Some say Frenchies are smart, while some say they are not the brightest. But what you should know is that Frenchies are often misunderstood. It is a mistake to compare this clownish breed to others as well.
Training them is easy as long as you know what gets them to work. With persistence and a lot of support, your Frenchie may surprise you.
How Smart Is a French Bulldog?
When you think of intelligent dog breeds, you do not think of Frenchies first. They rank 109th out of 138th for the smartest dog breeds. While they rank below average, they are smart in a different way.
This intelligence list of dog breeds considered their obedience and working IQ. The dogs on this list were tested for two things:
- How Many Repetitions They Needed to Learn a Command
- How Successful They Are in Obeying the Command on Their First Try
This is where Frenchies fail because they tend to be so stubborn and hardheaded. But that does not mean they are dumb. Instead, they do not want to do certain things they are not interested in.
But this is in their nature and that is hard to change. Instead of thinking that they failed the test, you can look at it the other way around. The test was not made for Frenchies.
So why do many people regard Frenchies as an intelligent breed? Obedience is not their strong suit, but they excel in two things. Frenchies have a high instinctive and adaptive intelligence. These are hard to measure as they are subjective, which is why dogs are not ranked using this.
Below are some explanations of where your Frenchie’s intelligence shines.
Your Frenchie’s Instinctive Intelligence
You may hear that Frenchies make wonderful companions a lot because this is true. Being your Friend is in their nature and history. And this is also deeply rooted in their instincts.
That is why they do so well in putting a smile on your face. They also do well in sensing that you feel a bit down, so they try to act all goofy. It helps that they have such expressive and adorable faces, too.
A mild temper, a bubbly personality, and affectionate nature. All these make Frenchies such wonderful furry friends.
Your Frenchie’s Adaptive Intelligence
You will also hear that Frenchies are adaptable, and they often are. They do very well in solving problems and thinking or learning for themselves. This is why puzzle feeder toys work wonders in keeping your Frenchie occupied.
An example of their adaptive intelligence is also when you do not feel your best. If your Frenchie is usually hyper, they mellow down and behave once they notice your mood.
Some Frenchies also pick up on context clues. If you are in a multilingual household, they will learn different languages. Usually, it’s the word “treat”, since they are food-motivated little goofballs.
Why Is My French Bulldog So Dumb?
Frenchies are not a dumb breed, but they can be very stubborn. This does not mean that they do not understand your commands. They just do not want to do anything that does not interest them.
This is why they rank below average in IQ, as they tested dogs based on their obedience. Do not let this low ranking fool you, Frenchies are quite intelligent dogs.
They are not that obedient, but they shine in adaptive and instinctive intelligence. Keep in mind, that Frenchies are not used as working dogs. So testing them based on how well they follow commands can be futile.
What you should remember is that Frenchies are companion breeds. They excel in forming bonds with their pack, especially you, their leader.
So if you feel frustrated that your Frenchie is taking time to follow commands, stay calm. They do understand what you are saying. But they need more time and a little more pushing to do.
Use treats where you can because this is what motivates Frenchies most. But do not give them too much as they are prone to obesity.
Frenchies learn best with consistency and repetition, so take the time to train them. As long as you are firm yet gentle in training them, you will be able to see success.
How Obedient Are French Bulldogs?
Frenchies are hardheaded free thinkers, so obedience is an area in which they do not excel. But they will do everything they can to please you, so use this to your advantage. It also helps if you use treats when you want them to listen as food motivates them a lot.
Since obedience is very important for dogs, you need a lot of patience for your Frenchie. It will take time for them to get the hang of it, but they will get there with repetition.
To help you out, here are some tips for obedience training.
Use a Word or Sound When Training
Use verbal cues to use whenever you train your stubborn Frenchie. Make sure the cue does not sound like other commands to avoid confusing them. Especially if your command word sounds like their name.
The verbal cue should be unique and grabs their attention. If you use this consistently, they will associate the cue with discipline. Once you establish that, they will stop any unwanted behavior.
Distract Your Frenchie With Sounds
If they misbehave, grab their attention with an unusual sound. It can be a whistle, smacking a book on a table, or other sounds. But make sure that this sound is not usually heard in the house.
Use these weird sounds along with your verbal cue to distract your Frenchie. This way, their attention is on you and they will hear your command better.
Assert Your Dominance
Whatever you do, do not punish or hit your Frenchie. This will only make them fear you, causing aggression and anxiety.
Instead, express your disappointment with your body language. Frenchies are great at sensing your mood with nonverbal cues.
So do not smile, keep a wide stance, and cross your arms. Speak to them with a loud voice and a low tone.
Redirect Your Frenchie’s Attention
So you already got their attention and expressed your disappointment. This will let them know that you do not approve of their unwanted behavior. After that, you need to teach them behaviors that you want to see.
If your Frenchie was chewing on your furniture, grab their attention with a weird noise. Use your verbal cue to show your displeasure. Now redirect their attention to something else that they can chew on.
Give them a chew toy or a bone and have them gnaw on that instead. You can now show your satisfaction by changing your body language and tone into a positive one. This lets them know that you are praising them for chewing on an item that you allow them to.
They will learn to associate chew toys with something that pleases you. And since they want to please you, they will chew on that from now on instead of your furniture.
Why Is My French Bulldog So Stubborn?
Frenchies are notorious for being quite stubborn, but this is in their nature. This is why it is tricky to train them, they will need a patient and consistent owner. Sometimes, they can be extra stubborn for other reasons.
This breed is can be pretty clingy and that is no surprise since they are companion dogs. Frenchies need a lot of attention, and if you do not give this, they can have a stubborn streak.
So if you feel like your Frenchie is ignoring you more than usual, this may be it. Along with this, they may also show other unwanted behaviors like peeing on your carpet. Make it up to your Frenchie by spending quality time with them and giving them lots of love!
How to Deal With a Stubborn French Bulldog
Dealing with a stubborn Frenchie is tough, but you should never punish them. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage behaviors that you want them to do. Frenchies learn best when you make training fun for them!
If they do not listen to you, grab their attention with a command and a weird sound. Then try to motivate them with treats, since most Frenchies cannot resist this. But only give them a treat when they follow your command as a reward.
Frenchies understand what you are saying, but they do not want to follow you. They may not like it or they are not determined to do it. But if you give them motivation, in the form of a treat, they will start to listen.
Is a French Bulldog Easy or Hard to Train?
Frenchies can be easy to train, despite having a reputation for being stubborn. They are intelligent dogs, but they need the right kind of motivation to learn. But they do need more time and patience to learn commands and tricks.
When training your Frenchie, do not compare them to working dog breeds which are very easy to train. Being companion dogs, Frenchies are not like this by design. But this also means that they will do what they can to please you.
