| Bichon Frises mature slower than other dogs and | | | | prevent this. Trim nails too; long nails can affect the |
| require more patience and different techniques than | | | | way your dog walks, as well as causing damage to |
| with other breeds. The needs of a German Shepherd | | | | flooring! The Bichon Frise also needs good dental |
| may not be those of a Bichon Frise. | | | | hygiene, so be sure to brush the teeth twice weekly to |
| Do not buy your puppy from a pet store; you may | | | | avoid build up of plaque and tartar which cause |
| never learn the dog's background and rearing history | | | | cavities and disease. |
| which a good breeder will always reveal. A pet store | | | | Feeding the Bichon Frise requires careful thought too. |
| puppy may have lived outside of a home and be | | | | Most animals will thrive on fresh food, and the Bichon |
| fearful of household activity; good breeders ensure | | | | Frise is no exception. A dietary blend that contains |
| their puppies are used to all the experiences of a | | | | poultry, lamb and fish is closest to the dog's natural |
| home environment and will settle quickly with new | | | | requirement. It is perfectly safe to feed dogs raw |
| owners. A pet store seldom takes an interest in their | | | | meat; although it is unsafe for humans to eat |
| puppies once they have sold them; good breeders | | | | uncooked meat due to bacteria such as salmonella, |
| know which of their puppies are dominant or quiet, | | | | dogs have a natural immunity and can eat the bacteria |
| enthusiastic, lively or placid. They are able to match the | | | | in meat without a problem. However, you should never |
| right puppy to the right owner and offer advice on | | | | feed them moldy food or cooked bones. |
| grooming, feeding, training and health care. You and | | | | Most artificial diets are based on grains and cereals, |
| your dog should be happy with each other! | | | | diets suited to mammals with long digestive tracts such |
| So now you have your new companion, what care | | | | as grazing animals. Dogs have the large stomach and |
| does your new friend need? Well, for a start, the | | | | short straight digestive tract required to digest meat. |
| Bichon Frise needs frequent grooming. Brushing will | | | | They cannot break down complex carbohydrates |
| help maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help | | | | such as corn, soybean and wheat, which can cause |
| you keep a closer eye on your animal's health while | | | | chronic digestive problems or itchy skin. Avoid |
| strengthening the bond between you. If the coat is left | | | | corn-based dry dog food in case this has been tainted |
| ungroomed, it will turn tight and curly and lose its snowy | | | | with aflatoxins which are lethal. Avoid artificial |
| appearance. Brush your Bichon's coat frequently, and | | | | preservatives and additives too; these can cause |
| always before bathing, to remove tangles and loose or | | | | cancer, skin problems, or allergies. Switching dog food |
| matted hair. Brush very carefully around the nose and | | | | brands too rapidly can also cause digestive troubles; |
| eyes to avoid distressing your dog. Clean around the | | | | mix the new food in with the familiar food in gradual |
| eyes daily to remove unsightly tear staining and help | | | | amounts to avoid sudden reactions. Bichons should |
| prevent dirt and bacteria from causing harm. Clean | | | | always be fed top quality dog food containing no |
| your Bichon's ears gently with a warm, damp cloth. | | | | harmful meat or poultry by-products. |
| Bichons can develop ear infections as the hair grows | | | | Look after your Bichon Frise and you will have a |
| thickly around the ear canals; attention here will help | | | | wonderful companion and friend! |