Are Bichon Frises easy to train?
Bichon Frises are generally reasonably easy to train. They are intelligent, food-motivated and genuinely keen to please, which makes basic obedience and everyday manners come fairly quickly with consistent, positive training — the main sticking point most owners hit is housetraining, which tends to take longer with this breed than with many others.
Why training generally goes well
Bichon Frises were bred as companion dogs, and that shows in how readily most of them respond to attention, praise and food rewards. They pick up basic cues like sit, stay and recall at a similar pace to most small breeds when training is kept short, positive and consistent, and their sociable nature means they're usually happy to work alongside their owner rather than needing to be persuaded.
Their size and temperament also make them well suited to reward-based training with small, low-calorie treats, since a Bichon doesn't need much food to stay motivated through a session. Short, frequent sessions tend to work better than long ones — like a lot of small breeds, attention can wander if training drags on.
Where owners commonly struggle
Housetraining is the one area where Bichon Frises have a genuine reputation for taking longer than average, and it's a common enough complaint that it's worth planning for rather than being caught out by. Consistency with a set routine — regular trips outside, praise immediately after they go in the right place — makes the biggest difference, and setbacks are common rather than a sign anything is wrong with the dog.
Some Bichons can also be vocal, and a small dog that isn't given clear boundaries early on can develop small-dog habits like jumping up or barking at the door that owners find harder to correct once established. Starting boundaries early, the same as you would with a larger breed, avoids most of this.
What helps in practice
Keep training sessions short and frequent rather than long and occasional, and use small, soft treats that don't take long to eat so you can get through plenty of repetitions in one session. A treat pouch that keeps rewards to hand makes this easier, particularly for recall practice out on a walk.
Socialising a Bichon Frise well as a puppy, alongside training, tends to pay off in a calmer, more confident adult dog. Puzzle toys and short training games between formal sessions also help keep an intelligent, people-focused breed like this one from getting bored, which is often when small unwanted habits start.
Kit for this breed
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Waterproof Dog Harness, Collar & Lead Set
A sturdy waterproof harness, collar and lead set that keeps walks tidy and your dog under control.
From£7.99
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Common questions
- How long does it take to housetrain a Bichon Frise?
- It varies, but Bichon Frises are commonly reported to take longer than many breeds, sometimes several months of consistent routine before it's fully reliable. Patience and a set schedule of trips outside make more difference than any particular training method.
- Are Bichon Frises good for first-time dog owners?
- Generally yes — their eagerness to please and food motivation make basic training accessible for a first-time owner, though the housetraining timeline can be a surprise. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for that specific challenge rather than expecting an easy dog in every respect.
- Do Bichon Frises respond well to treat-based training?
- Yes, very well. They are food-motivated and don't need large amounts to stay engaged, which makes small, soft training treats an effective and easy way to reward good behaviour through a session.
- Why is my Bichon Frise barking so much?
- Bichons can be vocal, and barking often develops when boundaries around it aren't set early or when the dog is bored or seeking attention. Consistent training from puppyhood, along with enough mental stimulation through the day, usually keeps it manageable.
Related
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Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.