Frenchies are a ball of sunshine who loves to have fun. So rather than making training feel like a chore, make it fun for them!
Create a positive atmosphere before you start, they tend to mirror your emotions. With a playful mood and some treats, you can make training lighter for them.
Also, keep in mind that training Frenchies does not happen overnight. Other than taking time, you need to be consistent with training them. Repeat their training over and over for a few months, that is how they learn.
Are Male French Bulldogs Easier to Train?
Many consider male Frenchies harder to train than females. This is not because one is smarter than the other, they are both intelligent. The difference in their trainability lies in their personality and temperament.
While female Frenchies are docile and timid, male Frenchies are energetic and bold. These personalities will show up once you train your Frenchie.
There are two things to consider when training male Frenchies. One is their playfulness, and another is their dominant tendencies.
Your Frenchie’s playfulness can distract them from your training sessions. It does not help that they have shorter attention spans compared to female Frenchies.
Other than that, they also tend to assert themselves as the alpha. This may come out when you are training them, trying to show you that they are the boss.
Even with these, male Frenchies are still trainable dogs. Do not let their temperament and personality deter you from getting a male Frenchie.
Their personality makes them a perfect choice if you are looking for a more active Frenchie. As long as you are up for the challenge, they can become well-behaved furry friends.
Why Is My French Bulldog So Hard to Train?
Frenchies can be hard to train when they are not motivated. It can be frustrating to know that they are quite clever, but they do not want to listen to you. But they are willing to put in the work if you find what motivates them.
Usually, food will get your Frenchie to get up and work. But you should also figure out other things that drive them. Too many treats can be bad for their weight since they are prone to obesity.
So if they have a favorite toy, use that to your advantage. There is no one motivator for all Frenchies. Figuring this out will need you to spend more time and learn more about yours.
What Is the Best Way to Train a French Bulldog?
Whatever you may be training your Frenchie for, always use positive reinforcement. This is a popular training method that has seen much success.
Positive reinforcement is successful because you reward your Frenchie for their good behaviors. And for their bad behaviors, you do not punish them in any form. You discourage them from doing it again by expressing your disappointment.
This reward-based training makes them repeat good behaviors more. And since Frenchies look for ways to please their owners, this goes very well with them.
With this, positive reinforcement has many benefits for you and your Frenchie. To emphasize these, here are reasons why you should use this method for your Frenchie:
It Makes Training Fun
Treats, pets, and praises can make any dog happy, especially Frenchies. They learn best when their training has an element of fun, this motivates them to work. It also makes the process enjoyable for you, seeing them trying their best.
It Improves Their Skills
Studies show that dogs are happier receiving rewards by earning them than just receiving them without effort. With this method, you give them a chance to enhance their problem-solving skills. They work hard for their reward and feel good about it, making them feel fulfilled.
It Is Great for Animal Welfare
Positive reinforcement does not use aversive techniques. Using aversive techniques causes fear, stress, and anxiety. These can lead your Frenchie to develop unwanted behaviors and even aggression.
It Shows Better Results
Research shows that positive reinforcement training produces better-behaved dogs. This method has seen the following results in dogs:
- Fewer Behavioral Issues
- More Obedient
- Less Aggression
While those who use aversive training have more issues with their dogs. These dogs have more behavioral problems, are more aggressive, stressed, and more.
It Makes Them Learn Better
Frenchies need the right motivation for them to learn commands and obey them. This method is perfect for Frenchies as it creates a positive atmosphere for them. Also, they are very food-motivated, which makes training easier for you and them.
It Teaches Them What You Want
Frenchies easily get confused so sometimes, they do not understand punishments. For example, they chew on your favorite shoes, destroying them in the process. Screaming at them is not effective in teaching them not to do this, they will fear you instead of learning from you.
Instead of this, give them a chew toy and teach them that you allow them to munch on that. When they do, reward them with praises and treats. This is more effective and over time, they will do the behaviors you want to see.
How Do You Train a Male French Bulldog?
Frenchies, whether male or female, respond well to positive reinforcement when training. This method focuses on encouraging good behaviors rather than punishing bad ones. With this, your Frenchie will learn to trust and not fear you and will become more confident as well.
Set Verbal Commands
Be sure to keep your commands short and simple, anything long will confuse them. One-worded commands like “sit”, “stay”, or “watch” are easier for Frenchies to understand.
Consistency is important with this. So if you live with other people, make sure you all use the same command words. Otherwise, your Frenchie will not understand what everyone is trying to say.
It can be difficult, since Frenchies, especially males, can be quite stubborn. So if you are feeling a bit lost on how to do this, here is a guide:
Use Your Commands
Make sure to use a firm voice when telling your Frenchie what to do. Do not use a word repeatedly as it will make things complicated.
Use your command word and if they do not respond, wait for a while. Then use it again after a few moments.
Reward Them When They Do Good
If your Frenchie does as told, reward them immediately. This is so they associate what they have done with their reward. Delaying this will make them associate the reward with the wrong action, like standing up.
You have to be consistent with this as well. If you keep repeating this, your Frenchie will learn what behaviors guarantee rewards.
Whenever you reward them with treats, say verbal praises too like “good job”. Your tone matters here, you should sound enthusiastic so they know you are happy with them.
Make sure that the reward is something your Frenchie loves. If it is not something they like, they will not repeat a certain behavior anymore.
Rewards are crucial for positive reinforcement. Food is a great reward for food-motivated Frenchies. With this, here are tips on how to pick one:
- It Should Be Irresistible to Your Frenchie: So they are more motivated to work for it.
- It Should Be Small and Soft: So they look for more, and in turn, work more.
- You Should Have a Variety of Treats: So they do not get bored with it right away.
Discipline Them When They Do Bad
Timing is crucial here. You need to discipline your Frenchie right away when they do something bad. Jumping on your lap, for example. Once they do this, let them know that you do not like it.
Disciplining them does not mean physical punishment. This is not the way to go. Instead, express your disappointment by using a simple verbal cue. This cue is up to you, as long as it does not sound like another command.
When saying your verbal cue, the tone of your voice should be low. While your body stance should be wide, with your arms crossed and your face frowning. Your Frenchie will understand through this that you are not too pleased.
This form of discipline is more humane and is good for your Frenchie’s welfare in general. Never resort to the forms of punishments below:
- Shouting
- Getting Physical (hitting)
- Dragging Their Leash
- Chasing Your Frenchie
- Rubbing Their Nose With Poop or Urine
- Using Electric Shock Collars
How to Train an Older French Bulldog
Training an older Frenchie is pretty much the same as how you teach a younger one, like in the previous section. The difference lies in the intensity of the sessions and the duration. Older Frenchies should get low-intensity training with shorter sessions.
