Bichon Frise care on Cape Ann

Brush after the beach and after the snow, not only on schedule. The AKC says a Bichon sheds very little because the shed hair is caught in the undercoat, and that this hair must be brushed out to prevent mats. The same coat collects whatever Cape Ann offers: wet sand on Good Harbor's even-numbered dog days from October 1 to March 31, salt spray, mud on the woodland paths and road salt on Gloucester sidewalks. Grit left to dry in the coat makes the next brush-out slower.

Winter feet need their own plan. The AKC's paw-care advice notes that snow quickly turns into balls of ice between the pads, that pulling them out can cost the dog hair, and that a dog may swallow de-icer or road salt in the process; melt them with a towel soaked in warm water instead. For longer-haired dogs it suggests having a professional trim the hair between the pads, so ask the groomer at check-in to keep those tufts short through the winter.

Give house training more time than you expect, and keep it kind. The AKC notes the breed's reputation for being difficult to housebreak, adds that Bichons are very easy to train in every other respect, and says they respond far better to positive rewards than to harsh methods. Short trips outside on a timetable, a reward the moment the job is done and a crate or gated room whenever nobody is watching are the core; our board-and-train page for the breed sets out the schedule in detail.

When a dog that was reliable starts leaving puddles, think bladder before behavior. The AKC lists bladder infections among the Bichon's health issues, and VCA calls a break in house training a red flag that something is wrong in the bladder. VCA's other signs include trying to urinate often, straining, crying while urinating, blood in the urine, dribbling and a strong smell, and it notes that older females, young puppies and overweight dogs are affected more often. Book the vet before you go back to retraining.

The AKC describes long stretches of calm broken by brief bursts of high activity, and says a Bichon needs daily play sessions as well as walks and does best with its family around rather than through long days alone. It scores the breed five out of five with other dogs. Placement is still decided dog by dog: our playgroups of 7 to 10 are matched by size and temperament at the free evaluation, held weekdays between 6:30 and 9:30 AM by appointment.

Daycare is $42 a day or $33 for a half, and new customers take 15 percent off the first visit with FIRST15. A full-service groom at $75, or a $55 bath between haircuts, can be booked onto the same day so your Bichon goes home clean. The Pup Van covers Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea for $10 each way, and for off-leash running the Gloucester Dog Park at Stage Fort Park has a separate area for small dogs.