Activities For Froodles
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Foodles (also called French Boodles) are a mix of the French Bulldog and Poodle breeds. They are small- to medium-sized dogs with the curly hair of a Poodle and the stout body of a French Bulldog.Â
French Bulldogs are known for having breathing issues due to the brachycephalic syndrome. If your pup inherited the face of a French Bulldog, they could have breathing and respiratory problems, especially in hot weather. For that reason, your Foodle should be exercised several times over the course of the day instead of in one long session. If the activity takes place outdoors in warmer weather, early mornings or late evenings are the best time to exercise your pooch.Â
Muffin Tin Game
The muffin tin game is a simple way to keep your pup occupied on rainy days or when the weather is too hot out. You probably already have all the items needed in your home, which makes it a cheap way to entertain your four-legged pal.
All you need is a muffin tin, 12 tennis balls (or fewer) and treats that are easily broken apart. This activity should only be done once a week or so for about 30 minutes or until the treats have been found and eaten. Â Otherwise, Fido might get spoiled and refuse to eat at meal times.
Frequent Walks
Walks might seem like an easy activity to do with your pup. And they are. Except with a Foodle, you need to be on high alert for any breathing troubles. Two or three walks spread out over the course of a day are better for your Foodle pup than one long walk. Twenty minutes is a good amount of time for each walk.
Aside from the leash and harness, which you should already own, walks are free and can be done in just about any weather. However, Fido’s short nose prevents normal panting that dogs use to cool down. You’ll need to bring water and make sure the walk is done in cooler weather.
Go Fetch
Another game for rainy days is a simple game of go fetch. You throw a ball or other toy and your dog brings it back to you. If you play the muffin tin game, you’ll already have a tennis ball, or twelve, in your home.
Those will come in handy if Fido doesn’t quite grasp that you can’t throw the ball unless they give it to you. This is one of those situations when the “drop it” command is used. (The other being when your pup has something in their mouth they shouldn’t.)
When you start teaching your pup to play fetch, you’ll need to use treats. But after your dog gets the hang of it, the toy becomes the treat.
More Fun Ideas...
Take Your Dog to Work
Foodles are dogs who do not like to be alone and are prone to severe separation anxiety. If you work in a dog-friendly office environment, see if you can make Fido the official office dog. Or you can quit your job and stay home with your pup all day. That’s the dream, right? Or you could hire a dog walker on Wag! to check on your pup during the day.Â
Obstacle Course
Foodles are part Poodle, and Poodles were tracking dogs in the first and second World Wars. You can put that tracking instinct to work by making a small obstacle course in your yard using agility poles. If you have a local dog-friendly park, you can use rock formations and other natural obstacles to let your Foodle's nose out for a test drive.
Conclusion
Froodles are affectionate, social dogs that love to be in the center of any family outing. They generally don’t like to be left alone for too long, so if you have a job where you can take your pup to work with you a few days a week or you can work from home, you should do that.
Given the predisposition to breathing problems that French Bulldogs have, it’s best to exercise Fido throughout the day and indoors in hot weather. Frequent walks and obstacle courses are two outdoor activities you can do with your pup. Indoors, your dog will enjoy the muffin tin game or a simple game of fetch.