You may have heard of the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. But they can still learn, even if it is more difficult to.
Teaching older Frenchies is harder because there is a lot of unlearning and learning to do. Unlearning bad habits that they have picked up over the years, and learning new and better ones.
Frenchies take in new ideas throughout their lives, so it is not impossible to train an older one. Age is not the factor for training your Frenchie, it is the following:
- Their Innate Characteristics
- Their Genetics
- Their Previous Habits
- Their Willingness to Learn
You will still see some older Frenchies who are eager to learn. Even if they are, they also have physical limitations that come with age.
Their eyesight and hearing, for example, may not be the best anymore. So when training them, you may need to speak louder and use clearer hand signals.
Always keep this in mind and be extra patient with them. When your furry friend makes a mistake, it may be due to their physical limitations. It may not be because they do not want to listen to you.
How Long Does It Take to Train French Bulldogs?
There is no definite answer to this as Frenchies vary in their speed of learning. You also have to consider their determination and willingness to learn as well. Some Frenchies may take 8 months to train, while others may need more or less time.
What Is the Best Way to Train a French Bulldog Puppy?
You should also train your Frenchie puppy using positive reinforcement. This is the best type of training for this breed, especially when they are young and still timid. And this method is also fun, which is a great way for them to bond with their new owners.
This method is great for your pup as it does not instill fear like aversive methods. Other than that, positive reinforcement has many other benefits. Below, you will find out what makes it the best option.
It Improves Your Communication With Them
Positive reinforcement makes your Frenchie understand exactly what you want. The communication is clear, they get rewarded for doing things that you want.
Peeing on your carpet, for example. If you hit them, they will know that they should not pee there when you are around. But when you are not home, this will not stop them from doing it again.
With positive reinforcement, you teach them where to pee instead. Take them outside, have them do their business, and give them praises and rewards right away. This way, they will understand that peeing outside ensures that they get treats.
This is a better way of getting your message across. Frenchies are smart, but they easily get confused. So make your messages clear to them.
They Will Look Forward to Training Sessions
This method is exciting and fun for them, which can make them eager to learn more commands and tricks! With rewards and your positive reaction, they feel motivated to put in the work and earn them. They love the treats, but they also love that they get to please you.
It Prevents Them From Freezing Up
Sometimes, dogs become too scared or tense during training that they freeze up. This is common in aversive training methods, where they fear getting hurt or punished. So your Frenchie’s learning may get delayed because they will hesitate to engage with you.
With positive reinforcement, you do not have this issue. This method focuses on creating a good atmosphere for your Frenchie to learn.
It Builds Their Confidence
Rewards make your Frenchie feel great about learning new commands, behaviors, or tricks. This makes them trust and believe in themselves more. They will feel like they can tackle any task that you throw their way.
You may not find this in confrontational punishments. Dogs who experience this have poor self-esteem, breaking their spirits.
It Strengthens Your Bond With Them
With this method, your Frenchie will learn to trust you, not fear you. They will associate you with happy thoughts and feelings, which is what you want as they are your family too. The more you train with them, the stronger your bond will become.
When Should I Start Training My French Bulldog Puppy?
Start training your Frenchie puppy as young as 7 to 8 weeks of age. At this age, they can go through basic obedience training. Commands for staying and sitting, for example, are important first steps.
At this young age, they are easier to train. This is because their bad behaviors have not solidified yet. So take advantage of this and instill good behaviors in them.
Remember that they are still puppies, so their attention spans are shorter. You can train them for 15 minutes each day, which is three 5-minute sessions. Use a lot of positive reinforcement to motivate them to learn as well.
How Do You Train a French Bulldog to Listen?
For a breed with big bat ears, Frenchies sure do not know how to use them sometimes. This can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to train them. To solve this issue, you need to establish two things:
- You Are the Leader of the Pack
- They Know Their Names
From there, you can move on to other ways of getting them to listen to you. To establish the two points above, below are some tips.
You Should Be the Alpha
Setting yourself as the alpha of the house will make your Frenchie listen to you. You should be in charge and what you say goes.
This may be a more common issue for male Frenchies. They are more assertive and have alpha tendencies compared to their female counterparts. Here is what you can do for this:
- You Should Always Eat First, Your Frenchie After
- You Should Go In or Out Through the Door First
- Do Not Give In to Their Demands
- Do Not Let Them Sleep With You
With these, you are setting boundaries with them. Once your Frenchie understands these, it will be easier to use other methods.
They Must Know Their Name
When you call out your Frenchie’s name, do they look at you? Or do they ignore you? If it is the latter, you need to help them recognize their name.
This is a crucial step in training your Frenchie and is one that you should try to do first. If they do not know who they are, it will be difficult to teach them anything else.
Here is what you can do to teach them their name:
- Step 1: Prepare your Frenchie’s favorite treat. Keep it away from your body, where your Frenchie can see it.
- Step 2: Call your Frenchie by their name. When they go near you, they will probably look at the treat.
- Step 3: Keep calling them until they look at you straight in the eyes.
- Step 4: Once they do, give them a treat immediately. This will help them associate the treat with their name.
Do repetitions for this exercise each day until they figure out what their name is. Be consistent in doing this so that they learn quicker.
Also, remember that rewards can also be in the form of praises, pets, or hugs. Too many treats can make your Frenchie overweight.
How Do You Discipline a French Bulldog Puppy?
Positively disciplining your Frenchie pup may be tricky, but it is the best way to. This will give your pup the best chance to learn behaviors you want to see. All while maintaining a good relationship with them.
There are five main things you need to keep in mind. When disciplining them, you should do the following:
- Always Reward Them for Their Good Behaviors
- Discipline Them Right Away for Them to Understand
- Be Consistent With How You Discipline Them
- Use a Firm Voice and Dominant Stance to Discipline Them
- Never Raise Your Voice or Physically Punish Them
Now that you know the rules, it is time to apply them. Below is a guide on how you can discipline your pup.
Be Consistent
Set clear signals to your Frenchie since it is easy for them to get confused. Your commands, timing, and message should all be consistent.
Letting your puppy bite your hand, for example. At a young age, they tend to nip at your hands when you are playing with them. This may be tolerable now, but their teeth get sharper and their jaws get stronger as they age.
Once they grow old, you may not want them to give you “love bites” anymore. But this will puzzle them because they got used to doing this already.
When this happens, you will need to retrain your Frenchie. And as you can imagine, this is very confusing for them.
Discipline Them Right Away
When your Frenchie pup does something naughty, you need to take action right when you catch them. This will help them associate their bad deed with something that upsets you. If you reprimand them hours later, they will not understand why you are mad at them.
