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Bichon Training


Dog Bichon
Dog Training
 In this article we will look one of the most important, and sometimes challenging, aspects of training: house breaking.  This is one of the first things you will want to tackle when you bring your new puppy home.  The sooner you and your bichon accomplish house breaking the better.House breaking your bichon can be difficult, but with patience and commitment you will be rewarded with fewer indoor accidents and a happy puppy!  If you want to learn more about bichon training, don't forget to sign up for our email mini-course!


Ok, let’s get started!


One important thing to remember is that bichons (especially bichon puppies) are full of energy.  As soon as they wake up they will be wound up and ready to play!  Because of this, they are also early risers and this means that you will need to be too, at first.  Set an alarm for 6 am and try to be up before your dog.


The first thing you should do when you wake up is take your puppy directly outside (or wherever you want them to do their business).  This will get them in the habit of relieving themselves first thing in the morning.

When you take them outside, initiate a one word command associated with the task.  “Outside” or “potty” both work very well.  The one word command is very important.  Bichons are easily distracted, so long or complicated commands will be much harder for them to understand.  Also, this command should be issued in a warm and gentle voice.  Bichons respond well to tone of voice and a soft tone will reinforce good behavior.  Likewise, a stern, deep voice when scolding your puppy after an accident will help a lot in teaching them to realize that indoor relief is unacceptable.


After your puppy has done its business, be sure to praise him/her.  Again, this reinforces the good behavior.  Use a happy and playful voice when you say “good boy!” or “good girl!”  Lavish your puppy with praise and pet him heartily.

This process should be repeated regularly.  Even if they show no signs of having to go to the bathroom, try to repeat this hourly whenever possible.  Bichons are small dogs and have small bladders, so they tend to have to relieve themselves frequently as puppies.  Be conscious of eating habits as well.  Take your dog outside about half an hour after each meal.  I know that house breaking your puppy on a working schedule can be tough, but it’s not impossible!  In the email mini-course we look at crate training as a perfect solution for those who cannot be home during the day!


When accidents do happen (and they will!) use the scolding tone we talked about before.  Be stern and firm, but don’t yell!  This will only frighten your puppy and will most likely not produce the wanted results.  Many of us have probably heard that you should rub your dog’s nose in the accident.  Personally, I do not believe this is effecting.  You should, however, show your puppy the accident.  Point at it and say “No” or “Bad dog/boy/girl” when he/she is looking at the stain.


Finally, consistency is the key here.  If you are inconsistent in your praise or scolding you will confuse your puppy and it will prolong the process.  Remember to praise EVERY time she does her business in the appropriate spot, and scold EVERY time you find an accident.



Three Basic Rules to Remember and Follow

Start early

Repeat often

Be consistent with praise and scolding


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