One of the most common questions people ask before adopting a Bichon Frise is: “Do they bark a lot?” And the answer? It depends.
Over the years, I’ve learned that each Bichon Frise has a unique personality, and barking behavior can vary widely, even between dogs of the same breed. My two Bichons, for example, are very different: one is quiet and observant, while the other is more reactive and vocal. Like humans, they express themselves differently depending on temperament, environment, age, and training.
📣 Why do Bichon Frises bark?
According to veterinary behaviorists and resources like VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs bark for several key reasons:
Alerting to strange noises or changes in their environment
Separation anxiety or boredom when left alone
Excitement (e.g., greeting people at the door)
Frustration or seeking attention
Territorial behavior
Learned responses from human reinforcement
Bichon Frises, being intelligent, social, and people-oriented, are especially sensitive to their surroundings and routine. They may bark more than average if they lack mental stimulation, are under-exercised, or feel disconnected from their family.
🐶 Barking is communication, not just “Noise”
It’s important to remember that barking is a form of communication, not just a behavior problem. Your dog might be trying to warn you, express excitement, or seek reassurance. The key is to observe the context and learn what each bark means, then respond accordingly.
🩺 Veterinary Insight: According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), suppressing barking entirely can lead to worse behaviors if the dog’s underlying emotional need (such as anxiety or boredom) isn’t addressed.
Instead, the goal should be redirection, enrichment, and consistent training.
🐾 Personal tips that helped me reduce unwanted barking
1. Barking at the doorbell 🔔
Barking at the sound of a doorbell is common and natural but it can be reduced with consistent desensitization.
What worked for me:
I opened the door while my dogs were watching from inside, then rang the bell myself. When they barked, I calmly corrected them using a consistent verbal cue (“Quiet” or “No”).
I repeated this daily for about a week, combining it with calm praise when they stayed quiet.
✅ Tip: You can also play doorbell sounds from your phone at random times to desensitize your dog to the noise gradually.
2. Barking from separation anxiety 🕰️
Bichons are companion dogs, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. Barking when you leave is often a sign of separation stress.
What helped me:
I started leaving home for just a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the duration. This “graduated departure” technique taught them that I always return, and barking doesn’t bring me back faster.
✅ Veterinary Tip: Pairing departure with calming treats, toys, or background music can make alone time more soothing.
3. Barking on command (“Speak” training) 🗣️
Instead of trying to eliminate barking altogether, you can channel it into something productive.
One of my Bichons now barks when we say the word “pigeon”. It started as a playful trick but has helped him focus barking only when asked.
How to try it:
Wait for your dog to bark naturally (at a toy or noise)
Immediately say your cue word (like “Speak!”), then reward with a treat
Repeat until the dog associates barking with the cue and reward
You can then teach “Quiet” as the opposite command, rewarding silence
✅ Why it works: Bichon Frises are smart and eager to please, so they respond very well to positive reinforcement training.
🛠️ Tools to help manage barking (when needed)
Sometimes, you may need some extra help, especially in early training. Here are gentle, vet-approved tools:
Interactive toys & puzzles (to prevent boredom barking)
Calming pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil) to reduce stress
Clickers or training markers to teach bark/quiet cues
Routine enrichment: walks, short play sessions, basic command refreshers
✨ Final thoughts: barking is natural but trainable
Bichon Frises are vocal, affectionate, and intelligent, and like most dogs, they bark to express themselves. But with training, consistency, and understanding, their barking can be directed or reduced in ways that work for both of you.
Rather than seeing barking as a problem, think of it as an opportunity to connect with your Bichon. Learn what they’re trying to say, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they respond to gentle guidance.
With a little patience and the right techniques, your Bichon Frise can become a well-mannered, confident, and expressive companion, and your home a quieter, happier space.