You can relate to the toddler in this video if you have ever known a Bichon Frise. They can make you feel young at any age.
Attribution: Bichon Frise Wikimedia Commons w/ Brushstrokes added by publisher
Small Dogs for Kids
This is a good example of how Bichon's can be around small children so if you are on the fence because of safety, the video might help ease your anxiety about this type of small dogs.
A more detailed description of the Bichon Frise's nature, history, temperment, hypoallergenic qualities, lifespan and more can be found here.
John Williams wrote a book about the Bichon Frise (link below), and he shares a bit of his experience now.
Bichons are a very popular dog breed to those who are allergy sufferers because they are one of many Hypoallergenic dogs.
List of Popular Hypoallergenic Dogs
If you are interested in other dogs that are great for those who suffer with allergies, the following is a list of a number of Hypoallergenic dogs. This list is not exhaustive. However, you can easily research the many other Hypoallergenic breeds on the internet.
1) The Schnauzer
2) Yorkshire Terrier
3) Bedlington Terrier
4) Shih Tzu
5) Basenji
6) Chinese Crested
7) Samoyed
8) Italian Greyhound
9) Poodle
10) Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
Personality
Your Bichon Frise is unique and has a personality all his or her own. Even so, just as there are general guidelines for taking care of a baby, there are a few basic similarities in this particular breed that most Bichons will exhibit:
Resources
If you are interested in purchasing a Bichon Frise, it is always best to purchase your Bichon from a reputable breeder.
The American Kennel Club is a great resource for finding one. A lot of how your puppy responds to you depends on how they've been treated before they arrive in your home.
No animal acts out without reason and Bichons are not any different. If they are withdrawn and/or edgy there is most certainly a reason why.
The American Kennel Club has specific standards for breeders they recommend. Starting your breeder search at their website would be a great place to start in finding your Bichon or any other breed.
Johnn Williams – A 25+ year aviation professional, pet enthusiast, musician and writer, leads a highly professional team in the publishing of quality books that educate and entertain the reader. Johnn's five star rated book: “Bichon Frise Unique Among Dogs” is an informative read that will benefit any Bichon Frise owner. For other guides by this author please go to: www.amazon.com/author/john_williams/.
Obesity is not just a growing problem for the human population, overweight dogs–just plain fat dogs–is becoming more common.
Obesity is a common nutritional disorder in dogs. Just like people, dogs can get fat through over feeding and insufficient exercise.
In fact, the problem has reached epidemic levels in the US where more than half the dog population is overweight.
Even if you think you are only giving your dog a small amount of food per day, if you dog is getting insufficient exercise relative to the amount of food intake, he can still gain weight. Over time, he can and will get fat.
Fat dogs are not healthy dogs. Overweight dogs tend to develop health problems such as diabetes, and excess weight can aggravate conditions such as arthritis, which often develops in middle aged and elderly dogs.
To put it in perspective, an extra five pounds on a 15 pound dog is equivalent to an extra 50 pounds on a 150-pound person.
The main causes are very straightforward – overfeeding and under exercising. It's terribly easy to over indulge a dog, those soft brown, oh so appealing eyes, moving from the plate to your eyes and back again, pleading for just a morsel, just a crumb… BUT WAIT!! Before you succumb, remember, really serious health issues can affect obese dogs –
• Breathing problems. The extra weight puts stress on a dog's heart & lungs which have to work harder.
• Heat intolerance. The extra weight, combined with the dog's natural furry coat, can make fat dogs miserable in hot weather. It's harder for them to cool off.
• Joint problems. Excess weight can lead to arthritis or premature joint problems and ruptured cruciate ligaments are more common on fat dogs.
• Additional risk under anesthesia. Dogs are at increased risk if they have to undergo surgery, due to the excess weight.
• Additional medical risks, such as heart problems and dog diabetes, which is becoming increasingly prevalent.
All of these afflictions will shorten a dog's life.
Visit iheartdogs.com for a revealing updated list of obesity-related illnesses that can be prevented.
