iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may include affiliate links where we are paid a commission at no additional cost to you.
Bichon Frises are adorable, loving, and highly trainable dogs. However, like all breeds, they require consistent and effective potty training to ensure they develop healthy bathroom habits. If you are a new owner of a Bichon Frise puppy or an adult dog, you may have questions about the potty training process. Fortunately, there are several proven strategies that can make the process of potty training your Bichon Frise easier and quicker. In this article, we will discuss seven secrets to quickly potty train your Bichon Frise, so you can enjoy a happy, healthy, and clean living space for you and your furry friend.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Bichon Frise, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.
1. Start Potty Training Your Bichon Frise Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Bichon Frise, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Bichon Frise to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Bichon Frise Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Bichon Frise successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Bichon Frise’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Bichon Frise’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Bichon Frise quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Bichon Frise to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Bichon Frise, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Bichon Frise’s Freedom
As your Bichon Frise becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Bichon Frise know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Bichon Frise to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Bichon Frise and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Bichon Frise for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Bichon Frise is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science based and “fear free” tactics to potty train your Bichon Frise quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Bichon Frise
How do I know when my Bichon Frise needs to go potty?
Some signs to look out for include whining, restlessness, sniffing around, circling, or scratching at the door. You may also notice your Bichon Frise sniffing the ground or looking towards the door.
At what age should I begin potty training a Bichon Frise puppy?
It’s best to start potty training your Bichon Frise puppy as early as possible, ideally at 8 to 12 weeks of age. This is when their bladder control is still developing, and they are more receptive to training.
How can I potty train an adult Bichon Frise?
The same principles used in potty training a puppy apply to adult Bichon Frises. However, it may take a bit more time and patience. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and establishing a routine are key to successfully potty training an adult Bichon Frise.
How long does it take to potty train a Bichon Frise puppy?
The time it takes to potty train a Bichon Frise puppy varies depending on the individual puppy’s temperament, consistency in training, and the owner’s commitment. Generally, it takes about 4 to 6 months to fully potty train a Bichon Frise puppy.
How often should I take my Bichon Frise outside for potty breaks?
It’s recommended to take your Bichon Frise puppy out for potty breaks every 2 to 3 hours during the day and once or twice during the night. As your puppy grows older and develops better bladder control, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks.
How should I potty train my Bichon Frise in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
You can train your Bichon Frise puppy to go potty on puppy pads or newspaper if you live in an apartment without a yard. Gradually move the pads or newspaper closer to the door and eventually outside so that your puppy learns to associate going potty with going outside. Consistency, praise, and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training in this scenario.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Bichon Frise?
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science based and “fear free” tactics to potty train your Bichon Frise quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In conclusion, potty training a Bichon Frise can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key in successfully training your Bichon Frise to go potty in the right place. By following the seven secrets we’ve shared in this article, you can create a solid foundation for your Bichon Frise’s potty training, and help them become a well-behaved and happy member of your household. Remember to stay positive and consistent, and to always reward good behavior. With time and effort, you and your Bichon Frise will be able to enjoy a happy and stress-free potty training experience.
Toledo, United States.
