Activities For Frenchie Pugs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Frenchie Pug (aka, the "Frug") is more of a lapdog than an active pooch; however, as the parent breeds (French Bulldog and Pug) tend to gain weight without regular activity, it is imperative that the Frenchie Pug get a minimum of thirty minutes of daily activity in order to remain happy and healthy, especially as an adult dog. The easiest exercise for a dog that prefers to be sedentary is walking - you can do this at the city park or a local dog park if one is available. In addition, the dog park offers fun activity stations that can change up your play time.
Grooming
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
pet-safe nail clippers
pet-safe shampoo
towels
pet-safe bathing brush
Activity description
Learning to properly groom your pooch is just as important as feeding them the proper food. Dogs should be touched and rubbed from the time you bring them home. Make handing their feet and ears a routine thing (hint - do this several times before actually cleaning them). Pick up their legs and gently massage them as a part of this routine. Allow other people to handle and play with your pup as well. The Frenchie Pug is generally a good natured dog, but you want them to be used to the touch of a stranger (for example, the vet) so that they will not nip. What better way to get your pal used to being handled than an economical and fun grooming session at home?
Step
1
Early touch
All dogs must learn how to be "handled." Experts recommend doing this from the time a puppy is eight to ten weeks old (old enough to be away from their mother). The more you can gently handle the puppy - and do not slack on this as they grow - the more accustomed they will be to the touch of others. This is important for veterinarian visits and grooming later in life.
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2
Product safety
Pugs and French Bulldogs (the pet parents) are particularly prone to skin issues. This means that you should be very cautious about the products you purchase to bathe your dog. Never buy products with strong smells or unnatural colors. In fact, a truly organic pet shampoo will be clear, thin, and have very little sudsing ability. If a shampoo is pink (or any other odd color), likely the manufacturer has added potentially irritating chemicals to the product.
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3
Nail trimming 101
It is very important to learn how to properly trim your dog's nails. You may or may not be familiar with a part of the dog's nail called the "quick." The quick contains the nail bed and the blood vessels of the dog's nails. This means it is imperative that you do not cut too far into your pup's nails. If your dog has clear nails, it's easy to see the quick. For dogs with black nails, err on the side of caution, only cutting the tip of the nail. It might be wise to get your vet's advice on how far to cut.
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Cautious Exercise
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
15 min
Items needed
Bottled water
Leash
Waste Bags
Activity description
The Frenchie Pug hybrid is a combination of two brachycephalic breeds. The French Bulldog, like many other Bulldog breeds, sports the shortened snout that is characteristic of the brachycephalic dog. The Pug is most definitely a brachycephalic dog (in some ways, their snout is even shorter than that of a Bulldog). This can lead to shortness of breath and an inability to cool down after vigorous exercise. To be frank, a brachycephalic dog that has become overexerted can go into cardiac arrest due to a lack of oxygen. This is why you must exercise only short bursts and always carry bottled water. Mini exercise sessions at home are free and easy, allowing for tons of fun!
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Exercise in moderation
You should exercise - indoors and outdoors - in moderation. In fact, break up the 30 - 45 minutes of exercise into smaller activity sessions. Fifteen minutes at a time will prevent the Frenchie Pug from becoming overexerted. Also, keep a bottled water handy to keep your dog hydrated and cool.
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Choose the right time
Furthermore, you should only exercise during cooler times of the day, such as early morning and late evening. Take caution during the winter months - cold, humid air can have the same effect on the Frenchie Pug as hot, humid air. Watch for excessive panting as this is a sure sign of exertion.
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3
Choose the right activity
Often the best activity for a Frenchie Pug is walking. Walking does not require a great deal of physical stamina, and you can go as briskly or as slowly as you see fit. This does not mean that the Frenchie Pug should never participate in any activity that requires more physicality. Your pup can run and play like any other dog, just in short bursts. Games of fetch, tug of war, and Frisbee are great for the Frenchie Pug. Just don't allow them to get too hot.
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Outdoor Fun
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
favorite toy tied to a dowel rod
swim vest
leash
waste bags
Activity description
Just because the Frenchie Pug is a brachycephalic dog doesn't mean that you must always keep them indoors. Nor does this mean that you are restricted to walking as the only type of exercise you can indulge in. Rather, under supervision, you and your Frenchie Pug can have a ball together outdoors. That's right - outdoors. At no cost other than a few toys and balls, you can play a game of fetch outside with Fido (you can modify this to "hall ball" - simply rolling the ball and encouraging the dog to go after it). You can also have your pup "chase" a favorite toy tied to a stick. Just keep water handy and insist the pooch rests every twenty or so minutes. On really hot days, keep the outdoor fun in the shade.
Step
1
Fetch
Fetch and Frisbee are two great outdoor games that you can play with your furry friend. If you do choose to play Frisbee, be sure to get a "doggy disc." It will not damage your pup's mouth during play. Grab a tennis ball and toss it for ten minutes before allowing Fido a break. You can also move this game inside and call it "hall ball."
Step
2
Chase with a twist
The Frenchie Pug is a small dog, and often, they should refrain from jumping a lot. Grab a dowel rod and secure a favorite toy to the end using craft string. Use this much the same way you would use a similarly made cat toy. Drag it along the ground (or you can play this inside). Tease your pup with the toy. This keeps the dog moving without getting them too exhausted.
Step
3
Enjoy free-play
Sometimes, a fenced-in backyard is the best set up for play. While you relax on the deck or work in your flowerbeds, allow your Frenchie Pug to simply run and enjoy the great outdoors. Watch them for excessive panting. Have water available. Avoid exercise in the heat of the day.
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More Fun Ideas...
Swim
The Frenchie Pug is a natural swimmer! In fact, swimming provides great activity for the breed while at the same time minimizing the risk of overheating.
Dog Park
The Frenchie Pug will also enjoy an afternoon at the dog park. The two of you can run through the fun stations or simply take a walk in the enclosed walking track.
Conclusion
The Frenchie Pug is a delightful little pooch who really enjoys lounging on the couch with you, but, in order to keep them healthy, regular exercise is necessary. You can spend time walking together, or you can visit the dog park. You might take a swim together (never leave the Frenchie Pug unsupervised while swimming). You might simply just enjoy being outdoors together. Always watch for signs of exertion and keep water handy. You'll make your Frenchie Pug's day just spending time together!