Dealing with Chewing and Destructive Behaviors in Bichon Frise Dogs

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Common Destructive Behaviors
• Reasons for Destructive Chewing
• Preventing Destructive Behavior
• Correcting Unwanted Chewing
• Curbing Destruction When Left Alone
• Seeking Professional Help
• Creating a Safe Environment

Introduction

Destructive chewing and other problematic behaviors are common issues faced by many Bichon Frise owners. The lovable Bichon has a playful, curious spirit that can lead to behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, and more that owners find frustrating. This article will cover the main reasons behind destructive behavior in this breed and provide tactics to correct and prevent it.

Chewing items like furniture, carpet, drywall, shoes and more is prevalent in Bichon Frise, especially during the teething puppy phase but also sometimes in adults dogs. Stress and separation anxiety also play a role. Without intervention, these behaviors can pose safety risks for the dog and destruction of the owner’s home and belongings. The good news is there are effective approaches to curb chewing and destruction with proper training, exercise, and setting up the environment for success.

Common Destructive Behaviors

Bichon Frise may chew and destroy a wide range of items. Some common problem behaviors include:

• Furniture chewing – Table legs, chair legs, sofa arms are tempting chew spots. This can damage furniture finishes and fabric.
• Carpet digging/chewing – Bichon will chew and dig at carpet fibers, causing shredded areas. Puppies especially like plush carpets.
• Wall chewing – Drywall is an appealing chew surface for Bichon to scrape and gnaw on, leaving gouges.
• Shoe chewing – Shoes left out are prime targets for chewing damage from teething Bichon puppies.
• Destruction when left alone – Anxious Bichon may destroy items as a result of separation anxiety.
• Garbage raiding – Getting into the trash to chew up discarded food items and containers.
• Paper shredding – Important documents left out may end up in little pieces on the floor.
• Book chewing – Books on shelves and end tables often end up with chew marks and torn pages.

In addition to damage, Bichon Frise dogs can swallow pieces of ingested items, risking intestinal blockage or other internal issues requiring emergency vet care.

Reasons for Destructive Chewing

There are some key reasons Bichon Frise engage in destructive chewing behaviors:

Teething

Puppy Bichon are teething until around 8-12 months old. Their gums are itchy and sore, and chewing provides relief. Unfortunately, this means they will chew all kinds of non-food items. Teething urges are strong, so providing the right items to chew on is key.

Boredom

Intelligent, active breeds like the Bichon need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without enough activity and enrichment, they will find ways to entertain themselves…often involving destructive chewing habits. Make sure to provide puzzle toys, play time, walks and training.

Separation Anxiety

Bichon are prone to separation anxiety. Being left alone can cause stress that manifests in behaviors like chewing, barking, elimination accidents and more. Easing separation is key to curbing destruction when unsupervised.

Anxiety/Stress

Even when owners are home, stressful events or dynamics may cause a Bichon to engage in displacement chewing behaviors. Creating a calm environment can help minimize this trigger.

Natural Instinct

Dogs have natural chewing and digging instincts. While we need to curb destructive habits, providing some appropriate outlet for these innate urges is part of the solution.

Preventing Destructive Behavior

Stopping destructive behavior before it starts is the best approach. Here are some key prevention tips:

Puppy-Proof

Placing tempting items out of reach and using baby gates to limit access can help avoid chewing issues during the teething puppy stage. Non-toxic bitter anti-chew sprays also discourage puppy chewing.

Provide Chew Toys

Giving your Bichon plenty of durable, engaging chew toys provides an acceptable chewing outlet. Rotating toys keeps things interesting. Owners should monitor play and replace toys once damaged.

Crate Train

Crate training not only aids in potty training, it provides a safe, enclosed space when you cannot actively supervise your Bichon. This keeps them from practicing bad chewing habits. Make sure crates are positive spaces, not punishment.

Exercise

Daily walks, play time, and training sessions help provide physical and mental stimulation. Tired pups are less apt to get into mischief. Activity helps calm anxiety as well. Interactive toys when away further prevent boredom.

Train “Leave It”

Teaching the command “leave it” and redirecting to appropriate items is hugely helpful for managing chewing behaviors. Praise and treats encourage good choices.

Correcting Unwanted Chewing

When catching your Bichon actively chewing inappropriate items, swift intervention is needed:

Verbal Correction

A firm “no” or “eh-eh!” lets your dog know chewing this item is unacceptable. Do not scare, hit or be overly harsh. Just send a clear message that it is not allowed.

Bitter Taste Aversion

Applying bitter anti-chew sprays to furniture legs, molding etc. deters future chewing, since dogs dislike the taste. Wipe off any excess you can.

Remove Access

If your Bichon persists in chewing a particular item like a couch cushion, restrict access by placing it out of reach when leaving the home or limiting the dog’s access to that room.

Redirect to Approved Chews

When catching inappropriate chewing, redirect your Bichon to a toy or bone they are allowed to gnaw on instead. Reward with praise and pets. This exchange teaches what they should chew.

Curbing Destruction When Left Alone

Since chewing often occurs when a Bichon Frise is home alone, take these steps to curb destructive behaviors when unsupervised:

Address Separation Anxiety

If separation distress is the cause, implement our training, create positive associations when leaving, and provide engaging toys to make being alone less stressful.

Use Interactive Puzzles and Toys

Giving your Bichon mentally stimulating toys that dispense treats and keep them engaged when you are away provides an outlet for chewing urges.

Strategic Crating

Use crates as a last resort when leaving dogs alone to prevent access to items they tend to chew. Limit crate time to avoid excessive confinement.

Set Up Cameras

Video monitoring can help identify patterns and problem areas that need to be addressed. You may notice your Bichon chews at certain times, like right when you leave.

When to Seek Professional Help

While managing destructive chewing yourself is ideal, sometimes engaging professional help is warranted:

• If destructive behaviors persist extensively despite diligent efforts at prevention and correction
• If the chewing seems obsessive, frantic or compulsive rather than just playful puppy behavior
• If separation anxiety or other underlying issues are suspect, a trainer can address the root cause

Seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out potential medical factors influencing the chewing. Getting help from accredited trainers can make the process easier and quicker.

Creating a Safe Environment

During the training process, manage your home set up to keep your Bichon safe:

• Remove any small, swallowable hazards from reach
• Use baby gates to limit access to areas with tempting chewables
• Crate your dog when leaving and nighttime to prevent unsafe chewing

Proofing your home protects your possessions and keeps your Bichon from ingesting something injurious. Take preventative measures until the chewing habit is curbed through training.