Bichon Frise: Your Happy Healthy Pet

by Liz Palika

Overview

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!
Fluffy, white powder puffs with paws, irresistible Bichon Frises are intelligent and adaptable. They're happy up in a high-rise or down on the farm—as long as they're around people! Always ready to snuggle or play, Bichons compete in obedience and agility and make wonderful therapy dogs with their adorable looks and affectionate nature. This guide fills you in on the breed's needs and attributes, covering:

• Traits to look for, including the dark eyes and double coat
• Things you'll need to make your pup feel at home
• Feeding, grooming, and healthcare
• The importance of positive, firm training to keep the Bichon's natural independent streak under control

Your Bichon will greet you enthusiastically every time you come home. Just don't be gone too long, because you'll be missed!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620455623
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	04/10/2006
Series:	Your Happy Healthy Pet , #33
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	146
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Liz Palika is an award-winning author and a well-respected dog trainer. Her work has been published in all the major pet magazines, including "DogWorld, Dog Fancy, AKC Gazette, Cats, Cat Fancy, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, " and others. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as "Newsweek, The Saturday Evening Post, " and "Women First." The author of more than forty-five books, "Save That Dog!" won a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and the first ASPCA Pet Overpopulation Award. Her dog training book, "All Dogs Need Some Training, " was named one of the ten best training books available to dog owners by "Pet Life" magazine.
Liz is the owner of Kindred Spirits Dog Training in Southern California, where she teaches family pet obedience classes, as well as noncompetitive agility and therapy dog training. She was a founding member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Table of Contents

Part I: The World of the Bichon Frise.

Chapter 1: What Is a Bichon Frise?

What Does a Bichon Look Like?

The Bichon’s Character.

Chapter 2: The Bichon Frise Yesterday and Today.

Origins of the Bichon Frise.

The Bichon in Modern France.

The Bichon in the United States.

The Bichon Today.

Chapter 3: Why Choose a Bichon Frise?

Are You Ready for a Dog?

The Pet Bichon.

The Problem with Popularity.

If Bichons Could Choose Their Owners.

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Bichon Frise.

Breeder, Rescue, Shelter, or Free?

Finding the Right Bichon.

Choosing the Puppy for You.

The Puppy Temperament Test.

Choosing an Adult Bichon.

Part II: Caring for Your Bichon Frise.

Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your Bichon Frise.

A Secure Dog Yard.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home.

Basic Supplies.

Puppy Essentials.

The Great Crate.

Pet Professionals.

Bringing Home Your Bichon.

Chapter 6: Feeding Your Bichon Frise.

The Elements of a Good Diet.

Commercial Dog Foods.

Homemade Diets.

Reading Dog Food Labels.

Nutrition for a Lifetime.

When There’s a Problem.

Chapter 7: Grooming Your Bichon Frise.

Grooming Equipment.

The Bichon’s Coat.

Tearing and Tear Staining.

Bathing Your Bichon.

Cleaning Ears.

Trimming Toenails.

Cleaning Teeth.

Making Your Environment Flea Free.

External Parasites.

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Bichon Frise Healthy.

Choosing a Vet.

Preventive Care.

Common Health Problems.

Handling Common Problems.

Emergency How-To’s.

When to Call the Veterinarian.

How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.

The Aging Bichon.

Part III: Enjoying Your Bichon Frise.

Chapter 9: Training Your Bichon Frise.

Understanding Builds the Bond.

Practical Commands for Family Pets.

Training for Attention.

Teaching Cooperation.

Chapter 10: Housetraining Your Bichon Frise.

Your Housetraining Shopping List.

The First Day.

Confine Your Pup.

Watch Your Pup.

Accidents Happen.

Scheduling Basics.

Chapter 11: Your Bichon Frise and Your Family.

The All Adult Family.

Babies.

Young Children.

Older Children.

Other Pets.

Car Travel.

Appendix: Learning More About Your Bichon Frise.

Some Good Books.

National Breed Club.

Registries.

Magazines.

Internet Resources.

Index.