Bichon frise training involves teaching your furry friend several tricks and commands such as the down command. While the said command is common among many dog owners, it ought to be known by all, specifically by first-time owners that this command is essential in a lot of ways. With down command, it would be more easy for you to control and keep him safe in some circumstances. Moreover, the down command also serves as groundwork for many other advanced commands or tricks such as roll over and crawl.

There is more than one way to teach your dog how to stay down. Depending on your dog’s personality, you need to identify which technique works best for him. Below are a few ways on how you can effectively teach your dog to obey the down command:

Method 1
When your pet has already mastered the sit command, have him sit first then hold a treat in front of her nose. Once her attention is focused on the treat, lower it to the ground bit by bit. Naturally, your adorable pet will follow the treat with his eyes and as soon as his gaze is lowered on the floor, your hand that’s holding the treat must move forward (away from your pet) so that he has to lower himself toward the treat.

When your dog starts to move towards  the down position, give the command “down”. This is to associate the verbal command “down” with him laying down. The instant his belly touches the ground and the legs out at the front, reward him with praise and of course with that treat.

Method 2
Follow the first method but if he walks instead of lower himself towards the treat, place your hand at the withers to prevent him from standing or running.

Method 3
This method doesn’t require a bait but the aid of a leash instead. With your dog on sit position, stand or kneel alongside your pet. Say the command “down” then guide your dog towards the position by holding the leash and gently yanking it downwards. You may also need to place your hand at the withers and guide him down or lift and stretch his front legs in front of him. As soon as he is in the down position, reward with treat or praise to let him know that you are pleased with what he did.

Much like when teaching other bichon frise training commands, there are some points you need to take into account.

• Getting desirable results does not happen overnight. Your dog may need a lot of repetition before he can figure out what he’s supposed to do so you have to be very patient.
• During the initial phase of training, it must be done in an area where there are less distractions however when he has mastered the command, add something to it like practicing the command in several spots with different people.
• While this command is best taught when your dog is in sit position, teach him to obey the command also when he is standing, walking or running.
• Delicious treat is the most effective bait, however, it is important to decrease the use of treat to prevent him from becoming treat dependent that will only respond to the command when there’s a treat present.

Because it’s adorable, Bichon Frises are favorites among families with little ones.One, it doesn’t shed too much and is a hypoallergenic, furry dog.It is fantastic with kids and plays everyone in the family.It can be trained and proves to be a good house-minder.

Just like other pets, Bichon Frises are best trained at a young age.In fact, it is best to start training your Bichon Frise right after bringing the dog home.

If you’d like to read more, see this article on How to Stop Dog Licking.

Keeping Your Bichon Crate-trained.

When you first bring him home, present the crate to your dog.Select a comfy crate that’s roomy, too.For this purpose, you’ll need a crate that’s big enough to hold a big, adult dog.Pad the crate using old rugs to make it soft and comfy.Allow your new pet get over chewing prior to buying him anything more expensive.

The crate works for your intent very well.You’d like for your pet to view the crate as his space, just like you see yours as mine.Use the crate solely for good things like eating, sleeping and playing. Never use it for punishment.Some time soon your dog will view the crate as a comfortable, safe place.And when he comes around, that serves you well.The crate helps to control your dog when you’re out of the house.

Taming Your Bichon to Potty.

Inspite of being intelligent and obedient pets, your dog needs consistent frequency.Because of their relatively small size, look toward frequent trips outside when potty-training.Keep your eye on your pup during the first week.When he signals needing to poop, take him outside to the place you’ve choosen as his deposit place.Repeat your potty word while the dog is peeing or pooping and pet him for doing so.Some time soon, your pet begins associating the command with the elimination process.When the dog poofs in the house accidentally, take him out to the place in the yard you’ve designated for defecating and be stern with your command.

You can read this information on Los Angeles Dog Training.

The Bully Dog Syndrome.

