Questions To Ask Yourself Before Bringing Home A Bichon Frise Puppy

Deciding to bring home a bichon frise puppy is not as simple as obtaining new furniture or clothing. Unlike material objects, a dog is not something you should try out to see if it is the perfect color, shape or size for your home. Nor should you return him if you suddenly decide he doesn't fit into your décor or lifestyle. Therefore, you need to seriously consider what it means to be a bichon dog owner, and ask yourself if you have what it takes to care for a dog that will be part of more than a decade of your life.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself before making any life changing decisions regarding a bichon frise puppy:

Why do I want this particular breed of dog? Bichons are wonderful dogs that are considered to be an outstanding family pet. They are highly sociable, friendly, devoted and loving companions. However, great dogs are not born; they develop into greatness based on the love and teachings of their owners. Thus, read everything you can about this four-legged wonder, so you can find out what it takes to raise a canine that is a credit to his breed.

Who am I getting the dog for? Have you always wanted a pooch, or are you being pressured into getting one from someone else in your family, such as a child or partner? Remember this: If you have the final say on whether or not your family can have a dog, chances are you will end up being that dog's primary care giver. Are you willing to take him to the vet, make sure he is fed, has fresh water, is walked, exercised, trained and groomed?

Why do I want a bichon frise puppy? Puppies need training and lots of attention, which means you need to have more than your fair share of patience, and be willing to give up plenty of your free time. Bichon frise puppies cannot be left home alone for more than a few hours at a time. They will chew and destroy some of your favorite items, and you can be sure they'll have accidents in your home. Therefore, if you are not certain you can devote a good 8 - 12 months dealing with a pup, you may want to consider rescuing an adult instead.

How old and responsible are my children? If you have an infant or toddler, your attention is already taken up by them, you do not have time to raise a bichon frise puppy or give your affection to a rescue animal. Moreover, if you have young children under the age of 10, they must be taught how to play with and respect the dog, and those under the age of 6 should be supervised when playing with the pooch. Hence, just because you have heard that this breed gets a long with well kids, does not mean he won't bite a child in defense if he is teased or hurt.

Am I willing to care and provide for a bichon for a minimum of 15 years? Are you ready to support a bichon frise puppy from the day he enters your home, until the day he leaves this earth? Can you commit yourself to...

• Daily grooming
• Monthly baths, hair and nail clippings
• Annual vet visits and vet care when sick
• Lifelong training
• Daily walks (minimum of two, 10- 15 minute walks)
• Affection
• Daily feedings
• Providing a proper caregiver when you go away

If you cannot confidently, and without hesitation, recognize your personal reasons for wanting a bichon frise puppy, and are unsure if a canine will fit into your life within the next five years, you are not ready to be a dog owner.