Some new pet owners may find themselves in for the shock of their lives when their cute and cuddly Bichon Frize suddenly bites them on the hand or some other body part. While it may be alarming at first, you may want to consider Bichon Frize biting behavior as a sign of potential temperament issues in your pet.

Why does a friendly and lovable dog like a Bichon Frize bite? One good reason is that your bichon may be teething. Some puppies get so irritated by the teeth that erupt from their gums, that they have a tendency to bite AND gnaw on anything, even your hand. Keep in mind, however, that the main difference between Bichon Frize biting and teething is that your dog won’t just bite; they will also gnaw. When this happens, just tell them “No!” firmly and give them a strong teething bone or toy.

Now, if the bite is accompanied by signs of aggression, including growling or barking, and the bichon adopts a defensive posture with ears flat to the side of the head, teeth bared and paws spread in preparation to flee or attack , your dog may have temperament problems.

Bichons suffering from separation anxiety may bite their owners just to get their attention. In cases of dogs that have joined their owners in a new home, they can become so anxious and agitated by the sudden change in environment that they bite at any sign of aggression.

Biting is a behavior that you will need to anticipate in rescued Bichons. Some of these pets come from deplorable conditions, such as puppy mills, where they had to compete with other dogs for food and other staples. Others have had cruel owners, who yelled at them or even hit them. Depending on the case, Bichons consider the act of biting as a means of self-defense in addition to protecting their territories.

Aggressive Bichons will require more patience and understanding on your part. If your bichon growls at you, reassure him with soft, gentle words. Never pat his head, as this will make it easier for him to bite you. Instead, rub her back gently. If your dog hits you roughly or even bites you, again, give him a resounding “No!” Never attack them in anger. If the dog is holding onto your hand, rub his back to calm him down and gently pry his jaws open to release your hand. Once your hand is free, you must repeat the word “No!” and shake your head at them so they know this is not behavior you tolerate.

If all attempts to calm the biting Bichons fail, it may be necessary to take your dog to a kennel trainer. He or she has the experience to apply behavior modification techniques to curb Bichon Frize biting behaviors. You can find trainers by doing a web search or by checking with animal welfare groups in your local area.