Essential Bichon Frise Training Includes The Sit Command

The Sit command is an essential part of bichon frise training. It is one of, if not the first command you need to teach your pup. Why? There are different reasons. For instance, this action is very easy for your dog to learn and for you to teach. Also, it is one of the best methods that can be used to help you control your pooch.

The following is a step-by-step guide you can follow if you would like to train your frise how to sit, and will be conducting your own bichon frise training at home:

Step 1 - Familiarize your dog with the word and action. Before you even begin an actual training session, be alert and whenever you see your pooch move into the sitting position, say "Sit". This will help acquaint him with the word, so eventually he will learn to associate the sound with his action.

Step 2 - Training preparation. Take your canine to a quiet area of your home where there are few distractions. It's a good idea to invite other household members to come along with you for bichon frise training. That way they can learn the method you are using to teach your pet, so they can practice it themselves. If you will be using a treat and praise reward method, bring along small, bite-size morsels that your pooch really loves and can swallow quickly.

Step 3 - Teaching "Sit" on command. To begin this bichon frise training, have your pal stand in front of you. Place a single treat in your hand and slowly move it directly over their head. He will follow the treat with his eyes and nose, so that when the cookie moves to his back, he'll either move backwards or sit down. Sitting is the option most canines will choose because it is easier. As soon as he is seated, immediately give the command "Sit" in a firm but gentle tone, and instantly reward him with the food. It is imperative that you reward the action you want right away, because if you wait, you risk having your pet associate his good behavior with something else.

Note: Another option is to give the command "Sit" and place your puppy in the position by gently applying pressure to their lower back until they are sitting.

Step 4 - Praise is more important than food. Bichons want to please you more than anything, so you need to make it very clear that when he follows through with your command, you are overjoyed by his action. Pet him, give him kisses and make a fuss over him for a job well done. Praise needs to be more rewarding than the treat you give, because eventually once he has learned the command, you will want to stop giving him treats altogether.

However, keep in mind that while praise will work in your favor, reprimanding your dog when he fails at bichon frise training will have the opposite effect. Thus, if your pooch does not sit, do not yell at him, tell him "no", or scold him. He won't understand what he did to upset you, and will become afraid and confused when you try to train him. If he makes a mistake, say nothing, and do one of the following:

• Wait patiently for him to sit.

• Repeat the command while you gently apply pressure to his lower back to encourage sitting.

• Start the lesson over.

Step 5 - Practice 3 - 5 times per day. When teaching Sit, sessions should not be longer than five minutes at a time. That said, you will want to engage in this lesson at least three times a day so your dog will learn it quickly.

Bear in mind, you need to focus on teaching your dog one command at a time. This doesn't mean you cannot try other bichon frise training commands once your dog has an understanding for another, it simply means, you don't want to give him too many lessons without him first being able to associate the different words with the different actions.