Can Bichon Frises Be Left Alone?

ByCoral

Can You Leave a Bichon Frise Home Alone?

Bichon Frises are velcro dogs. They want to be with you every second of every day, and leaving them alone can be one of the biggest challenges of owning this breed. The short answer is yes, you can leave a Bichon Frise alone, but there are some important limits and steps you need to take to keep them happy and out of trouble while you are away.

How Long Can Bichon Frises Be Left Alone?

Most adult Bichon Frises can handle being alone for about four to six hours. Some well trained adults can manage up to seven or eight hours, but that is really pushing it for this breed. Bichon Frise puppies have much shorter limits. A general rule is one hour per month of age, so a three month old puppy should not be alone for more than three hours.

These timeframes are shorter than many other breeds because Bichon Frises were bred specifically to be companion dogs. They have been sitting on people’s laps and following their owners around for centuries. Being alone goes against their basic nature, which is why they tend to struggle with it more than, say, a more independent breed like a Sheltie or a Jack Russell.

Signs Your Bichon Has Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is extremely common in Bichon Frises. If your dog shows any of these behaviors when you leave or while you are gone, they may be struggling with anxiety rather than just boredom.

Excessive barking or whining that starts when you leave and does not stop. Destructive behavior like chewing furniture, shoes, or door frames. Having accidents in the house even though they are fully potty trained. Pacing, drooling, or trembling. Trying to escape from crates, rooms, or the house. Refusing to eat while you are gone. Following you from room to room before you leave, getting increasingly anxious as you prepare to go.

Tips for Leaving Your Bichon Alone

Build Up Gradually

If your Bichon is not used to being alone, start with just a few minutes and slowly increase the time. Leave the room, come back. Leave the house for five minutes, come back. Over several weeks, work your way up to longer periods. This teaches your dog that you always come back, which builds their confidence.

Create a Comfortable Space

Give your Bichon a specific area where they feel safe. This could be a crate (if they are crate trained and comfortable), a gated room, or a puppy proofed area. Include their bed, some toys, fresh water, and an item that smells like you, like a worn t shirt. Some owners leave calm music or a TV on for background noise.

Exercise Before You Leave

A tired Bichon is a calmer Bichon. Take your dog for a walk or have a play session before you head out. This helps burn off energy and makes them more likely to nap while you are away. Puzzle toys and treat dispensing toys can also keep them mentally occupied for a while after you leave.

Keep Departures Low Key

As tempting as it is to give your Bichon a big goodbye with lots of hugs and “I’ll miss you” speeches, dramatic departures actually make anxiety worse. Just grab your keys and go. Same with coming home. Wait until your dog calms down before giving them attention. This teaches them that comings and goings are not a big deal.

Consider a Dog Walker or Doggy Daycare

If you work full time outside the home, having someone come in midday to walk your Bichon or take them to doggy daycare a few days a week can make a huge difference. Bichon Frises generally love other dogs and people, so daycare is often a great option for this social breed. Even having a trusted neighbor pop in to say hello can break up a long day.

What If Nothing Seems to Help?

If your Bichon Frise has severe separation anxiety that does not improve with training, talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend behavior modification techniques, calming supplements, or in some cases medication to help manage the anxiety. A professional dog trainer who specializes in separation anxiety can also be incredibly helpful. This is not something you just have to live with, and your Bichon does not have to suffer through it either.

How many hours can a Bichon Frise be left alone?

Most adult Bichon Frises can be left alone for four to six hours. Some well adjusted adults can handle up to seven or eight hours, but this is the maximum. Puppies need much shorter alone times based on their age.

Do all Bichon Frises get separation anxiety?

Not all Bichon Frises develop separation anxiety, but the breed is more prone to it than most. Early training, gradual alone time practice, and a consistent routine can help prevent anxiety from developing.

Should I get a second dog so my Bichon is not alone?

A second dog can help in some cases since Bichon Frises are social and usually love other dogs. However, if the anxiety is specifically about being separated from you, another pet may not solve the problem on its own.

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.