My Dog Training Secrets 

Bichon Frise are probably one of the more adorable dogs around. They are small, cute and can have great attitudes. Bichon Frise are easy to train and are kept most happy when around people and not isolated. They can have sensitive skin, eyes, and ears and require frequent grooming. Bichon Frise are another breed of dog doomed to be a progenitor in the Designer Dog race because of their 'hypo-allergenic' properties. But they shed too, just less than your average Retriever.

Hair on the ears, face, and tail is left longer. His powderpuff coat does not shed, but does require a daily brushing. Hair length also has an impact since long fur holds more saliva than a short piece of fur does. Hair on the ears and tail is longer than that on the body. Their usual colors are white or white in combination with buff, cream, apricot, or gray. Although some Bichon Frise pups have beige to apricot markings on their ears, heads, or bodies, this coloring fades with maturity. By adulthood, they are usually all white, although cream, apricot, or buff hairs are seen. Bichons need brushing, periodic trimming, and regular bathing. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt nosed scissors. Brushing should be done once or twice a week using a slicker brush.

Ear infections occur in many breeds that have drop ears that do not allow air circulation. Thus it is important to keep Bichon ears clean and free of inside hair. Ears should also be trimmed to maintain a neat appearance.

Bichon Frise are only as behaved as their human requires them to be. While they may not be a "training intensive" dog, it goes without saying that you'll be happier, and your dog will be happier by spending some time with basic obedience training. That is the case with most smaller dogs from the Toy and Non-sporting groups. Although they don't bite when anyone comes into the house they will growl and keep a keen eye on that person until they are satisfied you have accepted this person into your home. These dogs are full of love and will give you cuddles and kisses galore. Also, the Bichon Frise will destroy things and bark a lot when left alone too many times as they are known for having separation anxiety.

They're also very good at agility events and are shown in conformation competitions. They're happy up in a high-rise or down on the farm-- as long as they're around people! Always ready to snuggle or play, Bichons compete in obedience and agility and make wonderful therapy dogs with their adorable looks and affectionate nature.

Also, you must be prepared to take a little bit of extra time and compassion for house breaking because the Bichon Frise are well know for their problems with house breaking. Crate training makes it much easier to housebreak the dog. The main rule to follow is keep the dog confined to the room you are in and give them access, on a regular basis, to the place where you want them to go. Although it may be a little difficult to housebreak, its mannerisms, attitude and happy temperament makes it worth while to persevere in training the Bichon as it is very obedient once trained. Although intelligent, the breed is not always cooperative with training methods. Just remember, it is not impossible to housebreak this breed of dog but plan on spending time getting through the process.

Bichon Frise are not only adorable to look at but make wonderful, loving, lively, entertaining companions and family dogs. They love you unconditionally and never worry about how you look or what you are wearing.