The Bichon Frise is a delightful small breed known for its friendly personality and fluffy white coat. As a new or potential Bichon Frise parent, you’ll find that when you know the right steps to follow, training your little buddy is a rewarding experience that will significantly strengthen your bond. Let’s get started!

1. Bichon Frise Barking: Addressing the Noise

Why Do Bichon Frises Bark?

Bichon Frises are alert and sociable dogs, often using barking as their primary form of communication. They may bark to notify you of someone at the door, express excitement, or respond to unfamiliar sounds. This natural instinct makes them excellent watchdogs, but their vocal nature can sometimes become excessive if not managed properly.

Common Triggers for Barking

Several triggers can set off your Bichon Frise. Common triggers include new or loud sounds, other animals, visitors, or even boredom. Understanding what prompts your Bichon Frise to bark will allow you to address the root cause directly. Identifying these triggers is the first step towards reducing unwanted barking.

How to Stop Bichon Frise Barking in 5 Steps

1. Identify the Trigger: Pay close attention to what causes your Bichon Frise to bark. Is it the doorbell, passing cars, or other dogs? Knowing the trigger helps tailor your training approach.
2. Use the Quiet Command: When your Bichon Frise starts barking, calmly say “Quiet” in a firm but relaxed tone. Never yell, as this can make them bark more. Wait for even a brief pause in the barking, then immediately reward with a treat and calm praise so they connect silence with something positive. If your Bichon Frise still doesn’t stop, show them the treat to capture their attention, and reward as soon as they pause. Practice this in short, consistent sessions until they begin responding to the command even without seeing the treat.
3. Remove the Trigger if Possible: If your Bichon Frise barks at people passing by, consider closing the curtains or moving their spot away from the window. Out of sight can often mean out of mind.
4. Provide Mental Stimulation: Boredom is a common cause of excessive barking. Ensure your Bichon Frise gets plenty of playtime, puzzle toys, and interactive games to keep them mentally engaged.
5. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Always use the same command and reward system to reinforce positive behavior. Over time, your Bichon Frise will learn that quietness earns them more rewards.

These steps will help manage your Bichon Frise’s barking, but it’s important to remember this behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, territoriality, boredom, or lack of mental stimulation.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you problems with your Bichon Frise in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

2. Bichon Frise and Separation Anxiety

Bichon Frises can get very attached to their families, which sometimes leads to separation anxiety. To alleviate this, try to keep arrivals and departures low-key. Gradually increase the time you spend away to help them adjust.

3. Bichon Frise Loose Leash Walking Guide

Teaching your Bichon Frise to walk calmly on a leash is important for enjoyable walks.

1. Start Indoors: Begin leash training in a distraction-free indoor environment. Attach the leash to your Bichon Frise’s collar or harness, allowing them to get used to the feeling.
2. Use Treats: Hold treats at your side to encourage your Bichon Frise to walk next to you. Give them a treat every few steps to reinforce the behavior.
3. Practice “Heel”: Use the command “Heel” as you start walking. Gradually increase the distance and duration as your Bichon Frise becomes more comfortable.
4. Move Outdoors: Once they have mastered indoor walking, transition to a quiet outdoor area. Slowly introduce more distractions.
5. Be Patient: Loose leash walking takes time and consistency. Practice regularly and be patient with your furry friend.

4. Bichon Frise House Training

Due to their small size, house training can be slightly challenging with a Bichon Frise. Establish a regular schedule for meals, potty breaks, and walks. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, works wonders when they do their business outside.

5. Bichon Frise Exercise Needs

Despite their small stature, Bichon Frises are quite energetic. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can include brisk walks, fetch, or playful games indoors.

6. Bichon Frise Grooming Maintenance

The Bichon Frise’s beautiful coat requires regular grooming. Brush their fur a few times a week to prevent matting and schedule professional grooming appointments every 4-6 weeks. Regular grooming sessions also offer a good opportunity to check for any skin issues or parasites.

7. Bichon Frise and Socialization

Early socialization is key for a well-adjusted Bichon Frise. Introduce them to various environments, people, and other animals when they are puppies. This will help them become confident and reduce fear-based behaviors.

8. Bichon Frise Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is highly effective for Bichon Frises. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. This not only makes training fun but also strengthens your bond with your dog.

9. Bichon Frise Mental Stimulation

Keeping your Bichon Frise mentally stimulated is vital. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions can help keep their sharp minds occupied. A well-stimulated Bichon Frise is less likely to develop behavioral issues.

10. Bichon Frise Obedience Training

Obedience training should start early with your Bichon Frise. Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are foundational for good behavior. Short, consistent training sessions will yield the best results. Reward their successes generously to encourage them.

11. Bichon Frise Fun Fact

Did you know that the Bichon Frise was once a favorite among French royalty? Their cheerful and loving nature made them beloved court dogs. Even today, their friendly disposition makes them great family pets.

FAQ About Bichon Frises

Are Bichon Frises Good with Children?

Yes, Bichon Frises typically get along very well with children. They are playful and gentle, making them great family pets. However, always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone’s safety.

Do Bichon Frises Shed?

Bichon Frises are considered a low-shedding breed. Their curly coat traps loose hair, reducing the amount of shedding. Regular grooming is required to manage their coat and keep it healthy.

Are Bichon Frises Hypoallergenic?

While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Bichon Frises are often recommended for people with allergies. Their low-shedding coat produces fewer allergens, but it’s still important to spend time with the breed before adopting to ensure you don’t have a reaction.

Conclusion

Training your Bichon Frise can be a delightful experience filled with mutual learning and bonding. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you’ll be able to manage their behaviors and bring out the best in your furry pal.

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this so you can refer back to all the tips!