The Kashon is a hybrid breed that mixes the Cairn Terrier with the Bichon Frise. Despite their small size, both the Bichon Frise and Cairn Terrier require active daily exercise. As a result, the Kashon does too, and you can easily meet these needs with romps in the yard and games or activities that stimulate your Kashon's body and mind.
The Kashon inherits their happy-go-lucky personality from their Bichon Frise parent. The Bichon is bouncy, affectionate and sensitive. These pups like the company of others and they tend to bark when left alone. The Cairn is also good with children, but they can be a bit rough. The Cairn Terrier can also be stubborn, but they're adventurous. The Kashon is intelligent and inquisitive, though they need daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent unwanted behaviors such as barking.
Playing with a flirt pole is a quick and easy way to get your Kashon moving. You can either head to the pet store together to purchase a pole, or make one using some PVC pipe, a length of rope, and one of your pup's favorite toys.
To play with a flirt pole, select a large open area to maximize your pup's experience. An open space will allow you to incorporate running into the activity, as well as some jumping. You can play inside or out, depending on the weather. Flirt poles are convenient because you can use them to get your pup thinking and moving, and it's cheap and easy to play with!
Let your Kashon explore the great outdoors by taking weekly hikes together. Search for hiking trails near you, if you're not aware of any in the area already. Look for trails that meet your experience level. If you're a novice hiker, you don't want to start with something too "ruff" for you and your Kashon.
Even if you tackle an easy trail, you and your Kashon are bound to see a variety of plants and animals that you wouldn't see walking through an urban neighborhood. Activate your Kashon's mind with new stimuli each week by exploring different trails. As both of your stamina improves, try taking on more challenging terrain together!
Obedience training is "pawfect" for Kashons as they're extremely intelligent and eager to please. Working their minds is also one way to tire them out and prevent destructive behavior.
You can do your own obedience training lessons at home with your Kashon. Start the training right away, and be sure you understand how to be an efficient leader for your Kashon before getting started. Once you're confident in your leadership skills, train your Kashon daily using sessions ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on if you're introducing a command or refreshing prior learning. Have plenty of treats on hand and a leash, as it can be used to introduce commands.
Kashons are energetic, playful and intelligent pups that need daily exercise both for their body and mind. You can meet this need by introducing your Kashon to a variety of activities and incorporating them regularly into their exercise schedule.
For starters, be sure to include daily walks, jogs or hikes for your Kashon. If you couple the walk or jog with another activity, the length can be shorter. You can easily couple your walk, jog or hike with daily obedience lessons. Both puzzle toys and flirt poles are great for busying your Kashon's mind, and the convenience of puzzle toys is they can be used when you're not around. Set aside the time and energy to devote to your Kashon each day and they'll be a happy, healthy dog!