Of its many wonderful qualities, the Bichon’s charming temperament may be one of the biggest draws to prospective owners. The ideal bichon is gentle, playful, sensitive and affectionate. Homeowners should settle for nothing less than these qualities. Although most Bichons are capable of this type of temperament, a few things can lead to a less than desirable attitude in your dog. The two biggest Bichon Frize problems associated with temperament are fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. In this article we will look at the symptoms of these problems and how to avoid them.
fear aggression
Fear aggression is part of a larger complex called “small dog syndrome.” Bichons know that they are small dogs, so when they feel threatened they overreact to compensate for their small stature. They may show aggression by barking and growling, or more generally by biting. These are all reactions to perceived threats or general feelings of inadequacy.
No one wants an aggressive dog, no matter how small. For this reason, it’s important for Bichon owners to raise and train their dogs with the love and attention they need (and they need a lot!). Bichons like to know that you are the “leader of the pack.” Leaders are assertive and strong, and this is not a normal characteristic of the breed. If you don’t establish yourself as their leader, they will feel the need to fill that void themselves. Unfortunately, since it is not in their nature, they will become overly aggressive.
The best way to prevent fear aggression is with consistent training on all fronts. This means that housebreaking, socialization and crate training must be carried out assertively. Remember that assertiveness does not mean cruelty or pettiness. It simply means setting rules for expected behavior and requiring your Bichon to abide by them. Severe colds (but without shouting) for bad behavior and abundant praise for good behavior can go a long way not only in training, but also in developing a wonderful temperament.
separation anxiety
One thing that a prospective Bichon owner should keep in mind is the amount of time that they will be able to commit to spending with their dog. Bichons are social animals and need a lot of attention, so people who travel for work or are away from home for extended periods on a daily basis should consider looking for another breed. Bichons repeatedly left alone for long periods are at high risk of developing separation anxiety, and this can lead to, again, excessive biting and barking, but can also lead to depression.
To avoid separation anxiety, owners should expect to spend most of their time at home with their puppies. They are not good dogs for very active people, unless they can take their dog with them when they are out, but they are perfect for those who enjoy spending time at home. This makes them perfect pets for families that have someone in the house most of the time. This will go a long way in preventing separation anxiety.
The bottom line
Bichons need a lot of attention and to know that you are the leader of their pack. These two seemingly simple things can be the difference between a well-behaved dog and serious Bichon Frize temperament problems. Owners should expect to be consistent in their training and spend a lot of time with their dogs. If this can be done, it will result in a happy, gentle and affectionate puppy that everyone will love.