How to Rescue a Bichon in Colorado

The Bichon Frise is a small breed companion dog. Bichons have an extremely low amount of coat dander, making them popular pets for allergy suffering dog lovers. However, this popularity comes with a price, as hundreds of Bichons are abandoned every year. Colorado has a very active Bichon rescue network, making rescuing Bichons in Colorado a simple and rewarding process.

Things You'll Need

  • Home
  • Dog toys
  • Treats
  • Crate
  • Food and water bowls
  • Grooming items
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dog-proof your home. Bichons are highly intelligent little dogs and can get into even the smallest spaces, so making sure that your house is appropriate for a Bichon is vital before rescuing them.

    • 2

      Speak with your insurance agent to make sure it is legal to rescue dogs under your policy. Many homeowners’ policies are very specific on dogs, so be sure your policy allows you to have dogs in your home.

    • 3

      Set up a quarantine room in your home. This room needs to be totally separated from the rest of your dogs to allow any new dogs a chance to acclimate themselves to your home. A separate space will also keep any illnesses away from your existing dogs. Provide your rescued Bichons with dog toys, treats, a crate, and food and water bowls. You'll also need some grooming items, like brushes.

    • 4

      Contact local Bichon rescue organizations to see if they have any dogs available. The Bichon Club of America offers a listing of rescue organizations and can put you in touch with people in your area. The Bichon Frise Rescue Ranch is located in Parker and maintains a listing of needy Bichons in Colorado.

    • 5

      Speak with animal shelters and vet offices in your area and let them know you are a rescue willing to take in abandoned Bichons. Leave them your current contact information so they can get ahold of you in case of a needy dog.

    • 6

      Visit with available dogs to determine if they will fit well in your home. Many Bichons can be very needy and demand a good deal of time and attention and you don't want to take on more than you can handle.

    • 7

      Schedule an appointment with your vet to examine any new rescue Bichons you take in. You need to make sure any rescues do not have any communicable diseases that might infect your existing pets.

    • 8

      Separate any new Bichons you take in before allowing them into your home. Keeping a new dog in the quarantine room for five to seven days will allow new dogs a chance to get used to your home before introducing them to the rest of your dogs.

    • 9

      Introduce your new Bichon to your home slowly. Allow the new dog time to get used to your existing pets and let the dog explore at his leisure. Give your new rescue Bichon plenty of treats and praise to encourage her to become an active participant in her new household.