Expert: Kaza - 2/25/2010

Question
We have a 2 yr old bichon frise bitch and are having trouble getting her to walk any length these days.
Up until a couple of months ago she loved her walks-ran about mad and had a great time but now that has all changed-she will walk for about 3 min at the most and then puts on the breaks and refuses to go any further. We have tried changing the walk to somewhere else to see if that helps but still the same thing happens. We have even tried to bribe her with treats,chicken etc but all she wants to do is head back home/to the car.
Someone said that they feel the cold up through their paws and its because of the cold winter weather but iv never heard of this??
She does,nt appear to be ill or anything like that either so we are at our wits end on what to do next,

Have you any ideas kazza?

Answer
THis is all normal for a bichon frise, when they mature they simply slow down and rely more to blitz at home in comfortable surroundings. It often amazes or worries those new to the breed as it appears to happen overnight. Dont worry she will soon perk up as the sun showers her with a warm glow, you will also notice as she does walk with you she tends to walk behind from now on.

WE tell ours to chase the squirrels and they love those short bursts of energy, they then once entering the park look for squirrels now and when are reminded to "get that squirrel" they will sure run after then often in vain. Suggest walk her to a place with small prey she can chase, make her walk fun. One of my girls will walk behind you on the beach looking miserable because there are no squirrels to find, but is a totally different girl in the park.