an
irresistible delight.
As long as the owner
is ready and willing to
wash, blow dry
and comb
that amazing coat afterwards ...
everyone can relax
and enjoy the spectacle.
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If you own a pool it is wise to put your bichon in at least
once
and show him how to find his way out. |
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Hiking? ... |
This is a terrific activity that offers the dog a chance
to connect with the natural world his or her ancestors left behind
in the process of domestication.
It offers you the chance to really watch your dog's nose in action!
If you enjoy hiking or camping your Bichon
would
love to share this experience with you.
It will most certainly require a little bit of time to pull
a few burrs and twigs out of that curly coat,
and a bath will definitely be in order
when you get home, but the fun will be worth it!
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Do They
Dig? ...
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Yes, if you let them. Digging, though, is not a habit to encourage,
especially in a landscaped yard or garden. So don't.
There are digging friendly environments, though,
where you can allow your dog to enjoy something that nature
has given him quite a talent for. |
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