People typically have more tolerance for a sweet-looking pet which might hinder them from starting Bichon Frise Training right away. Although it is reasonable to allow your cuddly companion to roam around and investigate its new surroundings, dog training must still remain high on the priority list. Give a day or two for adjustment, after which, lessons must start. If it is your first time to have a pet, ask the breeder for some tips and instructions.

Owners who know how to be consistent will not have a problem training their dogs. Of course, it also wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. The best place to train Bichon puppies is indoors and with an appropriately-sized cage. It must be big enough to house an adult Bichon that can move and turn freely. Place a rug or towel to comfort the puppy. It will take some more time for the chewing stage to end so try not to shower your Bichon with too many expensive toys.

The first step in your Bichon Frise Training is the introduction of the crate. See to it that the space is a pleasant area for eating, sleeping and playing. Do not use this space to punish the puppy. Initially, the dog will protest by howling, crying or whining. Be consistent in saying “No Bark!”, but as soon as the puppy stops crying, praise it with positive feedback. This type of dog training teaches your dog that the crate is its comfort zone or a bedroom. Eventually, the puppy will be comfortable with the new sense of security, it will learn to go come back to this place when it is sleepy or hungry. For owners, the crate is a helpful tool in preventing accidents especially when the Bichon needs to be left alone temporarily. Puppies normally protest when they see their owners leave, but being inside the crate helps and they can be further comforted with toys and blankets. This is better than allowing your pet to roam around the house unsupervised.

Some owners are not comfortable being strict in executing commands. However, we should be reminded that dogs thrive in packs because they have a leader to follow. Dog training follows the same concept. Repetition and consistency of certain commands promise respect and obedience in the following days to come. These dogs can be stubborn but do not doubt the high intelligence that they possess. Never attempt to hit the dog during training. Even a small strike can result to very negative effects on these sensitive dogs.

When it comes to Bichon Frise Training for housebreaking, they require repeated trips outside. This is typical of small dog breeds. Observe the behavior of the puppy. When it is time to urinate or defecate, bring the puppy to the allotted area outdoors. Commands like “Go Potty!”, should be delivered sternly and encouragingly. Don’t forget to praise and give affection afterwards but also insert the command. It should sound like: “Good girl, go potty!”. Repeat this several times.

Training and guidance, will make your pet happy and well-balanced. Provide constant affirmation, care and gentle play to your polite and well-mannered Bichon Frise.

The post Consistency The Most Important Factor For Bichon Frise Training first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Responsible dog owners never let their dogs off the leash when they’re out of the house unless they’re safely confined within a fenced-in yard.  Keeping your dog on a leash is important for many reasons.

Why dog leash training is Important

Dog leash training, and keeping your dog on a leash every time he’s outside, can prevent potential injuries.  If your dog is pulling on his leash or walking or running freely, he could knock a young child or elderly person down.  And, even the friendliest dog could bite someone or get into a fight with another dog if provoked.  You could be sued if your dog’s behavior results in an injury.  Dog leash training allows you to keep your dog under control.

Keeping your dog on a leash also allows you to prevent him from eating something unhealthy, like a rotting carcass.  Owners who allow their dogs to roam freely are also risking the wrath of their neighbors.  Your neighbors won’t be happy if your dog is allowed to roam freely and roots through their trash or digs or eliminates in their yards.

A dog that is allowed to roam freely could also be picked up and taken to the local dog pound.  You’ll be required to pay a pick-up fee and you might be fined for not keeping him on a leash, because it’s required by law almost everywhere.  There is also the possibility that your dog might run away and never be found.

So, keeping your dog on a leash is extremely important.  All responsible dog owners do it, not just to obey the law, but to keep their pets safe, prevent possible injuries and keep their relationships with their neighbors pleasant.  And dog leash training is important even if you do already keep your dog on a leash – after all, you probably don’t want to be dragged down the street whenever you go on a walk.

Why Your Dog Pulls on the Leash

Many dogs pull on their leashes – that’s how the “who’s walking who” joke got started.  Many dogs pull because they have an abundance of energy and almost endless curiosity. Primarily, however, many dogs pull simply because we let them.  The only way to stop it is to stop letting your dog get away with it and stop rewarding him for doing it.  Instead of letting your dog “win” by forging ahead and dragging you wherever he wants to go, take charge and stop walking the instant he starts pulling.

Things to Do Before You Even Snap on the Leash

Many dogs get excited as soon as they see their leash, because it usually means they’re about to go on a walk.  You can help set the tone for a calm, pleasant walk by teaching your dog to remain calm while you’re attaching the leash to his collar.  Require your dog to sit and stay quietly in place while you’re putting on the leash.  If your dog starts acting up, simply delay the walk until he’s been sitting calmly for a minute or two.  Most dogs learn to sit quietly very quickly, but if you give in and start the walk even though your dog is bouncing around, you’ll be sending the wrong message – that misbehaving doesn’t have any negative consequences (the delay of the walk).

Tips to Prevent Pulling

To teach your dog better leash manners, try practicing this helpful exercise inside your house – somewhere quiet,
where there are no distractions:

Put the leash on your dog and stand still while holding the leash close to your body. Your dog might start bouncing around in excitement, but if you stand still he’ll eventually calm down. Once he does, give him a treat, praise him and say “let’s go,” taking a single step forward as you do. After that step, stand still once again. If your dog pulls or resumes his bouncing, wait for him to calm down.

Repeat the entire sequence several times, making your dog stay calm a few seconds longer each time before you give him a treat and take another step forward.

You can build up to “two step walks” once your dog has learned to remain calm and not pull during the above “one step walks.” Gradually build up to more and more steps until you’re able to take a normal walk without your dog pulling on the leash.

Despite this dog leash training exercise, your dog might pull on the leash if he becomes excited or distracted while you’re out on a walk. If he does, try these simple techniques to correct him:

During your dog leash training, hold the leash close to your side, giving your dog only a few inches of slack so you can correct him quickly if he starts pulling.

When your dog pulls in any direction, immediately walk in the opposite direction. If he forges ahead, smoothly turn around and start walking back toward where you came from. If he goes off to the right, you turn left, and so on.

Alternatively, you can stop and stand stock still if your dog starts pulling. Then, take a few steps backward while calling your dog. When he comes toward you, praise him and give him a treat, then resume your walk. If it happens again, repeat the process.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

During your dog leash training, it’s important to avoid the following common mistakes:

Letting the walk continue even though your dog is pulling or forging ahead. All this does is reward your dog for his misbehavior. Instead, stop walking immediately and wait for him to calm down before resuming the walk.

Pulling back when your dog pulls on the leash. Most dogs react by pulling even harder.

Using a retractable leash. It will just teach your dog that pulling will allow him to get farther away from you.

The most important things in dog leash training are patience, persistence and a firm commitment to not let your dog get anywhere when he’s pulling on the leash.  Forging ahead or running off to the side are unacceptable behaviors.  Either stop walking immediately and wait until he calms down, or change direction so your dog doesn’t get to go where he wants.  You’re the leader during your walks, not your dog.