Q&A for How to Train a Bichon Frise

Don't delay potty training. Start training your dog as soon as you get it home so it doesn't learn bad bathroom habits.

The goal is to make the crate as comfortable as possible so your dog will make a positive association with it. Give your dog a treat before it goes in its crate. Start by closing the door for just a few seconds at a time. Then, move on to longer amounts of time until your dog feels totally comfortable and relaxed in its crate.

Bichon Frise have an enviable reputation for being tolerant and good-natured. The exception is if the puppy was poorly socialized (such is often the case if they came from a puppy farm) when they may be overly anxious, which can lead to fear-biting.

In younger life, the Bichon Frise is predisposed towards luxating patellas (wobbly kneecaps), liver disease, allergies, and Legge-Perthes disease (a degenerative condition of the hip). In later life, Bichons are at increased risk of Cushing's disease and cataracts.

The average time a Bichon puppy spends asleep per day is a whopping 14-18 hours.

The Bichon Frise is a clever little dog with an engaging personality. They respond well to training and generally like to delight their owner.

Once they are about 1 year old you can start feeding them "adult" dog bones. Normally, once they stop biting their teething toys, you will know that their teeth have developed.

Teach her "come" really well by attaching her to a short lead. Say "come" in an excited voice and have your dog run over to you to grab a treat. Then do the same thing using a longer leash. Then let go of the leash entirely.

You have to teach him the "come" and "drop" commands first. You can teach him "come" by just holding a treat or favorite toy out and saying "come." For "drop it," get a toy in his mouth first. then hold out a treat and say "drop it." Repeat, and he will soon learn. When you throw the toy, he will chase after it; then tell him "come," followed by "drop it." Repetition and being consistent are the key.

Clean it up, but make sure the next time you see them using the bathroom in the house, immediately take them outside. Give them treats or praise for going outside.

Be sure to not yell or scream at your Bichon. They're still learning the basics. Pretend like your dog is a human toddler. It takes time because they don't know what is right and what is wrong. Be patient.

He probably is confused with the commands. Consider obedience classes; they offer high benefits.

If the breed is more people-centric, try punishment-based training, because they ultimately want to please you. If the breed is food-centric, try reward-based training, because they will want more. Just be sure to do rewards in moderation; if you always give them a reward, they will expect it later on.

You might want to look into taking your dog to a professional trainer.

Dogs lick their paws to clean off, just like a cat. If he does it more than a couple times a day, though, I would contact a vet because it may be irritated.

Ask your breeder, your vet or consult a book or the internet about what your dog should eat.

Patience is the key here. I own 3, with the youngest being 4 months old, and they're truly a bundle of love. Just don't resort to any form of negativity, it doesn't sit well long-term with the dog. The trick is to stay consistent. If you make it a habit, the dog will make it a habit too.

Puppies can learn tricks from as early as 7 - 8 weeks old. Go for it! Bichon Frise is a very smart breed.

Consult House Train a Puppy .

It is natural for a baby Bichon Frise to chew. Try buying chew toys for your new dog, and show him what's OK to bite and what's not. Move away anything you don't want chewed.

A Bichon frise does not like to be left alone. He will cry when you leave him, but he will stop crying soon enough when you are out of sight.

Yes, that means that they are scared or they might be having a nightmare. If you are still really concerned, you can go and see a vet about this.

There is no such thing as the best dog breed. Bichon Frise are lovely, easy-to-train pets, but it's your choice if they are right for you.

It can take a bit longer, but with a good attitude, consistency, and really tasty treats, she should catch on quickly. Just remember to build trust and take her previous experience into account. There may be habits to break or fears to overcome.

Keep your puppy in the yard for short periods of time per day, for about 15 minutes. Repeat this until you think your puppy is confident enough to stay in the yard for longer periods of time. Reward and praise your puppy if it stay for periods of time without complaining. Bichon Frise puppies are not very independent, though and will become agitated and destructive if left alone for a long time. So if you want to leave your puppy in the yard without any human/animal company, be sure to include some toys and resting places.