How to Train a Frenchie: An Essential Step-by-Step Guide

French Bulldogs pack big personalities in their small figures. These pups are friendly, playful, and extremely intelligent. It surprises us that they are still not given credits for their trainability! 

Having spent many years with these little bat pigs, we understand their potential so well. That’s why we are excited to introduce this expert guide on how to train a Frenchie. Trust us, with a little patience and a lot of love, you will soon realize that they are the smartest, most adorable companions to have around the house. Let’s get started, shall we?

At What Age Can I Start Training a French Bulldog?

Like every owner that came to us for advice, we recommend training a French Bulldog as soon as you bring them home. Early training is crucial for establishing a foundation of good behavior and preventing the development of bad habits.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some simple tips: 

• Start housetraining immediately upon bringing your puppy home
• Establish a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and training sessions
• Focus on basic commands and socialization in the first few months
• Be patient and use positive reinforcement techniques
• Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) but frequent throughout the day

How to Train a Frenchie?

1. Understanding the French Bulldogs Temperament

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor, making them excellent companions for both families and singles. However, training a French Bulldog can be challenging due to their stubborn streak. Recognizing their unique combination of stubbornness and intelligence is essential for effective training.

2. Basic Training Principles

When training your French Bulldog, adhere to these fundamental principles:

• Positive reinforcement
• Consistency in commands and expectations
• Patience and persistence
• Short, frequent training sessions
• Adapting to your dog’s learning style

3. Essential Training Techniques

To effectively train your French Bulldogs, employ these proven techniques:

• Clicker training
• Reward-based training
• Verbal praise and physical affection
• Leash training for walks
• Crate training for housebreaking and safety

4. Potty Training Your French Bulldogs

First, decide where you want your dog to toilet. Avoid letting your dog get familiar with toileting indoors if you’d like it to toilet outside. If you have a place in your yard where you’d like your dog to toilet, bring it to the spot immediately. Before you even go into your house, let it sniff around the yard until your dog urinates or defecates.

When your dog does urinate or defecate, give your dog lots of verbal praise and attention so your dog associates going to the bathroom outside with being praised.

Then, start training right away. In order to make your French Bulldogs a good household member, begin French Bulldogs potty training as soon as you get it. If you wait to begin training and let your dog toilet on puppy pads, it will take longer, and you dog will be confused about where to toilet.

During the training process, watch for signs that your dog needs to toilet. Most dogs will show signs that they need to toilet, so watch your French Bulldogs to become familiar with your dog’s specific signs. Signs that your dog needs to toilet include:

• Panting
• Pacing or sniffing around the house
• Barking
• Wandering off to a quiet area

Clean up messes immediately. If you didn’t notice your dog’s cue to toilet or your dog accidentally goes in the house, thoroughly clean up the mess. You’ll need to use a product designed for pet messes or a special pet-urine enzymatic cleaner. This will completely remove the scent of urine so your dog doesn’t return to the same spot to toilet later.

Don’t scold or hit your dog for having an accident. Your dog won’t be able to associate the punishment with the action (toileting inside) and your dog will learn not to trust you.

5. Socializing Your French Bulldogs

An adequately socialized Frenchie will be more friendly to the surrounding environment. Hence, if you want your fur baby to be a great member of your family, start socializing with them as soon as you bring them home. 

It doesn’t mean you should take your Frenchie outdoor right away, though. Begin the process of socializing in the comfort of your home by slowly introducing it to other family members and pets. Give your Frenchie time to get familiar with the home environment. This approach helps them absorb the steps of socialization without being overwhelmed. 

Once your pup feels cozy at home, it’s time to introduce your family friends. You can also ask your friends to bring their pets. This step prepares your Frenchie for the outdoors.

As the Frenchie is ready, take them for a walk. Again, remember to take it slow. Visit uncrowded areas first and make sure you have a firm grip on the leash. You can gradually expose your fur baby to more populated places later. 

6. Exercise and Play Training

Despite their compact size, French Bulldogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Incorporate training into play sessions to make learning fun.

Exercise ideas that double as training opportunities:

• Short walks with obedience practice
• Indoor obstacle courses
• Fetch games with “drop it” commands
• Hide-and-seek for recall training

7. Advanced Training and Fun Tricks

Once your French Bulldogs has mastered basic obedience, you can move on to more advanced training and entertaining tricks.

Popular tricks to teach your Frenchie:

• “Roll over”
• “Play dead”
• “High five”
• “Spin”
• “Speak” (on command)

Remember to keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your Frenchie’s interest and enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to fully train a French Bulldogs? 

A: The time it takes to train a French Bulldogs varies, but expect to spend several months on basic training and ongoing reinforcement throughout their life.

Q: Are French Bulldogs harder to train than other breeds? 

A: French Bulldogs can be challenging due to their stubborn nature, but with patience and consistency, they are trainable like any other breed.

Q: How do I stop my French Bulldogs from chewing on furniture?

A: Provide appropriate chew toys, use deterrent sprays on furniture, and redirect your dog’s attention when caught chewing inappropriately.

Q: How does the right food for French Bulldogs impact their training?

A: Choosing the best food for French Bulldogs is crucial for their overall health and can significantly impact training. A well-balanced diet provides the energy and focus needed for learning. High-quality, easily digestible food can also help prevent gastrointestinal issues, which are common in the breed and can interfere with training sessions.

Conclusion

“How to train a Frenchie?” might seem like a difficult question, especially for first-time owners. However, with patience, consistency, and a lot of love, you will develop a strong bond with your furry friend and enjoy a well-behaved companion. 

With our guide as your starting point, you can start tailoring a suitable training plan for your French Bulldog right now! Celebrate small victories and stay committed to the training process for long-term success with your lovable pet.