Simple Solutions
How You Can Prevent Your Dog from Becoming Fat?
Fortunately, there are some common-sense weight control measures you can take to help prevent your dog from getting fat.
Lesley states, Action is required!
With a very overweight dog, losing weight can be a daunting task but the longest journey starts with just one step and the route to a slimmer dog starts with regular exercise and a sensible diet.
Being overweight places a considerable strain on a dog's internal organs and joints – not just because they're working harder to lug all that extra weight about but because they themselves are encased in fat, so exercise needs to be little and often to begin with. Three, 10 minute walks are much better than one 30 minute walk. Each week add another 5 minutes to each walk. As your dog becomes fitter, they'll want to go further so you'll gradually increase the amount of exercise and hopefully you'll be feeling the benefit as well!
If food intake isn't reduced, all this exercising will simple turn the fat into muscle, not slim the dog down. It's essential to cut down on food.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9179024
Often the weight gain just sneaks up on us without noticing.
If you are in that group, there is a simple solution as well.
This option comes with a money-back guarantee, and doesn't necessarily require exercise. This is a huge bonus since few dogs actually get the play time they would prefer.
Pet parents familiar with this product rated the company a 9.6 out of 10.
The ratings and reviews are available on the site (the link above).
We can curb this epidemic one dog at a time.
As Lesley says, “Action is required.”
According to dogs.about.com, Canine obesity is one of the fastest growing health problems seen in dogs today. As with people, obesity can lead to a variety of diseases, disorders and other complications in dogs. In a 2008 study, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimated that 44% of U.S. dogs were overweight or obese. That's approximately 33 million dogs in the U.S. alone. Needless to say, something must be done. You can start with your own dog.
Also growing in popularity is dog running. Dog runners are professionals who will take your dog running, usually between 1 and 10 miles for a set fee, usually not more than 2 dogs at a time. In some jurisdictions dog walking businesses must be licensed and have animal first-aid-trained employees. Professional dog walking services can be obtained locally or through online referral services.
Interesting Fact:
In the United States, the first professional dog walker is believed to have been Jim Buck, who in 1960 launched his dog walking service in New York City. Buck operated his business for approximately forty years and, at its peak, employed at least 24 assistants.
PLANNING
Before starting this home business you need to plan a few things.
You need to work out your daily walks and routes. Find out where you can best walk the dogs and work out some good thirty minute routes.
Decide on the type of dog walks you will offer – private or group walks, the number of walks per week and so on.
A great deal of information about dog care and dog behavior can be found from books in your local library or relevant internet sites.
If you are just starting out you can get some relevant experience by volunteering to walk dogs at local animal shelters and dog rescue centers. This will provide you with good experience in handling a number of different dogs and give you the confidence and credibility to find paying dog walking jobs.
INCOME POTENTIAL
According to NBC News, Dog walkers earn $30,000 to six-figure annual incomes in these pet jobs, with averages around $40,000 to $60,000, estimates Veronica Boutelle, founder of DogTec.org, which offers several resources in running dog-related businesses. Dog walkers charge an average hourly fee from $15 to $25, depending on whether the dog is walked in a pack or alone.
The most recent national survey posted a range from $19,923 – $70,469, will the main factors affecting salaries being experience and location. The national average is closer to $26,000 to $32,000 annually.
START-UP COSTS
Your start up costs are low. You may have to purchase a few good leashes, pooper scoopers and bags.
The variable cost of advertising locally plus the possibility os a local business license and liability insurance are typically the only expenses making this an affordable start-up.
Buying liability insurance is always advisable. Your business expenses are limited and there is good profit potential with a dog walking service. In addition you can stay healthy and fit while making money!
Finding dog walking jobs can be done on a small marketing and advertising budget.
Cost-effective ways to advertise your pet services include designing and printing eye-catching and informative flyers. Post these flyers around your neighborhood targeting potential clients.
Don't forget your business cards.
People likely to use a dog walker include busy professionals and elderly people so post flyers in office blocks and retirement communities.
