How to train a bichon frise to stop barking?

The cute furry appearance of the Bichon Frise always captures people's hearts instantly and becomes a close companion in many people's lives. However, frequent barking can sometimes cause trouble. Next, we will explore in depth how to train the Bichon Frise to stop excessive barking, so that the owner and the dog can live more harmoniously.

As a small dog breed, the Bichon Frise has a keen sense of perception and a strong sense of territory. In their cognition, the family is their "territory", and any strange sounds or moving objects may be regarded as potential threats. This nature makes them always vigilant, and once they detect "abnormality", they will sound the alarm by barking. Just like when the courier knocks on the door, the Bichon Frise will rush to the door, barking and pacing back and forth. In its view, this sudden stranger may cause harm to the "territory" and the owner. In addition, the Bichon Frise is very dependent on its owner. When they feel lonely, bored, or want to attract the owner's attention, they will also express it by barking. For example, if the owner is busy with work and ignores it, it will keep barking, trying to attract the owner's attention and get company. Understanding the reasons behind these behaviors is the first step in training. Only by truly understanding why Bichon Frise barks can targeted measures be taken. ​

In the process of training Bichon Frise to stop excessive barking, it is crucial to establish trust and a sense of security. Bichon Frise is extremely dependent on its owner, and they need to get enough sense of security from its owner. The owner should spend more time with them and make Bichon Frise feel loved and valued through interactive methods such as stroking and playing. When Bichon Frise feels uneasy and barks in an unfamiliar environment, the owner should appear by its side in time, soothe it with a gentle voice, and gently stroke its back to let it know that the owner is protecting it and there is no need to be afraid. The establishment of this trust relationship can effectively reduce barking behavior caused by fear and anxiety. ​

Positive reinforcement training is a scientific and effective method. When Bichon Frise remains quiet when it should bark, the owner should give rewards in time. Rewards can be delicious snacks, such as chicken jerky and cheese grains, or enthusiastic compliments and hugs. For example, when the doorbell rings, the Bichon Frise does not bark immediately, but waits quietly. At this time, the owner should immediately take out snacks to reward it and happily say "Good baby, so quiet". Through repeated training, the Bichon Frise will gradually understand that keeping quiet will get rewards, thus reducing unnecessary barking. It should be noted that rewards must be given in time, and the moment the Bichon Frise is quiet, so as to strengthen its correct behavior. ​

Consuming the excess energy of the Bichon Frise is also an important means to reduce barking. Although the Bichon Frise is small in size, it is very energetic. If their energy is not released, they are prone to vent through barking. The owner must ensure that the Bichon Frise has enough exercise every day. You can take them out for a walk, play, and play some simple games, such as throwing a ball, picking up a frisbee, etc. Outdoors, the Bichon Frise can run, explore, and breathe fresh air, which not only consumes their physical strength, but also satisfies their curiosity about the world. When the Bichon Frise is tired of playing, it will rest quietly when it returns home, and naturally has no energy to bark excessively. In addition, providing Bichon Frise with some educational toys, such as leaky balls and puzzle toys, can also make them use their brains while playing, distract their attention, and reduce the frequency of barking. ​

Environmental desensitization training can help Bichon Frise gradually adapt to stimuli that easily cause barking. For example, Bichon Frise will bark when it hears the doorbell ring, and the owner can train it by simulating the sound of the doorbell. First, adjust the doorbell sound to a very low level, and give rewards when the Bichon Frise does not respond to the sound; then gradually increase the volume, and reward the Bichon Frise in time every time it remains quiet. After a period of training, the Bichon Frise will slowly get used to the sound of the doorbell and no longer regard it as a threat and bark. For other factors that trigger barking, such as pedestrians outside the window, car sounds, etc., similar methods can also be used to allow the Bichon Frise to gradually adapt to these stimuli and reduce barking behavior. ​

During the training process, the owner's patience and persistence are the key. The training of Bichon Frise cannot be achieved overnight, and there may be repeated situations, such as a Bichon Frise that has learned to keep quiet when the doorbell rings, but suddenly starts barking again. At this time, the owner should not be impatient, let alone beat or scold the Bichon Frise, because beating and scolding will not only fail to solve the problem, but will also make the Bichon Frise feel fear and anxiety, and intensify the barking behavior. The owner should maintain a calm state of mind, re-analyze the reasons, adjust the training methods, and continue to guide patiently. Every progress, even if the Bichon Frise just barks less, should be encouraged and affirmed, so that it can learn and grow in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. ​

After a period of training, the Bichon Frise gradually reduces the excessive barking behavior, and the owner will find that life has become more peaceful and harmonious. The morning and night that were once broken by barking have returned to their former beauty. The Bichon Frise will also become more confident and happy because they have learned the correct way to express themselves. The relationship between them and the owner will be deepened because of the close interaction during the training process. Training the Bichon Frise to stop excessive barking is not only to create a quiet living environment, but also a journey of growing up with the dog. In this process, the owner gains a full sense of happiness and accomplishment, and the Bichon Frise can also become a more well-behaved and lovely member of the family under the care and guidance of the owner.