Activities For Frenchneses
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Introduction
If you’re looking for a doggo that truly adores you and your family, you could do a lot worse than a Frenchnese! These lovable lumps are a combination of two of the most adoring companion breeds out there -- the French Bulldog and the Havanese. That being said, owning a Frenchnese is a bit of a gamble -- even more so than other dogs, each Frenchnese is truly unique. You never know what characteristics your pup will inherit from each parent.
Both French Bulldogs and Havaneses are lapdogs, but the Havanese was originally bred by Cuban sailors to work on ships. Unlike the famously laid-back French Bulldog, Havaneses need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. One thing’s for sure though -- your Frenchnese needs a lot of love, and won’t take too kindly to being left alone. Read on to find some activities guaranteed to help keep your pupper as healthy and happy as can be!
Hall Ball
If your canine companion has a lot of French Bulldog traits, you may find it difficult to get them moving! French Bulldogs are notoriously lazy. While their body type means that their activity needs aren’t too high (and high-intensity exercise is a real no-no), they do need some movement to keep fit!
The best way to stop your Frenchnese from turning into a true couch pup-tato is to keep them interested in their exercise -- it’s always good to vary things up! Hall ball puts a new spin on the classic game of fetch, asking your pooch to retrieve a ball that’s bouncing off the walls. All you’ll need is a relatively clear corridor in your house. As an added bonus, this is a game that can be played indoors in all weather.
Teach Them to Retrieve
If your four-pawed pal has more in common with a Havanese than a Bulldog, keeping their brains working will be almost as important as keeping their bodies moving! Havaneses are bright little critters, and their original purpose was to keep rats down on ships and retrieve fish from the water (as well as to keep the sailors company -- it does get lonely out there).
Teaching your pup to retrieve -- to identify objects by name and bring them to you -- has grrr-eat benefits for the both of you. Your buddy gets a mental challenge, and you get a doggy butler. What’s not to like?
It should be relatively easy to teach this trick to a pup who already knows how to fetch. But although your pooch may have a strong retrieval instinct, it still may take a while for them to get the bones of this task down pat. The time estimate above refers to the time per training session -- it could take days or weeks to properly ingrain the behavior.
Give Them a Pupsicle
Bulldogs are prone to overheating, and many Frenchneses carry the trait. So how do you keep your pupper cool and entertained when it’s hot as all heck out? Why, you give them a pup-sicle, of course!
Making a toy pupsicle is the pawfect way to keep your pooch engaged, chilled and hydrated all at the same time. All you’ll need is some water, a handful of treats or a small waterproof toy, a popsicle stick and a freezer. Pupsicles are quick to put together -- the time estimate above includes the time it needs to spend in the freezer. Depending on the temperature, one of these babies could keep your pup busy for minutes or hours!
More Fun Ideas...
Go to the Movies
America is falling back in love with the retro drive-in, but did you know that many of these movie theaters allow you to bring your furry film buff with you? Do some research and see if you can catch a show with your pooch in tow.
DIY Spa Day
Conclusion
Since Frenchneses vary so much in body type and temperament, you’ll really have to get to know what makes your dog tick before you can decide on which activities will suit them, but the list above should have something for everyone! Give one of these five ideas a try -- you’d be barking mad not to!