Bichon Frises, with their fluffy white coats and cheerful dispositions, are renowned for being lively, playful, and incredibly affectionate. They often draw comparisons to cotton balls or clouds due to their appearance. However, like all dogs, a Bichon Frise needs proper training to become a well-adjusted adult. This article dives into the optimal age for training, the repercussions of delayed training, and the advantages of online dog training courses tailored for your Bichon Frise.
The Ideal Training Age for a Bichon Frise Puppy
Starting Point: It’s often recommended to initiate training as soon as your Bichon Frise puppy settles into your home, typically around 7-8 weeks of age. At this early stage, the focus is on simple commands, housebreaking, and introducing a routine.
Socialization: A critical aspect of training for any puppy, particularly for a sociable breed like the Bichon Frise, is early socialization. Introducing them to various sights, sounds, people, and other pets will help ensure they grow into well-rounded and confident adults.
Basic Commands: Even as a puppy, a Bichon Frise is capable of understanding fundamental commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’. Positive reinforcement techniques work wonders with this breed, given their eager-to-please nature.
Behavior Problems Due to Delayed Training of a Bichon Frise Puppy
Failing to train a Bichon Frise during its impressionable puppy months can lead to a set of behavioral issues:
1. Separation Anxiety: Bichon Frises are known for their strong attachment to their human companions. Without early training on being comfortable alone, they can develop separation anxiety, resulting in destructive behavior when left alone.
2. Excessive Barking: While they’re not particularly yappy by nature, an untrained Bichon might resort to excessive barking as a way of gaining attention or expressing anxiety.
3. Housebreaking Issues: The Bichon Frise can be a tad challenging to housebreak, especially if not trained early. This could lead to frequent indoor ‘accidents’.
4. Over-exuberance: Without proper early training, the Bichon’s natural enthusiasm might become overwhelming, leading them to jump on guests or not listen to basic commands.
Benefits of Using an Online Dog Training Course for Your Bichon Frise Puppy
In today’s interconnected world, online dog training courses have become increasingly popular, offering unique advantages for Bichon Frise owners:
1. Flexibility and Personalized Pace: Not every dog learns at the same rate. Online training courses allow you to adjust the training pace as per your Bichon Frise’s learning speed. Moreover, you’re not constrained by fixed class timings, ensuring that training sessions can be scheduled when most convenient.
2. Diverse Training Methods and Resources: Online platforms often provide a myriad of resources, ranging from video tutorials, and articles, to interactive forums. Such a vast pool of information ensures that you can find and utilize techniques best suited for your Bichon temperament and learning style.
The Only 2 Online Puppy Training Courses We Recommend
1. SpiritDog’s Ultimate Puppy Bundle (BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)
This comprehensive online puppy training program, designed by experienced trainer Steffi Trott, aims to help dog owners raise a well-behaved, social, and friendly puppy. The course provides lifetime access to over 70 lessons, including videos and an exclusive eBook, with a focus on critical behaviors like biting, potty training, and chewing. Participants can learn at their own pace from home, with the ability to ask unlimited questions to professional trainers. The program promises noticeable improvements in puppy behavior with just 10 minutes of practice per day. It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, lifetime personal support, and seven bonus mini-courses covering specific issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass” (BEST OVERALL)
In addition to basic puppy training, this more comprehensive training class tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog. It’s made in a very easy-to-follow video format.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise, with its cheerful demeanor and fluffy appearance, makes for a delightful companion. Proper early training ensures they remain a joy to be around and don’t develop undesirable behaviors. With the evolution of digital platforms, training has become even more accessible, offering a blend of flexibility, varied resources, and convenience. A well-trained Bichon Frise is not just a pet but a harmonious member of the family, and with the right guidance and consistency, you’ll have a loyal, loving companion for years to come.