Search
Close this search box.

Can You Leave French Bulldogs Alone (All Your Questions Answered)?

Frenchies love to spend all their time with their owners and are more than happy to follow you around the house. When you're not at home and they're all alone, you might be wondering how they're doing.
Can You Leave French Bulldogs Alone?

Table of Contents

As companion dogs, they thrive in an environment where they get lots of attention. Sometimes, your Frenchie may even demand it. Their emotional nature makes them delightful and affectionate companions. But this also means they can get quite lonely whenever you’re not around.

Do French Bulldogs Do Well Alone?

French Bulldogs are a very social breed that doesn’t do well alone. They hate being alone and will feel anxious in your absence.

Leaving them alone for long periods at a time may cause behavioral issues. This includes being destructive and even developing separation anxiety.

But you can train your French Bulldog to be alone so that they’re more relaxed when you’re away. This is possible by setting up a routine, crate training, a nutritious diet, and daily exercise.

How Long Can You Leave a French Bulldog Alone?

You can leave your Frenchie alone for anywhere between 4 to 6 hours, depending on their age. Dog professionals recommend this as this is the longest that dogs can hold their bladder.

If you work 8-hour shifts, your Frenchie may be alone for more than 8 hours. Mature Frenchies can usually hold their bladders for that long. But you may come home to find that he relieved himself in unwanted places.

So if you’ll be away for more than 8 hours at a time, it’s recommended to give your Frenchie some company. This can be another dog, your neighbors, or doggy daycare. You can even stop by home for lunch.

Can You Leave a French Bulldog Alone for 8 Hours?

Even for an adult French Bulldog, being alone for 8 hours can be too long. You might come home and see the destruction your distressed Frenchie has caused.

But housebroken Frenchies tend to adapt to this routine. When their owners are away for a certain time, their internal clock will help them get used to this.

Keep in mind that no two Frenchies are alike. You should not leave a Frenchie alone for more than 8 hours if you don’t know how they’re going to behave. It’s best to know how long your Frenchie can be alone on their terms.

How Long Can You Leave a French Bulldog Puppy Alone?

You should not leave your Frenchie puppy alone for more than 1 to 2 hours, which is much less than an adult one. A young Frenchie can’t hold their bladders very long. So if you’re leaving them for more than the time limit, they might relieve themselves anywhere.

As a general rule of thumb, for every month a puppy ages, they will be able to hold their bladder for an hour longer. So a 2-month old Frenchie can hold their bladder for 2 hours, while a 3-month old can hold theirs for 3 hours, and so on.

When your Frenchie reaches 6 months old, his bladder control will plateau at 6 hours as an adult.

How Long Can You Leave a Senior French Bulldog Alone?

Senior Frenchies can be alone for 2 to 6 hours, depending on their health situation. If your senior Frenchie has health problems that need them to pee frequently, they shouldn’t be alone for too long.

Can Two French Bulldogs Be Left Alone?

Yes, you can leave two Frenchies alone. This is better because they are social pack dogs and they will keep each other company. Many people get two Frenchies for this reason.

When left alone, this pair will play with each other. This is a form of exercise for them, keeping them entertained and tired out. Because of this, they won’t display the symptoms of separation anxiety as much. And you can leave them alone for longer periods.

Do French Bulldogs Bark When Left Alone?

Frenchies suffering from separation anxiety will bark, whine, and howl when alone. Sometimes, for hours on end. Your Frenchie may even start barking once you leave the house.

Barking is usually coupled with other symptoms of separation anxiety. This includes potty accidents, constant panting and pacing, destructive behavior, and more.

Do French Bulldogs Have Separation Anxiety?

French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety, especially clingy ones. Separation anxiety in Frenchies will lead to behavioral changes and destructive tendencies. This condition may even lead to self-injury.

Knowing what to watch out for is the key to getting your Frenchie the help it needs as soon as possible. Symptoms of separation anxiety include:

  • Potty Problems: Your Frenchie will urinate or defecate in places where they shouldn’t. This could be your nice carpet or newly-cleaned floor. Sometimes they may even eat their poop.
  • Barking, Howling, and Whining: They may do this as soon as you’re out of the door.
  • Restlessness: This includes pacing, panting, and drooling.
  • Destructive Behavior: Frenchies will chew or scratch furniture, windows, doors, shoes, and more. If they have access to a garden, they may even have a digging problem.
  • Aggression: Being alone for extended periods can take a huge mental toll on your Frenchie. Although rare, they may become aggressive.
  • Attempting Escapes: Frenchies may go to extreme lengths to look for you and escape. They will bash their heads against doors, chew on crate bars, etc.

How Do I Differentiate Velcro Dog Syndrome From Separation Anxiety?

Although they seem similar, the key difference between the two is the anxiety. Velcro dogs want to be near you all the time, on your lap or beside you. While those with separation anxiety will be in a state of panic when you’re not around.

Because they are companion dogs, Frenchies are well-known to be velcro dogs. It’s important to know the differences between velcro dog syndrome and separation anxiety. This is so you can address the issue right away.

Symptoms of Velcro Dog Syndrome:

  • Following you around the house
  • Clinging onto you
  • Watching and anticipating your every move
  • Keeping you in their sight

In Velcro Dog Syndrome, these symptoms are present when you’re around. In separation anxiety, symptoms are present only when you’re not at home.

Do French Bulldogs Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?

French Bulldogs can overcome separation anxiety. Your Frenchie doesn’t want you to leave home in fear that you won’t be coming back. It’s important to let them know that you will.

This process doesn’t happen overnight. But your Frenchie will be able to adjust to your absence with your help.

How Can I Get My French Bulldog to Stop Having Separation Anxiety?

Helping your Frenchie overcome their separation anxiety takes effort, time, and patience. But it’s not impossible. You can help your Frenchie with their anxiety in these ways:

  • Setting Up a Calm Routine: When you get home to an excited Frenchie, don’t indulge them. Greet them with a quick pet and avoid attention until they’re relaxed.
  • Give Them a Safe Space: Find an area where your Frenchie feels most comfortable. This area should have his necessities like food, toys, and a place to relieve himself.
  • Provide Them With Toys: Interactive and puzzle toys keep your Frenchie mentally stimulated. This’ll reduce their anxiety and boredom.
  • Exercise: Taking them out for a long walk in the morning or afternoon can help them burn off excess energy. Because they don’t have too much energy built up, they will take a long nap while you’re away.
  • Doggy Daycare: This is a great option if you’re worried about leaving your Frenchie alone. With this, they can socialize with other dogs, get taken out on walks, and burn off energy.

How to Train a French Bulldog to Be Alone

The main thing is to associate cues and their environment with positive things. Your Frenchie should know that when you’re leaving, you will come back.

Practicing short absences is a great way to start. Place your Frenchie in a separate room or confinement area with a toy. Then slowly get out of the room, wait a few seconds, and come back before your Frenchie makes a fuss.

When you come back, give your Frenchie praises and treats only when they are calm. After a few runs, increase the time interval of your absences. After the confinement area, you can move onto the front door and practice there using the same steps.

In a few days, you will be able to leave your Frenchie for longer periods. Remember to reward him as positive reinforcement works best on Frenchies. But only do so when they aren’t misbehaving.

Additionally, you can create a safety cue with your Frenchie. This can be an action or a word to signal to them that you’ll be back. With time and practice, they will start to associate this cue with your short leave and won’t be afraid to be alone.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Exclusive French Bulldog Merch!

Love French Bulldogs? So Do We!
Visit the Pack Love store and see all the cute French Bulldog merch.
Cute Merch