For example, they scratch on your door. If you discipline them hours after, when they are lazing on the couch, they will not understand. They will think that you are mad at them for staying on the couch, which is not what you wanted to get across.
So it will be useless to do this. This is why you should punish them only when you caught them in action.
Maintain a Firm Body Language and Voice Tone
These are important once you confront your Frenchie’s bad deeds. They are great at picking up your mood, both in nonverbal and verbal ways.
So set a verbal cue to express your disappointment and say it with a low and stern tone. You must do this while keeping a strict facial expression, it can also be a frown. And your body stance must be wide, with your arms crossed.
Never hit them or do not shout at them too. They will take these as a sign of threat. These will not help you in letting them understand why you got upset.
Use Timeouts
You do not have to let them sit in a corner for this. Stopping any engagement for them for a while will do.
For example, they nip your hand during playtime. Reprimand them with a verbal cue like “no” and then walk out. Ignore them for a bit no matter what they do.
This will show them that if they do something bad, they get the cold shoulder. And that is not what they want since they love getting your attention.
Why Does My French Bulldog Ignore Me?
Dogs communicate through their body language, not through words. This is why you watch how they feel, with their ears, tails, and more. And they cannot speak to you, so they do the same.
So your Frenchie watches what you are trying to say. Your posture, facial expression, and more. Your words do not mean anything to them, they cannot understand them.
That is why sometimes, they treat it as white noise. Other times, you Frenchie understands what you stay, but they are very stubborn.
If this is your concern, you can train them to listen to you. It can take them a while, but reward-based training will help to motivate them.
Why Does My French Bulldog Not Come When Called?
If your Frenchie does not come when called, it can be due to various things. Most of the time, it is because they lack training, or they need retraining. But it can also be other things like the following:
- There Are Many Distractions
- They Do Not Want to
- They Think Playtime Is Over
- They Do Not Want to Be In Trouble
You need to figure out which one of these is the cause. Once you have, you can take the appropriate action.
How Do I Get My French Bulldog to Come When Called?
Frenchies need to learn when you want them to come, which needs training. Before that, prepare their favorite treat and muster up all your patience. And remember, they learn best when you keep training fun and positive.
Now that you have those, here is what the process can look like:
Step 1: Have Them Sit Down
Your Frenchie needs to learn this command beforehand. So with a leash on, your Frenchie needs to remain in a sitting position. Take a few steps back while maintaining eye contact with them.
Step 2: Crouch on the Floor and Command Them to Come
While still holding the leash, crouch on the floor. By crouching, they are more likely to come to you. Say your command word loud enough for them to hear.
When they do come to you, ask them to sit again and reward them right away. Along with their treats, give them lots of praise and pets as well. This will help them understand that having them come to you is a positive thing.
Step 3: Do It Again, Making Their Leash Longer
Do this process again 4 to 5 times each session. The following day, you can start extending their leash. So you should start with a short distance until you reach several meters.
Make sure to keep your sessions short as well. Spending too much time training will make your Frenchie bored. Even worse, they may not look forward to it next time.
Step 4: Play With Them After
Following their training with playtime is a great reward for your Frenchie. They will understand better that they did a good job, making them feel good.
Other than that, it can help them to like training sessions. This is because they know that you will play with them after they put in the work.
Step 5: Take the Leash Off
Once you are confident enough, practice recall training with the leash off. Your Frenchie should be consistent in coming back to you whenever you ask them to before this.
Do not try to do this in a public area first as it can be dangerous. Try to do this in your yard first or any other enclosed place. If they are successful, you can move over to a dog park!
Why Does My French Bulldog Jump So Much?
Jumping is your Frenchie’s canine instinct to greet people and other dogs. They do this because they want to get in your face when they greet you. Silly enough, this can be an excuse to give you sloppy kisses too.
This behavior develops when they are very young. Dogs say “hi” to each other by sniffing each other’s faces. Since your face is too high for your Frenchie to reach, they can only do this if they jump on you.
Although this is a sign of affection, not every guest you have will like this behavior. Even worse, jumping is dangerous for your Frenchie and they can end up hurting themselves.
To highlight the dangers of jumping, below is how it can affect your Frenchie.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Jumping can damage your Frenchie’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These are likely due to spraining or straining them. Frenchies who have this injury will experience the following:
- Swollen Legs
- Bruising on Their Legs
- Restricted Movement
- Difficulty Sitting Up or Lying Down
- Misshapen Legs
- Limp Legs
- Crying
- Excessive Leg Licking
Hip Dysplasia
Frenchies have a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia. This condition causes hip deformities, causing extreme pain in Frenchies.
Jumping can cause your Frenchie to develop hip dysplasia. In extreme cases, your Frenchie will need surgery, like replacing their hip. This is why you should discourage them from jumping.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Unfortunately, Frenchies are also prone to this disease. It is a spinal disorder that is painful and affects your Frenchie’s mobility. In extreme cases, IVDD can cause complete paralysis.
There are two ways that IVDD can occur. One is when their spinal discs rupture, and another when it herniates. Both of these can happen if your Frenchie injures their spine from jumping.
Patellar Luxation
Since jumping is hard on the knees, it is no surprise that your Frenchie can suffer from this. Patellar luxation, or a dislocated kneecap, is common in active dogs.
Frenchies are playful but they can be reckless sometimes for the sake of having fun. So you should teach them that they can have fun even if they do not jump.
How Do I Stop My French Bulldog From Jumping?
Discouraging your Frenchie from jumping needs training. There are many ways to do this. But with every method, you must reward them for listening to you.
Figuring out what works best for you Frenchie needs some trial and error. So below are some tips that you can try.
Set a Firm Command
You should have a command to use for your Frenchie’s jumping problems. Whenever they start to jump, turn around and say it in an authoritative voice. Keep doing this when they jump, and after a few weeks, they will understand.
Once they listen to your command and back off, do not forget to give them a treat!
Ask Them to Sit
This is easier if your Frenchie already knows this command. When they try to jump, ask them to sit down. If they obey you, give them treats and praise.
Disrupt Their Balance
This tip is useful when you are standing up and they try to jump on you. With their front legs on you, slowly take a step forward while saying your command. This forces them to take steps backward with their hind legs.
Getting your Frenchie to do this does not feel great for them. If you are consistent with this, they will associate jumping with this feeling. So this will discourage them from doing it again.
Make Them ”Dance”
This is also another method of disrupting their balance. But with this, you hold their two front legs when they jump on you. Like the method above, this unpleasant feeling will discourage them from jumping.
How Do You Stimulate a French Bulldog?
Your Frenchie can engage in a lot of activities to keep them stimulated. This is not limited to playtime, which is what you may think. Taking them out with you for errands will also help to stimulate them.
