How to Housebreak a Bichon Frise

A Bichon Frise thrives indoors and adapts well to living in an apartment. It is even-tempered and has an affectionate, sensitive nature. The Bichon Frise is a companion dog, friendly, eager to please and intelligent. This breed has a charming personality, but is also strong-minded. In order to housebreak a Bichon Frise, the owner must be consistent, firm and show who the boss is.

1. Put your Bichon Frise on a feeding schedule. Give some quality dry food mixed in with some soft add-in to help process the meal faster. Take the food up after dinner time. This helps him sleep through the night and avoid an accident. Do not give him food outside of feeding time. 


2. Take him out 45 minutes after meal times. Use a command word when it is time to go out. By using a word such as “outside,” he will know the purpose of going outdoors. If he does not potty, play with him to get his bowels moving. If that does not work, take him indoors and place him in a kennel, and then try it again in 30 minutes.


3. Praise your Bichon when it has relieved itself. Give him affection, and maybe a treat, using the command word consistently. The Bichon will associate the command word with the praise word.


4. Take him out every two hours. Use the command and praise word each time. Take him out when he wakes up first thing in the morning and after a nap.


5. Go outside when it is time for him to relieve himself. If you do not accompany him, he may stand at the door and go on the floor when you let him in.


6. Use a crate as a training tool. If you plan to leave the house for a couple of hours, place him in a kennel. If leaving the house for more than four hours, gate off the laundry room or kitchen and prepare a place where he can sleep, as well as training pads. Do not leave the dog unattended in the house alone.


7. Be consistent with praise when he does things correctly. Keep a structured schedule and make sure all family members are participating in the training.


8. Use a spray bottle for dogs who mark their territory on furniture or other items. To teach the dog these are not his, spray a water bottle on him while saying “No bad dog!” Place the dog in the kennel for some time, then take him outside and use the command and praise words.


9. Be prepared for relapses. Do not expect perfection, but continue to be firm and consistent.