8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Bichon Frise’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Bichon Frise’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Bichon Frise is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Bichon Frise may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Bichon Frise’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Bichon Frise pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Bichon Frise’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

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2. Desensitize Your Bichon Frise to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Bichon Frise’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Pill Pockets for Dogs

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3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Bichon Frise and Playing Loud Music

Many Bichon Frise’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

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4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Bichon Frise)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Bichon Frise during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Bichon Frise with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Bichon Frise stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option. 

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Bichon Frise

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

 

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7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

 

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8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Bichon Frise

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

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Defeating your Bichon Frise anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Bichon Frises

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bichon Frise Anxiety

1. Why do Bichon Frises suffer from anxiety?

Bichon Frises are highly social dogs that thrive on human companionship. They are prone to separation anxiety because they dislike being left alone for long periods. Genetics, lack of socialization, or changes in environment can also contribute to their anxious behavior.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Bichon Frises?

Signs of anxiety may include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive chewing, digging, restlessness, panting, or attempts to escape. Some Bichons may also show aggression or hide when they are anxious.

3. Can separation anxiety be prevented in Bichon Frises?

Yes, prevention is possible with early training, proper socialization, and gradually teaching your Bichon Frise to spend short periods alone. Crate training and using positive reinforcement can also help reduce separation-related stress.

4. How can exercise help calm Bichon Frise anxiety?

Regular exercise helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities can keep your Bichon physically and mentally healthy, which lowers their anxiety levels.

5. Do Bichon Frises respond well to calming music?

Yes, many Bichons respond positively to soft, calming music or white noise. Music can soothe anxious dogs by masking triggering sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or outside noises.

6. Can training reduce my Bichon Frise’s anxiety?

Consistent training builds confidence and provides structure, which helps reduce anxiety. Teaching basic commands and rewarding calm behavior reassures your Bichon and gives them security.

7. What role does routine play in calming anxiety?

Bichons feel more secure when they know what to expect. Maintaining a consistent routine for feeding, walks, and playtime helps reduce stress and anxiety by creating stability.

8. Are calming supplements safe for Bichon Frises?

High-quality, vet-approved calming supplements such as those containing chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD can be safe for Bichons when used as directed. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.

9. Can crate training help with anxiety?

Yes, when introduced properly, crate training can provide your Bichon with a safe, comfortable space that feels like a den. This gives them a secure retreat during stressful situations.

10. Do Bichon Frises get anxious around strangers?

Some Bichons may show anxiety around strangers due to lack of socialization or past negative experiences. Early exposure to different people and environments helps build confidence and reduces fear-based anxiety.

11. How do I calm my Bichon during thunderstorms or fireworks?

During loud events, create a safe space indoors with soothing music, dim lighting, and comfort items like their favorite toy. Anxiety vests or calming wraps can also help reduce stress during noise phobias.

12. Are Bichon Frises prone to travel anxiety?

Yes, some Bichons may feel anxious during car rides or travel. Gradual desensitization, crate training, and offering treats or toys during trips can help reduce travel-related stress.

13. How can interactive toys help with anxiety?

Interactive toys, puzzles, and treat-dispensing games provide mental stimulation, distract anxious dogs, and help prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom or stress.

14. Should I use medication for my Bichon Frise’s anxiety?

Medication should only be considered if anxiety is severe and recommended by a veterinarian. Most cases can be managed with training, routine, supplements, and environmental changes before turning to prescription medications.

15. Can a Bichon Frise outgrow anxiety?

Some Bichons may improve with age and training, but many remain prone to anxiety without consistent management. With proper care, socialization, and attention, their symptoms can be greatly reduced, improving their overall well-being.

Helping Your Bichon Frise Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Bichon Frise, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Bichon Frise can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Bichon Frise feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.