There are two types of stimulation that your Frenchie needs. One is physical stimulation, to maintain your Frenchie’s healthy body. The second one is mental stimulation, like learning new experiences and facing challenges.
A lot of activities do well in marinating these two together. Training them or teaching them new tricks are both perfect examples.
If you are looking for a way to stimulate your Frenchie, here are some that you can try.
Playtime
You can make anything playtime since Frenchies are excitable dogs. Some of the popular ones are the following:
- Playing Fetch
- Tug of War
- Hide and Seek
- Find the Ball
- Digging in a Sandbox
- Running in Your Yard
- Daily Walks
Remember that your Frenchie is not limited to these activities. You may find something else that they enjoy.
Engaging in playtime does not always have to be with you. You can also opt for doggy daycare so that your Frenchie can play with other dogs!
Training
Training can be something your Frenchie enjoys, as long as you make it fun! This helps them to get up and move around and helps with their problem-solving skills too.
Essential training like teaching them to sit, stay, and come to you is great. Once they have mastered these, you can move on to more complex commands.
Also, teaching them new tricks is a great challenge for them. Tricks like shaking hands, playing dead, and rolling over, are popular ones.
There are many types of training and tricks that you can teach your Frenchie. With this, you may never run out of anything to stimulate them!
Toys
The activities above need much of your time, which is not practical to do all the time. Your Frenchie needs to learn how to spend time alone as well.
That is why there are toys designed for this. Some of them, like puzzle toys, are great for your Frenchie’s mental stimulation!
Playing with toys should be part of their daily routine. This is to keep their stimulation balanced. So below are some toys that are great for Frenchies:
- Kong Toys
- Puzzle Toys
- Interactive Feeder Toys
- Hide and Seek Toys
- Soccer Balls
- Tug of War Toys
- Chew Toys
If you notice, a lot of these toys make use of food or treats. For most Frenchies, food is their motivator. So including them in toys will help them to get moving.
How Do You Keep a French Bulldog Puppy Entertained?
Playtime and toys are great for keeping your Frenchie puppy entertained. But at this age, it is easy to tire them out. With this, having them play on their terms is best.
Giving your Frenchie puppy a variety of toys is great for this. They get to play whenever they want while making sure that they are not overexerted.
So if you are planning to take a trip to the pet store, buy some toys for them. Below are some great toys for your playful puppy:
- Chew Toys: These are great for puppies during their teething stage. Instead of chewing on your favorite shoes, have them chew on this instead!
- Puzzle Toys: When stuffed with treats, your Frenchie will work to get it out for hours on end.
- Regular Ball: While this is a simple toy, it is great for entertaining Frenchies. They will love pushing it around with their little noses, especially outdoors.
- Squeaky Toy: This toy rewards your Frenchie with sounds, which still amuses them. This is a good reward alternative to treats since they are prone to obesity.
- Kong Toys: If you are looking for a versatile toy, this is it. Your Frenchie pup can fetch, chase, and chew on this.
There are many other toys out there, these are only the popular ones. If you find something that you think your Frenchie will enjoy, go for it! It will not hurt to try.
Do French Bulldogs Get Bored Easily?
Frenchies need a lot of stimulation to keep themselves bored. If they do not get this, they will easily get bored. And with boredom, they can develop destructive behaviors.
More often than not, boredom is the root of unwanted behaviors. This is why if you think your Frenchie is getting bored, help them out right away.
What does a bored Frenchie look like, though? To help you with this, here are some of the symptoms of boredom:
- Laziness
- Restlessness
- Uninterested in Playing
- Excessive Barking or Whining
- Excessive Attention Seeking
If this sounds like your Frenchie, pay them extra attention. Engage in playtime or give them something to do. A simple way to avoid this is to be consistent in your walking routine.
What Does a French Bulldog Like to Do?
The top three things Frenchies love are their owners, food, and playtime. So anything that involves these three is something they will enjoy. It is pretty easy to please this affectionate breed, as you should see.
With these in mind, you can now figure out ways to incorporate these into activities for them. Below are some examples of how you can do this.
Spending Time With You
Your Frenchie wants to get involved in almost everything you do. Watching TV on the couch and sleeping on your feet while you work are some examples of this.
But taking them to other places is also great, whether for leisure or if you have errands. Have your Frenchie experience new sights, smells, and sounds. This is also a great way for them to meet strangers.
Speaking of strangers, a casual stroll by the park is also a good quality time activity. From there you can play with them and they can also play with other furry friends.
There is no limit to the activities your Frenchie can share with you. As long as they are safe, there is no reason why you cannot take them with you.
Making Food Fun
Frenchies seem to have an insatiable appetite, they love eating so much! So why not add some element of fun into feeding them?
There are many ways to do this, and one way is using food-dispensing toys. These toys make them work for their treat, keeping them entertained for hours.
Slow feeder bowls are also great for this. Its design forces your Frenchie to eat slower. But they will also have fun looking for food in their bowl.
And when training them, you can also take advantage of their love for food. They will always welcome rewards in the form of treats. This makes all your training sessions fun!
Playtime
Whether it is with you or their toys, your Frenchie will enjoy playtime no matter what. This should be a part of their daily routine. If you need to be away from home, make sure that they have a variety of toys with them.
Or, if you want, get him another furry companion. They will keep each other company and tire each other out while you are away.
And when there is playtime, they will also have downtime. Frenchies nap a lot, and they love sleeping too. But the common reason why they want to sleep is so that they can recharge, wake up, and play again!
How Playful Are French Bulldogs?
Frenchies are one of the most playful breeds out there, which blend in well with their goofy nature. This is one of the reasons why many people fall in love with Frenchies. Apart from their cute faces, their personality is part of their undeniable charm.
How to Play With a French Bulldog
Like other dogs, Frenchies love to play whether it is with you, a toy, or other furry friends. You can play with them like how you would with other breeds, but with some special considerations.
Before playing with them, you need to remember their physical limitations. These limitations can exacerbate or lead to health issues that they are prone to. Too much or rigorous play may lead to the following:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Overheating
On top of this, you also have common injuries that dogs can get with play. Damage to their ligaments, tendons, and muscles, is still there.
Also, Frenchies can get sunburns, especially since they have a short coat. For Frenchies with lighter fur and skin, this issue is more serious.
So in any play, your Frenchie’s health and safety should always come first. With this, here is how you can safely play with your Frenchie.
Do Not Let Them Jump
Jumping is bad for Frenchies, especially from high areas. This can injure their legs or paws, but also can lead to something more serious. This can cause IVDD, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation.
Do Not Overexert Them
Frenchies have breathing difficulties, as a result of being a brachycephalic breed. Playing will increase their body temperature, so they need to cool down by breathing more. They have a hard time doing this, so they can overheat.
