Bichon Frise:  Nipping & Biting

Nipping and biting can occur for a number of reasons. As a Bichon Frise owner it is important for you to pay attention and figure out when and why your dog is exhibiting this behavior. Dogs often snap at each other to communicate that they don’t like what’s happening. When the pet nips at you or at another person you need to teach them that this is unacceptable behavior.

When nipping or snapping occurs and you’re trying to figure out Why? Ask Yourself:

Who? Who was dog nipping at?

What? What person was doing at time?

When? When nipping occurred what was your pet doing?

Where? Where did it happen? (New situation or new environment?)

How? How did person or I respond?

How did Bichon Frise respond?

If you have a Bichon Frise puppy, nipping can be an overly exhibited way of trying to communicate and play with you. Your job will be to teach your pet how to interact appropriately. Withdraw all social interaction and attention from your pet to discourage this . If your Bichon Frise is not a puppy and he/she has learned this behavior it may take a while to teach him/her the more acceptable behavior.

When your dog nips or snaps at you, try this:

Say, "Stop" or “Ouch" in high-pitched voice,

Ignore dog. Do not speak to or touch them.

When Bichon Frise is calm give attention and praise.

Resume previous activity, if playing etc. If nipping occurs again repeat correction.

Repetition of correcting behavior will help your dog to figure out he/she receives attention and praise from appropriate behavior.

* If your Bichon Frise dog is nipping and biting out of fear or anxiety then they most likely need socialization training. Ignoring and isolating your dog will not help your dog to learn important social skills. Taking your pet to an obedience training class is recommended.

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