How to Train a Bichon Frise to Come When Called
Teaching a Bichon Frise to come when called is one of the most valuable safety skills you can develop. Bichon Frises are affectionate, playful companions with a strong desire to stay close to their owners—but their cheerful, independent streak and moderate energy level can sometimes make them distracted during recall training. This guide leverages their natural attachment to you and their good trainability (4/5) while working around their tendency toward separation anxiety and over-attachment. With consistent, positive reinforcement using high-value rewards, your Bichon will learn that coming to you is always the best choice. This intermediate obedience skill becomes especially important given their barking tendency and their tendency to wander if not reliably managed outdoors.
Step-by-step
- 1
Build a Strong Motivation Foundation
Identify your Bichon's highest-value rewards—often small, soft training treats, favorite toys, or enthusiastic praise paired with affection. Since Bichons are affectionate and bond closely with their owners, your excitement and attention are powerful motivators. Start by rewarding them generously whenever they naturally come toward you, even before formal training begins.
- 2
Practice Recall in Zero-Distraction Environments
Begin indoors in a quiet room where your Bichon has minimal distractions. Use a consistent cue like 'come' or 'here' in a cheerful, high-pitched tone. When they respond, immediately reward with treats and enthusiastic praise. Practice 3-5 short sessions daily, keeping each session to 2-3 minutes to maintain their focus and energy.
- 3
Gradually Introduce Low-Level Distractions
Move training to slightly more challenging environments—a hallway, then a quiet backyard, or a low-distraction room with toys present. Reward any successful recall heavily. If your Bichon hesitates, don't repeat the command; instead, make yourself more interesting by changing your tone, moving away, or showing the reward more obviously.
- 4
Strengthen Recall Around Mild Outdoor Distractions
Practice in your fenced yard or a quiet park during calm times. Use a long training line (10-15 feet) for safety if your Bichon isn't yet reliably responding. Reward recall generously here, as the outdoor environment will naturally challenge their attention—especially given their moderate energy and play drive.
- 5
Practice Random Rewards and Varying Distances
Once consistent indoors and in calm outdoor spaces, begin calling from different distances and occasionally using intermittent rewards (not every successful recall gets a treat, but every single one gets praise). This prevents your Bichon from becoming dependent on visible rewards while maintaining their enthusiasm.
- 6
Reinforce Recall in Real-Life Situations
Apply the skill during daily activities—call them in from the yard, before meal times, or before going for walks. Vary your tone and reward type to keep things fresh. Because Bichons can develop separation anxiety and over-attachment, consistent reinforcement of recall also reassures them that you're in control and always accessible.
Pro tips
- Use your Bichon's natural affection to your advantage: call them to you for cuddles, play, and positive interactions throughout the day, not just for treats. This reinforces that coming to you is always rewarding.
- Keep training sessions very short (2-3 minutes) to match their moderate energy level and prevent frustration—Bichons respond better to frequent, upbeat practice than lengthy repetition.
- Never use recall as a cue for something negative (like bath time or leaving the dog park). Always associate 'come' with positive outcomes so your Bichon remains enthusiastic about responding.
Frequently asked questions
My Bichon ignores me when they're playing with other dogs. Should I keep trying to call them?+
No. If your Bichon isn't responding, don't repeat the command or chase them—this teaches them to ignore you. Instead, calmly walk away or create distance to make coming to you more rewarding than continuing play. Always end practice sessions on a positive note with a successful recall, even if you have to make it easy.
How does separation anxiety affect recall training with a Bichon Frise?+
Bichons' natural anxiety about separation can actually help recall training—they want to be near you. Use this to your advantage by making yourself the most rewarding place to be. However, ensure training doesn't become a way to coddle anxiety; practice calm arrivals and departures separately to build their confidence.
My Bichon barks a lot. Will recall training help with this behavior?+
Recall training won't eliminate barking, but it gives you a tool to redirect and control it. Teaching a reliable 'come' allows you to redirect your Bichon's attention before excessive barking escalates, and it strengthens your communication bond, which supports overall obedience.
How often should I practice recall with my Bichon?+
Aim for 3-5 short training sessions daily (2-3 minutes each), which fits well with a Bichon's 30-minute daily exercise recommendation. Short, frequent sessions suit their temperament better than one long session, keeping them engaged and preventing boredom.