Are Bichons Hard To Potty Train?

ByCoral

Are Bichon Frises Hard to Potty Train?

Bichon Frises have a reputation for being one of the more challenging breeds to potty train. This does not mean they are impossible, but it does mean you will need more patience and consistency than you might with some other breeds. Most Bichon owners agree that potty training takes longer than expected, often 4 to 6 months or more before accidents become rare.

The good news is that with the right approach, every Bichon can be reliably house trained. Understanding why they struggle and adjusting your methods accordingly makes all the difference.

Why Bichons Struggle With Potty Training

Tiny bladders. Bichon Frises are small dogs, typically weighing 12 to 18 pounds. Their small size means small bladders, which means more frequent bathroom trips. A young Bichon puppy may need to go out every 1 to 2 hours, and even adult Bichons need more frequent breaks than larger breeds.

Stubborn streak. Bichons are smart but can be willful. If they find a spot inside the house that they like using, they may return to it repeatedly despite your best training efforts. Their independence can make the training process feel like two steps forward, one step back.

Sensitivity to weather. Many Bichons dislike going outside in rain, cold, or wind. If your Bichon refuses to go potty in bad weather and then comes inside and has an accident, weather sensitivity is likely the culprit. This is a common frustration for Bichon owners, especially in colder climates.

Sneaky accidents. Bichons tend to find hidden spots for accidents rather than going in obvious places. They might sneak behind furniture, into a spare bedroom, or under a table. You may not discover these spots until a pattern has already been established.

Best Potty Training Methods for Bichons

Crate training. This is the single most effective tool for potty training a Bichon. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a properly sized crate teaches your Bichon to hold it. The crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. Too much space and your Bichon may use one end as a bathroom.

Frequent trips outside. Take your Bichon out first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, after play sessions, and before bedtime. For puppies, add a trip every 1 to 2 hours in between. Yes, this feels like a lot. But frequent success outside builds the habit faster than cleaning up frequent accidents inside.

Reward immediately. The moment your Bichon goes potty in the right spot, praise enthusiastically and give a small treat. Bichons are food motivated and learn quickly when good behavior is rewarded. The reward needs to happen within seconds of the act so your dog connects the behavior with the positive outcome.

Clean accidents thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odor completely. If your Bichon can still smell a previous accident, it will return to that spot. Regular household cleaners may smell clean to you but leave traces that a dog’s nose can still detect.

Never punish for accidents. Rubbing your Bichon’s nose in an accident or yelling does not teach it where to go. It teaches your dog to be afraid of going in front of you, which makes training harder because your dog will sneak off to hidden spots instead. If you catch an accident in progress, calmly interrupt and take your dog outside. If you find it after the fact, just clean it up and move on.

Dealing With Weather Sensitivity

If your Bichon refuses to go outside in bad weather, create a sheltered potty area. A covered porch, a spot under an awning, or even an indoor potty pad station can help during extreme weather. Some owners keep a small grass patch or pee pad near the back door as a rainy day backup.

A doggy raincoat or sweater can also make reluctant Bichons more willing to venture outside. Keeping outdoor potty trips short and purposeful rather than expecting your dog to explore in the rain helps too. Go out, do business, come back in, get a treat.

How Long Does Potty Training a Bichon Take?

Most Bichon Frises become reliably house trained between 4 and 8 months of consistent training. Some may take up to a year. Do not get discouraged if progress seems slow. Bichons that are left alone for too long during training often regress, so keeping a consistent schedule is key.

Regression is also normal. A Bichon that has been doing well for weeks may suddenly have a string of accidents. This can be triggered by schedule changes, new people in the home, illness, or just a bad day. Stay consistent and the good habits will return.

Are Bichon Frises hard to potty train?

Yes, Bichons are considered one of the more challenging breeds to potty train due to their small bladders, stubborn streak, and weather sensitivity. Consistent crate training and frequent outdoor trips are the most effective approach.

How long does it take to potty train a Bichon?

Most Bichon Frises become reliably house trained in 4 to 8 months with consistent training. Some may take up to a year. Patience and a regular schedule are essential.

Why does my Bichon refuse to go potty outside in rain?

Many Bichons are sensitive to bad weather and dislike getting wet or cold. A covered potty area, doggy raincoat, or indoor potty pad backup can help manage this common issue.

From the tiniest Chihuahua to the greatest of Danes, I am simply obsessed with dogs. I’ve been working with dogs professionally for nearly a decade. I managed a private dog daycare and worked as a liaison at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital.

My experience as the liaison of integrative medicine, neurology, and zoo medicine at UF Small Animal Hospital gave me valuable insight into the challenges faced by pet owners with animals who have medical conditions. My time there also gave me the opportunity to care for a disabled dog and write a book about the experience.

As manager of a dog daycare, I learned about how dogs play and interact, warning signs for aggression, and how to rehabilitate dog-reactive dogs. During my time there I was under the mentorship of two groomers, from whom I learned grooming essentials.

I currently work with high-risk shelter dogs and manage a blog to help other volunteers and foster families. I have two dogs of my own, a Maltese and a Standard Poodle pup.