Understanding Bichon Frise Behavior Problems: A Balanced Approach for Owners

There is no shortage of Bichon Frise owners complaining about their dogs excessively barking, peeing indoors, chewing on everything they see, and running after just about anyone or anything that crosses the front gate. It is hard to believe that such a beautifully adorable dog can exhibit behavioral problems. However, on a fundamental level, all dogs are similar. All bad behavior has its roots, and roots can be uprooted, no matter the age of your dog. Yes, that’s right, old dogs can learn new tricks; though it is best to start as early as possible. In this blog post, we’ll address the Bichon Frise’s unique behavior problems and how best to deal with them as a pet parent.

Getting to Know Bichon Frise

It surprises us greatly how these little dogs, barely a foot tall with their tiny legs, carry the weight of such a great personality. With their iconic white coat (which is low-shedding and hypoallergenic like the Poodle) and rounded faces with dark eyes, these plush-toy-come-to-life dogs are absolute teddy bears. They are extremely sociable and adaptable, so while they’re great for cuddling sessions, they don’t make much for watchdogs; they do, however, yap a lot, so that’s one area of the watchdog job description they can fulfill. They’re generally great for apartments thanks to their size, and their sociability makes them amazing family dogs. 

If we talk about their origins, which might just surprise you, the Bichon Frise can be traced back to the Mediterranean and are more than likely to be the descends of a breed of Spaniels, similar to Cocker Spaniels. They were companions to sailors who spread them across Europe till they found themselves in the royal courts of Spain and France.

Common Bichon Frise Behavior Problems

Similar to a child, it is the duty of a pet owner to correct the bad behavior of their dogs for they, believe it or not, do not know any better and are merely following their instincts. Here are some common behavioral problems observed in Bichon Frise:

Separation Anxiety

Loyalty and an incredibly affectionate nature come at the cost of an inability to be left alone for too long. While forming very close bonds with their owners is a wonderful trait that every pet owner adores, it can lead to separation anxiety. When left alone at home, the cloud with legs may become anxious, resulting in destructive behavior, excessive barking, and whining. 

Excessive Barking

On a scale of 1 to 10, these dogs would approximately rate around 6-8 on the yappiness scale. Since they are naturally alert, they start barking at every little thing that catches their attention; they might even start barking if they don’t get enough attention. Needy dogs, they are. While barking can be a sign of alertness or playfulness, when it becomes excessive, it can be frustrating for the dog, its owner, and the neighbors.

House Soiling

While Bichon Frises are intelligent and easy-to-train dogs, house soiling can still be an issue if they haven’t been trained properly. While training works for all ages, potty training is ideally done during puppyhood. However, this behavior can sometimes be the result of a medical issue, stress, or simply inconsistent potty training.

Discussing What Doesn’t Work

Before we jump into what can be done to address the behavioral issues of the Bichon Frise, let’s familiarize ourselves with techniques that don’t work. Many of these are “traditional techniques” still recommended by some dog trainers. Remember, the validity of a training program or technique shouldn’t be gauged by how old it is but rather by how effective it is.

For example, using harsh discipline, such as yelling, physical punishment, or scolding, is not effective for Bichon Frises. These dogs are sensitive by nature, and such approaches can make them anxious, fearful, or resistant to training. Like all dogs, they lack the intelligence to understand they’ve done wrong after the fact; all this does is make them lose trust in you.

Furthermore, inconsistency is a major setback when training your Bichon Frise, or any dog for that matter. Allowing a behavior one day while discouraging it the next sends mixed messages, which no species appreciates. Dogs are, fundamentally, pack animals. They need a clear set of rules and guidelines to follow; otherwise, it’s a free-for-all.

Balanced Approaches to Solve Bichon Frise Behavior Problems

With what doesn’t work clear, it’s time to get to the actual solution. Addressing Bichon Frise's behavior problems requires patience, consistency, and a well-thought-out plan; winging it won’t cut it. Let’s take the common behavior issues we mentioned above as our example scenarios and show the balanced approach that can be taken to fix them:

Tackling Separation Anxiety

Remember how during swimming classes, we were taught that the only solution to get over the fear of getting into the pool was to get into the pool? It seems like a paradox, but it works. The same logic applies here. The key, though, is to start leaving your dog alone for short periods of time first—equivalent to being in the shallow side of the pool. From there, gradually increase the duration of time. This way, the dog realizes that your departure isn’t a permanent situation. It also greatly helps to give your dog something to do when you’re gone. A second dog can help, but so do toys.

Reducing Excessive Barking

Positive reinforcement is the solution, not choke collars—remember that. Training works best when you reward behavior that is considered desirable. So, when your Bichon Frise remains quiet, be sure to reward them with praise or treats. This way, they build the association that being quiet gets them rewards, whereas barking does no good. It takes time, but it’s inevitable that they’ll connect the dots. Also, make use of clear, firm commands like “quiet” or “enough” when your dog begins barking excessively.

Solving House Soiling

Dogs thrive on routines, so create a regular schedule for bathroom breaks, especially for younger or newly adopted Bichon Frises. While frequent trips outside can help avoid accidents in the house, ideally, with a fixed feeding and bathroom schedule, your dog should do their duties during the designated times. Also, this may feel weird initially, but praise your dog when they do their business outside so that positive reinforcement does its trick.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Well-Behaved Bichon Frise

Socialization:

Early socialization greatly helps as it exposes your puppy to different environments, people, and other animals. Eventually, they become desensitized to these triggers, and they no longer provoke a sense of anxiety.

Training Classes:

If you do not have the patience or time to teach your Bichon Frise alone, you can enroll them in obedience classes. These classes provide a structured environment to work on behavioral issues while also strengthening your bond.

Consult a Veterinarian:

If the behavior problems persist, it may be a good idea to consult a vet. Sometimes, behavioral issues can stem from health concerns, and it’s important to rule out medical causes.

Conclusion

Bichon Frises are loving, playful, and affectionate companions, but like any breed, they may face behavior challenges. However, a consistent approach to solving these problems, it will help you maintain a happy and healthy relationship with your pet.