Overheating is a big issue with Frenchies. It can be fatal, so you must know its symptoms:
- Excessive Panting
- Loud Breathing
- Floppy Tongue
- Intense Drooling
- Weakness
- Loss of Consciousness
Protection From the Heat or Cold
Frenchies cannot handle both well, but that does not mean they cannot play under the sun or in the snow. But you need to protect them from these temperatures.
In the heat, make sure your Frenchie stays hydrated and watch out for signs of overheating. Give them shade, under a tree or using an umbrella. And make them wear socks or shoes when the ground is a bit too hot.
You should also use a dog-safe sunscreen for your Frenchie. They can get sun damage as well, which is bad for their sensitive skin.
In the cold, make sure your Frenchie is well-clothed to keep them warm. Use a jacket or sweater, headband, and boots.
You should also know what temperatures are too much for your Frenchie. Temperatures above 77 F (25 C) and below 25 F ( -4 C) may be too much for them. With this, it is best to play with them indoors.
Do French Bulldogs Play Fetch?
Playing fetch is a popular activity that dogs enjoy, including Frenchies. They love this because it fulfills their canine instinct to chase something. It is also a great way to keep your Frenchie active and strengthen your bond.
Frenchies enjoy playing fetch so much that sometimes, they do not know when to stop. With this, your responsibility is to stop playtime when they look tired. Letting them play without limits can cause overheating, which they are very prone to.
How to Train a French Bulldog to Fetch
When training your Frenchie to play fetch, you will need to prepare three things. You need a toy, treats, and a leash. Although fetching is part of their instinct, you need to train them on how to do it properly.
With this, here is how you can teach your Frenchie how to play fetch.
Step 1: Make Their Toy Exciting
A toy that interests them is important, otherwise, it will not motivate them to get it. So try this with your Frenchie’s favorite toy first.
If your Frenchie does not have one, you can train them to like a toy too. First, you take a toy and have them smell it. Give them a treat whenever they do. Anytime they engage with it, you should reward them.
After this, put the toy on the floor. Your Frenchie should go near it and interact with it. Give them a treat for this as well.
What you are doing here is associating the toy with rewards. This will incline your Frenchie to interact with it, getting excited whenever they see it.
Step 2: Throw the Toy
A leash is important here so that you can control how far your Frenchie goes. So now, you need to throw their toy a few feet away. Then encourage your Frenchie to go near the ball.
If they do, reward them for it. If they do not, walk your Frenchie over to the ball. Once they are near and interact with it, give them a treat,
Repeat this process until your Frenchie knows what to do.
Step 3: Make Them Bring It Back
Now, you need to make them understand that the toy does not give them treats. Your Frenchie should learn that when they give the toy back to you, they get treats. And that the more they give it back, the more treats they get.
So how do you do this? First, put the toy on the floor. Encourage them to get it and once it is in their mouth, command them to go to you.
Only give them a treat when they come back. If they do not, go near them, take the toy from their mouth, and give them a treat.
This encourages them to engage with you instead of the toy. Teaching this can be tricky and may take time, but keep repeating this process until they do.
Step 4: Testing Their Fetching Skills
Repeat steps 1 to 3 indoors, but without a leash. Throw their toy even further after a few repetitions.
Once that is successful, try to do it in an enclosed area outdoors. You should pick a place where there are no distractions for your Frenchie.
Can You Play Tug of War With a French Bulldog?
Tug of war is also another activity that Frenchies love to do. Although most dogs can play this, others should not. In certain situations, tug of war can be bad for your Frenchie if:
- They Have Shown Aggression Towards People
- They Are a Puppy
- They Have Dental Issues
- They Have Arthritis
Without these, your Frenchie can play tug of war! This game has many benefits for you and your Frenchie.
It is a great physical activity that helps with their muscle development. Especially on their jaws, as this fulfills their instinct to chew and wrestle something.
And contrary to what many think, it is an outlet for their aggression. This releases their pent-up energy and reduces their stress levels.
With a game of tug of war, your Frenchies will also learn about boundaries. It is a wonderful way to bond with them as you learn more about each other.
As a bonus, you can play this game both indoors and outdoors! So when your Frenchie cannot go out, they still have a way to entertain themselves. For these reasons, a tug of war toy is always part of the recommended toys for Frenchies.
Is Tug of War Bad for French Bulldogs?
Playing this game is not inherently bad, but many dog owners have valid concerns about it. One concern is that tug of war can make dogs aggressive. While another common concern is that it can injure their furry companions.
But with proper explanation, you will see why a game of tug of war is not bad. Except if your Frenchie has certain conditions mentioned in the previous section.
With this, below are some explanations for these concerns.
Tug of War Does Not Make Your Frenchie Aggressive
Research has shown that tug of war does not have a significant impact on this concern. Instead, tug of war makes dogs more confident.
But if your Frenchie is already aggressive to begin with, you should not play this game. It can worsen this behavioral issue, you can even get bit.
Playing tug of way correctly is important, and there are rules you should follow:
- The Tug of War Toy: You should only play this for tugging. Follow this strict rule and keep it away when you are not playing.
- You Decide When to Play: If your Frenchie bugs you to play this game, do not budge.
- You Should Win Most of the Time: This should set clear boundaries with your Frenchie. Nine times out of ten, it is you who should win.
- When to End the Game Prematurely: If their teeth touch your skin or clothes, it is over. Say something like “oh no!”, turn your back, and hide the toy.
- Set Verbal Cues: They should know when to tug with a verbal cue. If your Frenchie grabs the toy without you saying it, end the game as mentioned above.
- Do Not Let Kids Play: This is dangerous as they are not as strong as you. Chances are, kids will lose the game, causing issues.
Tug of War Should Not Cause Injuries
There is a right way to play this game. Your Frenchie has a delicate spine and neck. So it is important to ensure their safety while playing.
Below are some tips on how to do this:
- Tug Side to Side: Tugging up and down can injure your Frenchie’s fragile neck.
- Use Light Resistance: Do not yank the toy with full force, as it can injure their teeth.
- Pick the Right Toy: Use one that has a soft material to keep your Frenchie comfortable. Rubber or knotted toys work best for Frenchies.
Is It Normal for French Bulldogs to Play Fight?
Play fighting is normal for dogs and is something Frenchies enjoy. They are happy to engage in it with both humans and other dogs. Play fighting is a great exercise for them and good for their socialization.
But with this activity, there can be a thin line between a play fight and a real fight. This can be very dangerous, so you should watch out for the signs.
You should stop your dogs’ play fighting session once you see these:
- Low Growl
- Curled Lip
- Wrinkled Muzzle
- Stiff Posture
- Taut Tail
Other than these, you should also observe how they interact. With play fighting, they take turns giving each other the upper hand.
