How to Crate Train a Bichon Frise

Crate training is perhaps the most successful method of potty training a dog. This popular method involves keeping your bichon frise in a crate while you cannot provide supervision, in order to keep it from eliminating in your home. Crate training does not teach a dog to use the bathroom in the crate, but rather, it deters the dog from doing so by forcing him to lie in his waste if he does eliminate. The ultimate goal of crate training is to teach a dog to eliminate outside. Crate training is typically the best method to train dogs who are notoriously difficult to housebreak, such as the bichon frise. While intelligent, bichons are not always cooperative with training methods, according to MyDogBreed.com. However, with patience, practice and persistence, you will likely be able to crate train your bichon successfully in a relatively short time.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your bichon with the proper-sized crate. The crate should only allow your bichon enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. Since bichons are relatively small, the crate should be rather tiny. Allowing any more room will only impede the training process, as this method works because it forces dogs to lie in their own waste when they eliminate. If the crate is too big and the dog can simply walk away, crate training will not be successful. Since every bichon is different--some are small and some are large for their breeds--there is no set size for the crate. Take your bichon with you to the store when you are purchasing your crate to see what will fit it.

    • 2

      Place the crate in an appropriate area in your home. Not only is the crate a tool in which to housebreak your bichon, but it also serves as a den for the pooch. Place the crate in an area that is not busy so that your bichon can relax. However, when first introducing the crate to your bichon, place the crate close to you and leave the door open when you are around. Place treats and toys inside to entice your bichon to enter and spend time inside. You want your bichon to have positive associations with being inside the crate.

    • 3

      Establish a routine with your bichon frise. Taking the pooch outside at the same times every day will help it learn how long it has to withhold before he can relieve himself. For instance, take your bichon outside as soon as you take him out of the crate, before and after he sleeps and every few hours in between. Soon, your bichon will learn when he can go out, which will help him train his bladder and bowels.

    • 4

      Give your bichon a command each time you want him to go to the bathroom, such as "go potty" or "empty." Say this word when you take the bichon out to his elimination area and be consistent with the word or phrase you use. In addition, use the same doors and go to the same area outside every time you take your bichon out to eliminate.

    • 5

      Reward your bichon with treats and praise when he goes to the bathroom in the appropriate area. Be sure the treat is small, as bichons have rather tiny mouths and throats in which a piece of food can easily get lodged.