How to House Train a Stubborn Bichon

Bichon Frise dogs have a tendency to be willful, but they are also intelligent.

The Bichon Frise standard calls for the dog to have a playful and affectionate temperament. They are highly trainable but can tend to be a challenge to house train. This is due in part to their willful nature which can be misconstrued as stubbornness. Once you have a consistent house training schedule in place and your patience in check, you can successfully house train this active and delightful breed.

Things You'll Need

• Wire or plastic dog crate
• 2 light-colored bath towels
• Martingale collar or harness
• 4 to 6-foot-long leash
• 15 to 20-foot-long leash
• Journal

Instructions

How to House Train a Stubborn Bichon

1. Acquire a dog crate that is just large enough to allow your Bichon to turn around, stand and lie down. Be certain the crate is made for dogs and can be easily cleaned. Place one of the towels on the bottom of the crate and keep the collar or harness and a four to six-foot leash close to the crate. Take a day or two to get your Bichon used to the crate by placing the dog inside for frequent brief periods of time.

2. Write down a daily schedule in your journal that includes two to three 20-minute feeding times, play periods, nap times, times for exercise and a designated bedtime for your Bichon. Offer water during feeding, exercise and play times but remove water two hours prior to bedtime. Take your dog outside to a designated potty area prior to and after each of these activities with a final bedtime potty break as late as your schedule allows. Crate your Bichon for naps, bedtime and any other time when it is not involved in a supervised activity.

3. Attach a collar or harness to the four or six-foot leash prior to removing your dog from the crate and before taking it outside to the potty. Carry very young puppies to the potty area instead of walking them on a leash. Attach the 15 to 20-foot leash when you get outside and allow your dog the freedom of that area to potty. Those with a fenced yard can forgo the long leash.

4. Allow your Bichon 20 minutes to eliminate. If 20 minutes has passed, place the dog back in its crate for a half hour and try again. Praise the Bichon quietly after it urinates and defecates. Take the time to journal your Bichon's potty habits so you know what is normal for your dog.

5. Lengthen the time your Bichon is out of the crate after seven consecutive days occur without potty accidents. Attach your Bichon to the shorter of the leashes and clip it to your belt so the dog stays near you while it is outside of the crate. This will allow you to keep an eye on the dog so that it can't wander off and potty. Supervision is key to successfully lengthening the time your Bichon is outside of the crate.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the towel on the bottom of the crate clean. If the dog has soiled the crate, you will be able to see stains on the towel. Clean the crate prior to putting in a fresh towel and your Bichon. If your dog is chewing the towel, replace it with a chew-resistant fleece crate pad.

• Feeding and offering water on a schedule is essential for house training success. You need to know the times and amounts your dog eats and drinks to determine when your dog will need to eliminate. Choose convenient feeding times and avoid the use of free feeding during the house training process. Water should not be offered at night or while the dog is in the crate.

• Make sure your Bichon is healthy prior to embarking on a house training program. If you have been consistent in following the house training schedule and your Bichon is still having accidents, you may want to consult a veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying medical issues that will prevent success.

References

• Bichon Frise
• housebreak
• active and delightful breed