There should be one submissive dog at a time. They will show this by rolling on their backs and showing their belly. But if no dog is giving in, both trying to dominate each other, that is a real fight.
Relentless chasing, body slamming, and drawing blood are all not normal in a play fight. When fighting for fun, dogs should know how and when to restrain themselves.
How Much Playtime Does a French Bulldog Need?
Healthy Frenchie adults need 60 minutes of active time daily, but not in one go. You should divide this duration into 2 to 3 sessions. This will avoid overworking your Frenchie, which is pretty easy to do.
For Frenchie puppies, this duration is much shorter and will depend on their age. A rule of thumb is to add 5 minutes of play for each month of age. So a 2-month-old puppy will need 10 minutes of playtime each day.
Puppies should have at least 3 sessions of play each day. Although they are very active, they need more breaks between play.
For senior Frenchies, their playtime should also be short and quick. Older Frenchies usually have health issues that hinder them from getting active. It is best to ask your vet about the duration, as they know more about your Frenchie’s health history.
How to Play With a French Bulldog Puppy
There are many ways to play with your pup, like fetch, hide and seek, or frolicking in the snow. But since it is easy for them to get tired, it may be better to give them free rein.
Letting your puppy play on their terms has many benefits. They become more independent and confident which lessens the likelihood of unwanted behaviors. This will also help to prevent the development of separation anxiety.
So how do you let your Frenchie pup play by themselves? Give them a variety of toys for their physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, especially those with treats, work great to challenge their minds.
Having them play freely in your backyard is also an excellent exercise for them. A soccer ball will work great with this as they enjoy pushing it around and chasing after it.
But this does not mean that you cannot spend time with your Frenchie puppy. You can have a casual stroll with them in your neighborhood on a nice day too.
This is also a great age to train them for various activities, such as playing fetch. Training them is a great combination of mental and physical stimulation.
Playing tug of war is not recommended for Frenchie puppies. Their teeth are still changing and this game can cause damage to their mouth too. So puppies between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks of age should not engage in this.
Anything can be playtime for your Frenchie puppy, as long as you make it fun for them. Keep in mind that they still have a lot of limitations. So whatever you do, always make sure they are safe.
How Long Should I Play With My French Bulldog Puppy?
The duration of your Frenchie pup’s playtime depends on their age. A good rule to follow is that they need 5 minutes of play for every month of age. To give you a guide below is an example of the durations:
- 2 Months Old: 10 minutes of playtime
- 3 Months Old: 15 minutes of playtime
- 4 Months Old: 20 minutes of playtime
And it will go on, adding 5 more minutes whenever your puppy is a month older. When they are adults, they will need 60 minutes of exercise a day.
Make sure not to play with your 3-month-old pup for 15 minutes straight daily. The number of sessions matters for your Frenchie pup. Playing with for 15 minutes at a time is too long for them.
Keep their playtime short by increasing the number of sessions. For puppies, they should have at least 3 sessions each day.
You should divide their playtime so that it adds up to 15 minutes daily. So if you have 3 play sessions, each one should be 5 minutes.
How Do You Teach a French Bulldog Tricks?
Teaching your Frenchie a trick will depend on what it is. But whatever you teach them, always maintain a positive atmosphere for them. This will help your Frenchie stay motivated so that they learn better.
With this, here is how you can teach your Frenchie some basic tricks. After they learn the tricks below, you can move on to harder ones!
Sit
Have your Frenchie stand up. Then show them a treat in your hand so they pay attention to it. Naturally, they will keep looking at the treat.
With the same hand, push their butt onto the ground so that they sit down. Now that they are sitting, say “sit” and give them the treat. Keep repeating this process until they understand.
Paw
This is one of the easiest tricks to teach your Frenchie. Start with a treat in hand, show it to them first and then close your hand. Your Frenchie will try to get the treat by putting their paw on your hand.
Once their paw touches your hand, open it and say “paw”. Give them the treat and shower them with praise after. Repeat this too, until they get the hang of it.
Lie Down
This trick teaches you Frenchie to lie down, which can be helpful in various ways. They should not confuse this with getting down from your bed or something similar.
Like other tricks, show your Frenchie that you have a treat in hand too, then command them to sit down. Put your hand with the treat on the floor, with enough space for them to lie down.
They will try to reach for it in a way that they lie down flat. Once they do, reward them.
Stay
This is harder to teach but is essential in keeping control of your Frenchie. Do not worry, with repetition and consistency, your Frenchie will learn.
Still, with treats in hand, command your Frenchie to lie down. Extend your hand towards them with your palm facing your Frenchie and say “stay” with a firm voice.
Wait a few seconds and give them a treat for not moving. Repeat the process and increase their waiting time for each repetition.
Bed
This command is not only useful for bedtime. You can also use this when you need your Frenchie to leave the room for a while.
To do this, grab your Frenchie’s attention first. Say “bed” and place the treat on their bed. They will quickly go to their beds to eat the treat.
Once they understand this, lay low on the treats until you will not need them anymore. Your Frenchie will pick up on this with time.
How to Train a French Bulldog Puppy Tricks
The process of training your Frenchie puppy tricks is pretty much the same. You can follow the process above, but you need shorter sessions and longer patience.
So your focus should shift towards how you can make training sessions more effective. No matter what you teach him, these tips will apply:
Be Consistent
Consistency is key applies to training your pup. Apply it to your training times, when you give their reward and your command words.
Without this, your Frenchie will get confused. When they are, they will not be able to follow through with your commands.
One Trick at a Time
Do not get too excited about teaching your Frenchie many tricks at once. Stick to one first, and when they master it, move on to the next. This keeps them focused and helps to avoid any confusion when you correct their behavior.
Always Reward Them
Frenchies learn best when training is fun, and the addition of treats does this in an instant. Pets and songs of praise are also a great way for them to feel good about their work. So do not forget to tell your Frenchie they did great!
Know When to Train Them
Before teaching them tricks, make sure they are full and well-hydrated beforehand. This puts them in a good mood, making sure that they cooperate better.
Choose the Right Verbal Commands
Your verbal cues should be simple and distinct. No two commands should sound similar as this can confuse your Frenchie.
What Tricks Can French Bulldogs Learn?
Frenchies can learn all the basic dog tricks there are. But with determination, they can learn any trick you want them to know. Although they are stubborn, with the right motivation, Frenchies will surprise you.
Some Frenchies even learn silly tricks. You can teach them a command like tidying up after they play. You heard that right, they can learn to put all their toys back where they belong!
You can also teach them to identify each of their toys, something that may surprise your friends.
