Bichon Frise: Positive Reinforcement

It’s not necessarily what you say but how you say it that will help you to communicate most effectively with your Bichon Frise. Your pet is particularly sensitive to your tone of voice.

Positive reinforcement goes a long way in teaching good behavior. Praise or give a small treat when your Bichon is doing the correct thing. Whether it is going potty outside or quietly greeting visitors at the door immediately reward him. However if your pet is acting afraid don’t confuse him by lavishing attention or coddling him. Distract him/her by having him sit or stay so that you can reward that specific behavior.

Your Bichon Frise is very intelligent after all they used to be circus dogs and street performers. So give them something to do. Train your Bichon. Establish yourself as their leader by making rewards dependent on behavior. This is not to say to use fear or negative punishment to dominate your dog. Your pet is not unlike your child in that he/she is dependent upon you to meet their needs for water, food and shelter. You want to create an open, compassionate and interesting environment for your dog to thrive in.
 

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