Consider putting a towel or light weight blanket over the crate, to make it more "cave like." Even if it is just the back portion. See if thath makes any difference.

Here are 2 links with info on house training. There is probably nothing there you don't already know, but take a peak just in case.

This one is a valuable educational resource, and I use this one a lot. Scroll down, watching the middle column, until you get to Puppy Info. There is "house training 101," and the tether method, either of which may be of interest to you.

http://www.bichonfriseusa.com/index....ational%20mark


Here is another web link on training:

http://www.bichon.org/crate.htm

Best wishes. Sandie