How to Teach a Bichon Frise to Leave It
The "leave it" command is essential for Bichon Frises, whose playful, affectionate nature and food-motivated tendencies can lead them to grab forbidden items or hazardous substances. This intermediate obedience skill teaches impulse control—particularly valuable given the breed's separation anxiety and over-attachment behaviors, which can intensify when they fixate on objects. Bichons are highly trainable (4/5) and respond beautifully to positive reinforcement, making this guide ideal for home training. Their moderate energy (3/5) means they'll focus better during shorter, consistent sessions. By mastering "leave it," you'll prevent dangerous ingestion, reduce frustration-based barking, and strengthen the bond between you and your cheerful companion. This command works hand-in-hand with your Bichon's natural desire to please.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with High-Value Treats and Obvious Rewards
Begin in a low-distraction environment with two different treat values—a low-value treat your Bichon likes and a higher-value treat (like chicken or cheese) they love more. Show the low-value treat in your closed fist and wait for your Bichon to stop sniffing or pawing at your hand. The moment they pull away or lose interest, mark with 'yes!' and immediately reward with the premium treat from your other hand. This establishes the core concept: ignoring what you offer leads to something better.
- 2
Introduce the 'Leave It' Verbal Cue
Once your Bichon is reliably pulling away from your closed fist, say 'leave it' just before opening your hand with the lower-value treat. Wait a moment, then reward from your other hand when they ignore it. Repeat 5–10 times per session, keeping sessions short (5–10 minutes) to match their moderate energy and focus span. Consistency across multiple short sessions works better for Bichons than one long session.
- 3
Transition to Open-Hand Placement on the Floor
Gradually increase difficulty by placing the low-value treat on the floor beside your foot instead of in your closed fist. Say 'leave it,' and reward heavily from your hand when your Bichon avoids the floor treat. If they lunge, immediately cover the treat and try again—never punish, as Bichons are sensitive and respond better to redirection. This step mimics real-world scenarios where dropped food or hazards are within their reach.
- 4
Add Distance and Distractions Slowly
Place treats 12–24 inches away on the floor and practice in slightly busier environments (like the kitchen or living room). Increase distance gradually over several sessions before adding distractions like toys or other people moving nearby. Bichons can become over-focused on objects, so patience here prevents setbacks. Celebrate every success with enthusiastic praise—their cheerful, affectionate nature thrives on your genuine excitement.
- 5
Practice Around Hazards and Real-Life Scenarios
Once your Bichon reliably leaves safe items, practice with harmless but realistic items like a wrapped piece of chocolate, a tennis ball, or a stick during your daily 30-minute walks. Reward immediately and generously. Avoid practicing with genuinely dangerous items until the command is rock-solid; always err on the side of prevention by managing the environment.
- 6
Reinforce and Maintain with Intermittent Practice
Continue short, positive practice sessions 2–3 times weekly even after mastery. Bichons' separation anxiety and attachment tendencies mean they perform best when reinforcement is ongoing and tied to your presence. Use 'leave it' proactively during daily life—rewarding compliance during walks, meal prep, and play—to keep the skill sharp and strengthen your bond.
Pro tips
- Bichons are small and affectionate—train in short bursts near you, using their desire to please and your genuine praise as primary motivators. Their playful temperament means enthusiastic celebration genuinely matters to them.
- Because Bichons are prone to over-attachment and separation anxiety, avoid practicing 'leave it' in situations where you step away from them. Keep training interactive and present, reinforcing that ignoring objects keeps you engaged and happy together.
- Use 'leave it' proactively during your daily 30-minute exercise routine—practice on walks when energy is appropriately channeled—rather than only in formal training sessions. This prevents barking and fixation-related frustration while keeping the command relevant to real life.
Frequently asked questions
My Bichon ignores the 'leave it' command around food. Should I use a leash or correction?+
No—corrections undermine positive reinforcement and can increase anxiety in this sensitive breed. Instead, manage the environment by using a leash during training and ensuring food stays out of reach. Gradually build success with lower-value items before tackling high-value food. Your Bichon needs to *want* to comply, which happens through trust and better rewards.
How do I practice 'leave it' if my Bichon has separation anxiety and I can't train consistently?+
Short, frequent sessions (even 2–3 minutes daily) are better than sporadic long sessions for anxious Bichons. Train during calm times when they're settled near you. If anxiety is severe, practice alongside your regular routine—reward them for ignoring items while you prepare meals, for example. Consider consulting a professional trainer if anxiety significantly disrupts training.
Should I use the same treats for every session?+
No. Rotate high-value rewards to keep your Bichon's interest fresh and prevent habituation. Bichons are food-motivated, so variety—chicken, cheese, freeze-dried liver, special kibble—maintains enthusiasm. Just ensure you always have something *more* valuable than what they're supposed to ignore.
My Bichon barks when they see something to 'leave it.' Is this a problem?+
Barking during training is common in Bichons (they have a 3/5 barking tendency) and often signals excitement. Don't reward the barking, but do reward the moment they settle and leave the item. If barking escalates, take a break and resume later. They may also bark from frustration—remain calm and patient, reinforcing quiet compliance.