CG's BICHON FRISE PUPPIES - RENO, NV. - PRIVATE BREEDER
BEFORE YOU BUY A PET, AND ESPECIALLY A PUPPY, ASK YOURSELF:
Why do I want this puppy? A puppy is not a status symbol, it is not an educational tool to teach children the facts of life, it is not a stuffed animal that can be tossed aside on those days the family is too busy.
How much time do I have for this puppy? Puppies need lots of training to make them responsible household members. Compare them to the two year old child who does not know good manners, needs potty training, cannot prepare his own food and water and may not always sleep through the night. Puppies should not be left alone for long hours and then be expected to learn all these things in a timely fashion.
How old are my children? Little kids adore stuffed animals and the puppy looks the same to them. So if they poke his eyes and pull his tail, they cannot perceive his pain. However, he WILL feel pain and may retaliate by biting. This is not aggressive behavior, it is his defense mechanism to say "I did not like what you did".
Is my yard fenced? A Bichon can be incredibly fast when he sees a ball in the street, another animal to play with or when he is being chased by a child. It is heartbreaking for a family to lose a pet to a speeding car. An electric fence is not the answer for small breeds. The electric fence cannot keep larger animals out because it only works for the dog wearing the collar. Larger dogs that roam free often attack smaller dogs. There are also "dognappers" that capture cute dogs for resale and other purposes. A yard does not have to be completely fenced. A small area nearest the exit that will serve to take the puppy outside to do his business works well. If you have a secure deck (meaning with a gate and no large escape holes), this may work well for you. This is essential to successful housetraining. It must be close and the puppy must be promptly carried to the area as soon as he awakens and/or as soon as you return home from running errands. Having an area nearby is definitely a human need on those rainy days when you prefer to put the pup outside while you remain inside and dry! Tying a dog out with a stake is inhumane, unsafe and may create an aggressive dog!
Am I committed to lifelong care? Having a pet is a commitment to his care for his entire life. For a Bichon, this can mean as long as 16-18 years! This means through sickness, old age and any infirmities that may come with age. A living creature cannot just be tossed aside when it is inconvenient to provide the care. Veterinary treatment can be quite expensive and the annual exam, shots and teeth cleaning has cost to it. If you are looking for a pet for your child, who will provide pet care when your child grows up and leaves for college? Who will maintain the coat and feed him? Who will soothe aches and take him to the vet on a regular schedule? These have to be considered.
A good breeder has a lifelong commitment to the welfare of pups being sold. This means they will always be available to answer questions, to give advice on diet and training and to help place a dog that you can no longer keep (because of a move, change in your health or whatever).
It is worth noting that you should NEVER buy a pup from someone who "will meet you at the mall" or some location other than their home! And be alert to "brokers" who buy pups from other breeders to sell. Puppies sold in pet shops are from puppy mills. NEVER BUY FROM A PET STORE.
If you have concluded that this is not the right time for your family to have a puppy. Remember that you may be making a contribution to the future of the breed when you opt not to take a puppy home with you! You can always make a purchase when circumstances have changed and your lifestyle is more suited to pet ownership. And if you do buy a puppy, regardless of the breed, please be a responsible owner! Be sure to make arrangements for the care of your Bichon in case something happens to you....
BUYER TIPS Buying your first puppy can be a daunting task. I’ve added some common questions to ask when choosing the right puppy... and the right breeder. Internet fraud is on the rise, so I’ll also included some tips to help protect yourself when buying online. Arm yourself with information and buy with confidence! Questions to ask when choosing a breed require? Most breeders are more than happy to answer questions related to the purchase of one of their puppies and will be just as concerned about the type of person/household they are releasing one of their puppies to. Remember: It is up to both the Buyer and the Breeder to be comfortable with one another and to ensure that the puppy has been and will be treated properly. How to protect yourself when buying online:
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Am I committed to lifelong care? Having a pet is a commitment to their care for their entire life. For a Bichon, this can mean as long as 16-18 years!