I must be meeting the wrong bichons. All the ones I've met have been pampered house pets who are one owner dogs and unsocialized with anybody else (plight of the small dog?). I'd loose my fingers if I tried to pet some of the bichons I know. Kudos to the good owners who socialize their dogs though. Just because they can get all of their exercise in the house or yard doesn't mean they should be kept from learning social skills.