Mistakes to Avoid When Exercising Your Bichon Frise

There is almost nothing in the world that can be more celebrated than bringing home a new puppy. But, among the astonishing surroundings, a new addition of a furry companion, you might be making a couple of training mistakes that would come back to hurt you. Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small, and lovable breed that thrives on regular exercises and mentally stimulating activities.

Irrespective of their petite sizes, these dogs need to follow a well-balanced routine, maintaining their optimal health levels and happiness. However, there are numerous things that several owners need to correct while exercising their Bichon Frise, which eventually leads to several behavioral and physical issues.

Common Mistakes in Bichon Frise Exercise and How to Avoid Them

Today, we are going to share a couple of pitfalls or mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your Bichon Frise is healthy, content, and fit.

Overexercising Your Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are compact and small dogs with delicate bones and joints. Overexercising them, mainly with high-impact activities such as jumping or running, leads to stress and injuries. Although they are extremely playful and energetic, it is important to understand their physical limits. Excessive or lengthier strenuous activities eventually lead to joint issues, specifically in older dogs.

It is important to look out for the signs when your Bichon Frise becomes tired. The signs of fatigue would often include excessive rate of panting, slowing down, reluctance to continue, or limping. When you forcefully push your dog beyond their comfort zone then it would lead to long-term health issues and injuries. Ensure to give proper rest to your dog and offer them water during the break, preventing the chances of overheating and dehydration.

Neglecting Mental Stimulation

Bichon Frises are quite playful and alert, so in addition to this, they also require ample mental activity as well as regular physical workouts. Without paying attention to their mental side, they will lead a bored life and start acting unfriendly by digging the floor, biting the furniture, or barking through the night. Get them the right training sessions, puzzle toys, and the corresponding fun-filled games that would keep their brains working well at all times.

Even in various training programs that you can find on the net, they may claim that you have to do two sessions, for instance, mental training. Obey, educate, and stimulate your Bichon Frise towards new tricks, commands, and various agility courses. This also provides the cat with more exercise and mental activities to occupy its mind while it enhances your friendship with the feline. Training the two based on frequent sessions in order to increase their response and behavior towards the activities would make their exercises more enjoyable.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Bichon Frises are often sensitive to the extremities in weather conditions. Exercising your Bichon Frise in extremely hot or cold weather is often harmful. The elevated temperatures would eventually lead to heatstroke, although the cold weather leads to hypothermia. Ensure to check on the weather conditions before you take your dog out to play, so be sure to adjust your exercise routines accordingly.

It is always the best idea to invest in protective gear like dog booties for snowy conditions or hot pavements. Also, consider using a doggy coat in colder climates. In the summer, you can choose cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening, for walks. In the winter, always keep the walks shorter to ensure that the dog is dry and warm right after exercise.

Inconsistent Exercise Routine

Maintain a consistent exercise routine, which is important for the health of your Bichon Frise. Inconsistencies eventually lead to weight gain, behavioral issues, and reduced physical fitness. Have a regular schedule, including daily playtime and walks, to keep your dog happy and healthy.

While consistency plays a critical role, it is also important to balance the exercises with proper rest. Working with them with giving them proper time to recover would lead to health issues and exhaustion. Focus on their energy levels and ensure that they are getting sufficient rest between their exercise sessions. 

Using Inappropriate Exercise Equipment

Your Bichon Frise will become uncomfortable and often get injured while using the wrong exercise equipment. For example, a badly fitted collar will impose strain on the throat and neck area. Choose the well-fitted harness, distributing pressure evenly while offering the best control while you take them for walks. Do not use the retractable leashes while giving them the confidence to pull and reduce your ability to manage your Bichon Frise.

Always choose safe activities and toys that are specifically made for the smaller breeds like Bichon Frise. Avoid using toys that are heavier and larger as they lead to dental damage or become tough to handle. Whenever you are selecting such toys, ensure that they are made out of non-toxic materials and routinely check them for any kind of damage to prevent them from choking on them.

Conclusion