Pet owners going on vacation will often need a dog walker. Post your flyers on local community boards.
Another useful place to post your flyers are veterinarian offices, pet grooming services and pet supply stores.
Once you have your first clients you will be amazed at the number of referrals you get if you provide a good and reliable service.
JOB LISTINGS
Job listings are available through online searches and include sites like payscale.com.
DOG WALKER TASKS
A professional dog walker takes clients' dogs for regular walks, either one dog at a time or a few dogs together.
Play with dogs.
Give dogs water, food and simple medication when requested by clients.
Walk and sit clients' dogs.
Ensure dogs are safe and properly cared for.
There is a growing demand for these services as so many families have busy schedules and are away from home all day unable to exercise their dogs themselves.
Exercise is an essential component of correct pet care and many people look to dog walkers to hep them out.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages to starting a dog walking service. The only real skills you need are a genuine affection for dogs and the physical stamina to walk the dogs.
Commitment to your dog walk routine and reliability are essential.
Walking dogs is a good way to earn income from home. It is fun, rewarding and keeps you fit and healthy!
CAREER FORECAST
Since the cost of dog walking services is often equal to (or less than) the cost of doggie day care or boarding services, and the pet can be cared for at home without needing to be transported to and from an outside facility, the demand for dog walkers is expected remain strong for the foreseeable future.
Cities will tend to be the strongest market for dog walking services since the dog population is especially concentrated in these areas.
Dog walking and sitting can be combined for better pay, and this option should be a strong business opportunity for the years to come.
Dogs love stories. Their remarkable ability to use their sense of smell provides them with all the information they need each day for a night of story-filled dreams.
They can actually ‘see' a world far beyond our awareness.
The dog nation has value far beyond what most of us realize. They are now woven into our society, not just as companions, but as military heros, K-9 service partners, disease-sensing workers, sled dogs, service dogs for mentally and physically challenged populations and much more.
This TED video has been viewed nearly 1 million times already, but we wanted to point out one thing in it that you can use to actually help your canine friends.
See if you can guess what it is…
Did you notice how a dog has the ability to distinguish each indivdual ingredient in any substance?
Dogs love to smell the world around them. It's where they get their information.
They love those who spend time with them.
They love to run and walk.
And perhaps more than anything, they love a good meal.
So now you know that your dog(s) can smell every ingredient, you want to reward them with an abundance of great smells.
We see Science Diet just came out with another recall of commercial food, and we hope your companions were not affected.
We'll be spreading the word about a safe and powerful product line that pets have preferred for the past 15 years, but it's not available in stores so we have a simple duty to pass the word–we hope you do the same..
Read their blog, shop their holistic nutritional products and treats, see their safety record, and most importantly…
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Since your dog can smell each ingredient that goes into these formulas, they may be tempted to beg for more or even ask for the cat's food, too.
It is strongly suggested that you stick to the feeding guide on the bag, and never feed him/her cat food.
You will feed less. you will notice a difference, you will pay less than any other holistic formula anywhere (we feed our for $0.97 / day), and be totally satisfied or get your money back.
Keep your dogs remarkable functions working as healthy as possible with holistic.
Dogs (and Cats) Go Ballistic Over Holistic, and we have the stories to prove it.
Reward your companions every day, and pass the word so the best noses in the world get the best ingredients in their bowls.
Sample testimonial (click or tap to read more)…
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
A dog’s sense of smell is an amazing advantage. Visit NOVA’s Dog’s Dazzling Sense of Smell website and find out just how awesome it is! Wondering if your dog is one of the breeds with acute olfactory senses? This site lists the top ten most sensitive dog noses. The BBC also offers some insight into the nose of a dog with: How powerful is a dog’s nose? Watch as “Fern,” a search and rescue dog, seeks out a canister of meat deep underwater. An impressive feat, to be sure. Can she find it? Looking to “sniff” out more information about dogs? National Geographic’s Wonder of Dogs discusses all of a dog’s senses.
