Activities For Papichons

Home
Dog Activities
Activities For Papichons

1k Views

0 Comments

0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

The Papichon is a hybrid breed that combines the characteristics of two adorable small parent breeds, the Bichon Frise and the Papillon. This hybrid designer pooch is hard to come by as they're quite rare. The Papichon is not only tiny, making them easy to travel and live with in a small home or apartment; this pooch is also highly intelligent and affectionate. They enjoy pleasing their owner, so teaching agility is a must. They're also an active family member who expects attention and to be part of all family adventures — and their small size makes it easy to bring them along on excursions!

Both parent breeds of this hybrid are sought after. The Bichon Frise is a fluffy companion whose bouncy and playful temperament makes them a pleasure to be around. The Papillon is one of the most intelligent and obedient breeds in the toy family. The Papillon loves children and lives for mental stimulation. Combined, the Papichon makes for a friendly sidekick who needs at least an hour of mental physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom — and the unwanted behaviors that come with it!

Agility

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Jumping Obstacle

A-Frame

Tunnel

Activity description

Agility is one way to wear out your Papichon, as it requires them to focus their mind and work their body. Depending on your situation, you may want to try training at a local facility. If you’re up for it, you can purchase agility equipment for your own home, or build a course using household objects.

Regardless of where you choose to train, consider using a variety of agility obstacles to work all aspects of your Papichon. Jumps, A-frames and tunnels are all ideal, each with different “oppawtunities” and benefits. When you're training your pooch how to use each obstacle, you'll need to have lots of treats and be prepared to demonstrate patience — it's normal for training to take time!

Step

Learning how to jump

The most basic and natural agility object to explore is a jumping obstacle. Jumping obstacles are easy to create and tend to be the easiest to learn, as dogs naturally leap over objects when running. To teach your Papichon to jump, start with a very low obstacle. Using a leash, guide them to the obstacle slowly, then give the command to "jump." If they’re successful, add a run to the jump. If not, keep using positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your pooch over the obstacle.

Step

Using an A-frame

An A-frame is precisely what it sounds like; it's a relatively large wooden structure that looks like an “A.” Your dog's task is to run up one side of the A-frame and then down the other. Your job is to make sure they properly dismount from a certain point on the frame. If you would like to teach your pooch how to use this obstacle, start off with a small A-frame so you can guide them over it using a leash. Once they master the small A-frame, you can use a larger frame, guiding them up and down by holding a treat at arm’s length.

Step

Mastering the tunnel

Tunnels can be fun obstacles because you can practice commanding your pooch to enter it from either end. When participating in competitions, dogs lose points if they enter the tunnel from the wrong end. Like the other tricks, you can use a treat to guide your Papichon through the tunnel. You may need to crawl through ahead of them (if "pawssible") to get them comfortable with the contraption. Reward them any time they enter or approach the tunnel to build up their confidence.

Add your dog's photo

Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Treats

Leash

Activity description

Obedience training is another way to work your Papichon’s mind, and it’s recommended for this breed as they’re intelligent and love to please. If you plan to do the obedience training yourself, prepare ahead of time with lots of treats. Positive reinforcement is a highly effective method for teaching and maintaining behaviors you want your pooch to do!

You also want to begin obedience training as early as possible. Dogs are generally ready for training upon their arrival in your home, and starting right away will increase the likelihood of the behaviors sticking!

Step

Learning how to sit

Begin by positioning yourself in front of your Papichon. Hold a treat out in front of you, and give the command “sit", coupled with a hand gesture. Your pup should sit as soon as you give the command — if not, repeat the command, starting from the beginning each time, until they comply. Reward their obedience with a treat immediately.

Step

Laying down

Laying down is the next natural extension of learning how to sit. Begin this command by ordering your pup to "sit." Once they comply, tell them to lay down, this time, bringing the treat to the ground in front of them. They should follow the treat and lay down. Repeat the command and action until they comply. Reward all successes immediately with both praise and a treat.

Step

Staying in one spot

Learning to stay is the most complicated of the three tricks as it requires your pooch to show restraint. When you teach your Papichon to stay, use a favorite treat or toy. Begin by giving the command for them to sit. Once they comply, tell them to “stay” in a calm, clear voice. Slowly back away, holding the treat in front of you. Place it on the ground only a few feet away. Repeat the command to “stay.” If they move, pick up the treat before they get it and start over. Repeat the process until they wait for at least five seconds. Reward each attempt they make to remain where they are, even if it's only a few seconds.

Add your dog's photo

Speed Walking

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

15 min

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

A speed walk is one way to add intensity to your daily walking routine. Whether you decide to speed walk daily or just a few times a week, this activity is a great way to challenge your pup.

Like a traditional walk, you'll need to plan your route before heading out. Unlike a walk, you won't need waste bags because your pooch won't have any time to take a break. The sole purpose of a speed walk is to just walk — it doesn't allow for sniff breaks or bathroom stops. You can, of course, bring along waste bags and either start or end your walk with a bathroom break, but while walking, try your hardest to discourage all interruptions.

Step

Beginning with a break

Begin your speed walks by first allowing your pooch to have a few moments to use the bathroom. That way, they won’t be as inclined to stop while you’re making your way along the walk. After they’ve done their business, get started with your walk right away. Like usual, you'll need to have your pooch on their leash and ensure they're practicing their manners by remaining at your side.

Step

Introducing the walk

At first, it may be quite a surprise for your Papichon that they aren’t allowed to stop along the way. Naturally, they are going to try. When they do, you'll want to gently guide them by giving a tug on the leash, preventing them from sniffing or doing their business. Eventually, you want to get to a point where they no longer try to stop during a speed walk; your Papichon will learn to associate stops with the slow walks you also continue to take.

Step

Maintain a quick pace

While you walk, you want to maintain a quickened pace, one that is faster than your average walking pace. Set the pace and keep it throughout the entirety of the walk. You may want to consider shortening your route the first few attempts so your pooch gets used to the process and doesn't tire out too quickly. Continue pushing through the walk for at least ten minutes to really get your pooch's heart pumping!

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Weekend Getaway

Take advantage of your Papichon’s small size and the multitude of pet-friendly travel destinations available at your “paw tips”! Papichons are loving pups who tend to tag along with their handlers, making it easy and convenient to explore somewhere new together!

At-Home Spa Date

Turn your home into a spa and pamper your Papichon with a warm and relaxing bath, followed by a manicure and pedicure. Visit your local pet store to stock up on products to freshen up your pup’s appearance.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, a Papichon is a delightful companion who's bound to keep you on your toes! The Papichon has a known tendency to exhibit unwanted behaviors when they're bored or left unstimulated. This is why it's "impawtant" to have a variety of activities to stimulate your pooch! Start young with obedience training and continue this activity as your Papichon ages, having them practice their tricks daily. You can also train them physically by building an agility course with jumps, tunnels, and an A-frame.

On those days you don't have time to train, you can go for a quick speed walk with your pooch. Other ways to enhance your time together is by treating your pup to either an at-home spa day or a special outing or getaway. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, be sure to fill it with a variety of new and engaging activities to keep your Papichon occupied and content.