So there is no limit to what tricks your furry friend can learn. Start with the basic ones first and work your way up.
How Many Commands Can a French Bulldog Learn?
Like tricks, there is no limit to how many commands your Frenchie can learn. Some Frenchies even learn as many as 20 verbal commands! Not all are essential, but they are great for keeping your Frenchie stimulated.
How to Teach French Bulldogs to Sit
The command “sit” is often a prerequisite to other tricks a Frenchie can learn. The best part is, it is one of the easiest commands to teach them. So grab your treats, below you will learn how to make your Frenchie sit.
Have a Treat in Hand
Stand in front of your Frenchie and make sure they know that you are holding a treat. If they start jumping on you to get it, turn around and ignore them. This will put off that unwanted behavior.
Have Them Sniff the Treat
Dangle the treat over your Frenchies’ nose so they get a good whiff of it. This way, they will know that something tasty awaits them!
Move the Treat Behind Them
From their nose, move the treat over your Frenchie’s head. They will follow the direction of the treat and this will make them sit down.
If this does not work, push their butt down on the ground instead.
Reward Your Frenchie
As soon as their butt touches the floor, tell them to “sit” and give them the treat right away. This will help them to connect your command, the action, and the reward.
Keep Practicing
Repeat the steps above a few times. Make sure you do not do this too much as your Frenchie will get bored. And when they are, they are not open to learning anymore.
How to Teach a French Bulldog to Lay Down
To teach your Frenchie to lay down, they first have to know how to sit. This will make the process much easier.
And of course, you will need the power of treats. Have that in hand but first, let your Frenchie see and sniff it. This way, they know what to expect if they follow you.
Once you have their attention, ask them to sit. Then put your hand with the treat on the floor, about a foot in front of your Frenchie.
This forces them to stretch their body in a way that they are already lying down on the floor. When they do this, say “lay down” and give them a treat.
Now, repeat the process a few more times. Remember to always shower your Frenchie with praises and to give them a treat.
How Do I Get My French Bulldog to Roll Over?
Before teaching your Frenchie to roll over, they should already know the command “down”. Otherwise, this teaching process will take your Frenchie longer to perform.
Rolling over is one of the harder commands to teach. But you can do this with a few steps.
Choose the Right Training Space
Make sure you are teaching your Frenchie in an area without distractions. It does not matter whether they learn outdoors or indoors, as long as they can stay focused.
Show Them Their Treat
Stay beside your Frenchie and show them the treat in your hand. Place it near their nose, on the side of their head.
Moving the Treat
Move the treat from their nose to their shoulder. This will let them know that they should roll to his side. Keep repeating this until your Frenchie gets to roll on their side.
Whenever they do this with success, give them the treat and give them lots of praise. If they roll over onto their side without fail, you can proceed to the next step.
Get Your Frenchie on Their Back
While your Frenchie is on their side, move the treat from their shoulder to their backbone. This will force your Frenchie to roll over and lie down on their back.
Once they are on their back, you can say “roll over”. Like the previous step, keep repeating this process so your Frenchie understands. Remember to reward them with treats!
Keep Practicing
When your Frenchie masters this, start lessening the hand movements and treats. They should be able to roll over with your verbal command without these. But you can still give them treats once in a while.
Is It Bad for French Bulldogs to Roll Over?
You may think that rolling over is bad for your Frenchie because of their weird body structure. But for a healthy Frenchie, this should not cause them pain. Nor should rolling over lead to any health issues.
Rolling over is a natural thing to do for dogs. But of course, there is still a chance that your Frenchie to get injured because of this. As long as your Frenchie is safe and not showing any signs of pain, they are fine.
But there are situations where your Frenchie should not roll over. If they are old, they are not as agile as they used to be. So you may want to teach them a different trick.
Another thing is if your Frenchie has musculoskeletal issues, like arthritis. If they do, the act of rolling over can cause them a great deal of pain. So it is best to prevent them from doing this instead.
How Can I Make My French Bulldog Happy?
It is not hard to keep your Frenchie happy as long as you provide them with their essentials. Also, your Frenchie’s happiness is you. So spend a lot of quality time with them and they will flourish.
To keep your Frenchie happy and contented, do the following:
- Give Them a Complete and Nutritious Diet
- Keep Them in a Healthy Weight
- Regularly Clean Their Face and Skin Folds
- Give Them Regular Exercises
- Allot Time Daily to Play With Them
- Make Time to Socialize Them
- Provide Them With a Variety of Toys
- Take Them to the Vet regularly
- Give Them Baths
- Keep Them in a Mild-Temperature Area
- Brush Their Teeth Weekly
- Set Up a Daily Routine for Them
How Can I Make My French Bulldog Puppy Happy?
Keeping your puppy happy follows the same rules mentioned in the previous section. But keep in mind that puppies get tired easily. Sleeping is a vital part of your growing pup’s needs.
So whenever they sleep, leave them be. A tired Frenchie is a happy Frenchie.
How Do You Know if Your French Bulldog Is Happy?
Frenchies cannot tell you that they are happy, but they can show it to you. Their body language speaks for itself. But if you do not know what to watch out for, check out the list below.
Happy Frenchies will show you the following:
- The Sides of Their Lips Curl Up
- Their Puppy Dog Eyes
- A Great Appetite
- A Wiggling Butt
- Their Tongue Sticking Out
- No Destructive Behavior
- A Relaxed Body
- They Are Very Playful
- A Healthy, Shiny Coat
- They Love Being Beside You
Why Does My French Bulldog Look Sad?
Since your Frenchie cannot talk to you, you have to rely on their body language to know how they feel. Sometimes, this is hard to read. You may misinterpret your Frenchie’s happy face as something sad.
So to make sure that you are not misreading this here is how to tell if your Frenchie is sad.
- They Will Fear You
- They Do Not Want to Play
- Their Appetite Will Change
- They Will Lick Themselves Excessively
- Their Sleep Patterns Change
- They Whine and Howl More
- They Yawn and Pant More
- They Will Have Potty Accidents
- They Become Aggressive
- They Develop Destructive Habits
If this sounds like your Frenchie, you need to know why they are sad so you can help them. The common reasons for their sadness are the following:
- Environmental Changes: A new home, for example, may be hard on your Frenchie.
- Trauma: Any accidents or injuries can make your Frenchie out of character.
- Loss of a Friend: Whether it is their owner or a furry companion, any loss in the family can make them depressed.
- Loneliness: Frenchies are pack dogs, being by themselves most of the time is hard on them.
- Separation Anxiety: Frenchies are prone to developing this disorder. So you should look into this as separation anxiety needs treatment.
- Sickness: If your Frenchie is going through pain and discomfort, they will seem odd. Take your Frenchie to the vet first to rule this cause out.
