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Training a Bolognese: what works and what to expect

How the Bolognese learns, common training challenges and what motivates it.

The Bolognese is willing and sensitive, learning best from gentle, reward-based sessions of five to ten minutes. Harsh tones make it shy. Tricks, simple obedience and short scent games all suit the breed, and many learn loose-lead walking quickly because they want to stay near you anyway.

Housetraining can take a while, as it often does with toy breeds, so keep a strict routine and consider an indoor toilet spot for bad weather. The bigger challenge is time alone: start with very short absences in puppyhood, build up gradually, and leave a chew or food puzzle when you go. Socialize with calm strangers to prevent timidity.

Bolognese training in numbers

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Copes with alone time

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

Good with children

Training guides for similar-sized breeds