The Bichon Frise can be a prideful and stubborn dog, especially as a puppy. This means that housebreaking and Bichon training can be a little more difficult than with some other breeds, although not impossible. It only takes a little more patience and commitment. The best part of this process is that it establishes you as the "pack leader." This is beneficial because Bichons are not dominant dogs and need a leader to follow. After you have successfully house-trained your puppy, he/she will be a loyal and loving companion.

Using a crate to train your Bichon serves many purposes. What we will discuss here is using a crate to housebreak and potty train. This is not the only method that can be used, but is by far the most effective.

An important first step in this process is choosing the right crate. The crate should only be large enough for your puppy to stand and turn around in. Anything bigger than this will defeat many of the purposes for which the crate is used. It should also be made comfortable. Line the crate floor with soft towels and add an old pillow for the dog to sleep on. Other articles to consider putting in the crate are toys (balls, squeaky toys, Kong toys), treats (rawhide treats or other chew treats that take a long time to eat), and water.

Once you have found the right crate, you should begin to familiarise your puppy with the crate. Most of the time Bichons will react negatively if you simply pick them up and put them in and lock it. Instead, leave the door open and put a treat or two inside while you are at home. Eventually they will smell the treat and wander in on their own. Repeat this occasionally until they find realise the crate is a comfortable and quiet place for them to be. It is also important that you do not leave them locked in the crate for extended periods when you are first introducing the idea. Let them get used to being in the crate for shorter durations and work your way up to full days while you are at work.

Next, you should make your Bichon feel at home in the crate. Put the crate in a quiet place where they can relax comfortably, and never use the crate as punishment. When putting your puppy in the crate never do so with an angry or disciplinary voice. Use warm and happy tones when coaxing him/her in. The crate should also be your puppy's "home" whenever you are out of the house or asleep. Unless you are at home and there with your dog, it should be in the crate. It may take a little time before the dog is comfortable in the crate, but with regular use they will come to view it as their own private space.

Once your puppy is established in its crate, you can begin to use it for housebreaking. The great thing about the crate is that your Bichon will not want to relieve itself inside of it because it is their "home." This is a powerful tool for you.

At first it will be impossible for them to "hold it" the entire time they are in the crate. This is especially true if you leave your dog in the crate while you are at work all day. If at all possible, try to go home on your lunch breaks to let the dog go outside to use the bathroom.

The most important step in using a crate to housebreak your Bichon puppy comes when you take them out of the crate. Pick them up out of the crate and take them directly outside (or wherever you are training them to relieve themselves). They will eventually get the idea that this is where they need to go when they have to do their business.

Crate training a Bichon is not a magical, easy process. It takes time, effort, patience, and persistence but once is accomplished you will have a happy and loyal pet for years to come.

Kyle Lambert is a writer and Bichon owner. After years of raising Bichons, he decided to create a website dedicated to the breed. Focusing on all Bichon related issues, Kyle hopes to educated people interested in the breed. Find his full website dedicated to Bichon Training by following the link.