Expert: Kaza - 7/19/2009

Question
I have a 18 month old female bichon frise that we have had since she was 2 months old.  We crate trained her and she potty trained very easily.  We haven't used a crate for the last 6 months at night or during the day when we are out.  She always did very well never had accidents. But recently at night time she has been doing her business on the floor mostly number 2.  Why all of a sudden would she be doing this.  She has lasted thru the night for many months.  I haven't been feeding her any more and last feeding is usually 5pm.  She is always walked at the end of night by 9pm and does both her business. What am I doing wrong.

Answer
Hi some Bichons go through a certain fear stage at anything from 10 months through to 2 years of age. It does not last that long and needs working through as a family. Reassure the dog that all is ok and that no one will shout or punish for these mistakes and all will settle soon.

I suggest that you go back to basics and reintroduce the crate, dont use for punishment but for security, it allows dogs some privacy if used as a den and not as a prison cell.

She is also at that age when her hormones are raging and she wants  to express herself . suggest spaying if not already done so, some female dogs will scent like males , watch for this.

I also would watch what you feed her, most bichon owners find that elimination is greater if they use a dry diet, and less when using a more natural meat based diet.

www.eurobichons.com