How to Teach a Bichon Frise to Lie Down
Teaching your Bichon Frise to lie down is one of the most valuable obedience skills you can build. Given their cheerful, affectionate nature, Bichons respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and are highly trainable (4/5 rating). The "down" cue becomes a foundation for teaching settle, which directly addresses a common Bichon challenge: managing their tendency toward separation anxiety and excessive barking through calm behavior. With their moderate 3/5 energy level, Bichons have the capacity to relax—they just need guidance learning when and how. This skill is especially important since it teaches impulse control and helps your Bichon self-soothe, reducing anxiety-driven barking and over-attachment behaviors. By investing 5-10 minutes daily, you'll build confidence in both your dog and yourself.
Step-by-step
- 1
Lure into a down position with a treat
Hold a small, high-value treat close to your Bichon's nose, then slowly lower it toward the floor between their front paws. As their nose follows the treat downward, their rear will naturally lower. The moment their elbows touch the ground, say 'yes!' and immediately reward. Repeat 5–10 times in short sessions.
- 2
Pair the verbal cue with the lure
Just before you begin lowering the treat, clearly say 'down' in a calm, positive tone. Continue luring as before. Your Bichon will start associating the word with the action. Do this for 3–5 days until the behavior is consistent with the lure.
- 3
Fade the lure gradually
Once your Bichon reliably goes down when lured, begin using an empty hand in the same motion (a 'fake' lure). Reward from your other hand or pocket. Slowly reduce the exaggerated hand movement over sessions until a simple hand gesture signals the behavior.
- 4
Add duration before releasing
After your Bichon lies down, pause for 1–2 seconds before rewarding, gradually extending this time to 5–10 seconds. This teaches impulse control and settle behavior, directly combating Bichon restlessness. Always reward heavily for holding the position.
- 5
Practice in different environments
Train in your living room first, then move to other rooms, the backyard, and eventually busier spaces. Bichons can be distraction-prone, so practice consistently in new locations to reinforce the cue's reliability.
- 6
Use down to manage barking and anxiety
Once solid, ask for 'down' during moments when your Bichon typically barks or shows anxious behavior (doorbell, leaving the house). This redirects energy and teaches a calm alternative. Reward generously to reinforce the new habit.
Pro tips
- Bichons are affectionate and people-focused—use yourself as a reward too. Pair treats with enthusiastic praise and gentle petting to reinforce that lying down brings connection, not isolation, which combats their over-attachment anxiety.
- Keep training sessions ultra-short (2–5 minutes) but frequent. Your Bichon's moderate energy and playful nature mean they lose focus quickly and can become silly; multiple daily micro-sessions work better than one long session.
- Practice 'down' before departure times (even short ones) to condition calm behavior and help ease separation anxiety. End training on a win, then calmly leave—this builds confidence and trust over time.
Frequently asked questions
My Bichon seems too playful and energetic to sit still. How can I get them to lie down?+
Start training after your Bichon has had their 30 minutes of daily exercise—they'll be calmer and more focused. Use extra-special treats they only get during training. Break sessions into very short bursts (2–3 minutes), and keep the energy positive rather than trying to force calm.
My Bichon will lie down for a treat but won't do it without one nearby. How do I get them to respond to the word alone?+
This is normal—you're in the fading phase. Continue reducing the lure visibility, then reward from a hidden source (pocket, treat pouch). Once they respond reliably to the hand signal without seeing a treat, introduce randomness: reward sometimes, not always. This builds stronger, more durable behavior.
How long does it typically take to teach a Bichon the down cue?+
Most Bichons, given their solid 4/5 trainability, grasp the basic down in 1–2 weeks with daily 5–10 minute practice. Adding reliable duration and impulse control takes another 2–4 weeks. Consistency matters far more than speed.
Can 'down' really help with my Bichon's barking and separation anxiety?+
Yes, but 'down' is one tool among many. It teaches your Bichon to self-regulate and gives you a way to redirect anxious energy into a calm behavior. Pair it with gradual desensitization to triggers (leaving, doorbells) and adequate exercise for best results.