When you’re out with your dog and another dog is in sight, he’s likely to be insecure.Unfortunately for smaller dogs, they manifest they are insecure by barking aggressively and howling loudly, irritating the other dog.Left on his own, your bichon frise could end up in trouble with a nastier pitbull.That’s a disturbing thought.So when you’re walking outside with your little pet, keep this things in mind.

Hold your dog with a leash to maintain control.The leash keeps your dog in place.

Convey calm and confidence to your pet especially when he sees other dogs.You are your dog’s model.If you keep your cool, your dog would, too.That reassures your dog and makes bullying the other dog unnecessary.

Allow your bichon to be introduced to the other dog.Speak slowly while holding your dog at a non-threatening distance from the other dog.

For further information, read this article on Bichon Frise Training Information.

Bichon Frise Dogs Video

The Bichon Frise dog typically makes an excellent addition to any household. He is friendly and sweet and provides few major challenges.

General Appearance and Description

If you like puffy, fuzzy dogs, the Bichon Frise is for you. This cute little fur ball is identified mostly by color and fur characteristics. His color is usually all white, but some dogs have other colors mixed in, usually grey, apricot, and cream.

His coat is long and curly. The Bichon Frise Puppy is virtually hypoallergenic, so this makes him a desirable pet to many people with animal allergies or sensitivities.

Basic Temperament

Bichon Frise dogs are extremely social. They love people and being around groups. They are affectionate, intelligent, independent and spirited. Though they are small, they’re not yippy dogs that will annoy you and the neighbors.

Most Bichon Frise dogs are happy and confident, and cause no problems to their household. They enjoy meeting new people and are good with children and older people. They thrive on making sure that others are happy, so their happiness in a home situation is directly tied to that of their owner. If you’re happy, they’re happy.

The Bichon Frise do like being companion dogs, so they enjoy being taken along with you when you go out.

Care Required

Bichon breeders will tell you that the care of a Bichon is simple and they are partly right. Most Bichon Frise dogs should be bathed every month, and groomed professionally every four weeks. Because the fur is curly and full, it can get out of hand if not kept trimmed.

The eye and ear areas should also be trimmed with blunt scissors on a regular basis and the eyes should also be cleaned periodically to prevent staining since the eyes tend to run.

Best of all, however, is that Bichon puppies and dogs do not really shed, which is what makes this breed particularly good for those who suffer allergies.

Exercise Requirements

Bichon Frise Puppy exercise needs are quite similar to the breed’s needs when he’s full grown. They are extensive. While you might not think that such a small dog would have high activity needs, the opposite is true. He is a very active dog that needs a daily walk and plenty of time for play.

While the Bichon is not a troublesome dog, if he’s not exercised enough, he might challenge your patience with some behavior problems. A walk a day is all they ask, but if you can also find your way to a dog park now and then, these dogs will appreciate it. They will enjoy the social element as well as the ability to run free for a while.

Training

It’s important that you set yourself up as the boss of the house (or the “alpha dog”). The Bichon needs limits and rules. He needs to know that someone is in charge.

If this leadership is not established early, the dog can develop “small dog syndrome” where the small dog feels that he is the leader of the humans. This can lead to problems like biting, separation anxiety and snapping. It’s brought on when the humans in the dog’s life don’t respond appropriately to him. If you establish yourselves as the leader, you should have no trouble with this.

Some Bichon Frise dogs can be hard to housebreak.

Height and Weight

Male dogs are usually about 9 to 12 inches tall, while females are between 9 and 11 inches tall. They weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.

Health and Longevity

These dogs don’t suffer too many health problems, aside from watery eyes, some skin and ear ailments, and cataracts. All of these are common canine health problems. Some Bichon Frise dogs can suffer from epilepsy and problems with their knees. Usually, the Bichon lives for about 15 years or more.

Suitability

These dogs are ideal for just about any household environment. They are ideal for homes with children or older people. They enjoy having other dogs and even cats around, but will do fine if they are the only pet in the household as well. They enjoy seeing themselves as watch dogs, but their ability to really impact the household that way is rather debatable.