Ask the French Bulldog Experts

admin August 6th, 2008

Hi Hope,

We recently added a new French bulldog pup to our family- Alphonse!
He came to our home from a reputable breeder at the age of 9 weeks, and he has been a joyous addition to our family thus far.

I read through your advice and responses on this message board on potty training, and have strictly abided to your advice.

After a few weeks, Alphonse began getting the hang of things. He started going towards the door (we used the same door to take him out each time) when he needed to potty, and he even responds to the “go potty” command which we consistently use each and every time he goes.

Alphonse is now 4 and a half months old, and he has been accident free for the last few weeks! Fantastic!

However, just this morning, we were playing with Alphonse as we normally do (our schedule with him- potty, eating, playing, sleeping, etc- has been very routine). All of a sudden, while playing his favorite game, fetch, he stops, makes eye contact with me, and then proceeds to pee!

We thankfully caught him in the act, firmly told him NO, and took him outside where he finished the rest.

What happened here? He wasn’t overly excited, he didn’t eat or drink anything out of the norm, and it seemed as though we were SO close to having him potty trained.

Also, what is the correct remedy going forward to ensure that he stays on the right track on the potty training front?

Hope writes –

Would you believe - you’re doing everything right? Nothing’s gone wrong, nothing needs to be changed.

Alphonse, bless his little heart, is being a puppy.

There are a few things that could be going on here. The most likely is that Alphonse isn’t totally convinced yet that outside is the only place he’s allowed to do his business. Like any other juvenile, he’s testing the boundaries - seeing exactly what he’s allowed to get away with.

Another possibility is you’ve reached a training plateau. I’ve heard various explanations for it, including one theory that there’s a lag while behavior is embedded in long-term memory. I don’t really worry about the why - I just know that at some point it’s going to seem like my dog has forgotten everything she ever knew. Fortunately, their brains stop rattling around in their skulls and settle into the socket again rather quickly.

Stay consistent, enforce the rules you’ve set and Alphonse will get with the program. He may be testing your patience and being a stubborn little bully boy, but he’s actually right on schedule. No puppy is truly securely potty-trained until about six to eight months, so relax, enjoy - and watch him every second!

Hope

Tags: crate training, French Bulldog training, house breaking, house training

• French Bulldog Training , house breaking
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bullmarketfrogs June 12th, 2008

A reader writes to get answers before their Frenchie puppy comes home -

I’m going to getting a frenchie puppy soon. I have a few questions that would be awesome to be answered by an expert such as yourself.This is my first dog and I am so happy to have him as an addition to my house and family. I appreciate you taking the time for answering my questions.

1.What type of collar would be the best for him? -I’m so afraid of him pulling and I don’t want to choke the poor little guy.

2 What is the appropriate age to get him nuetered?

3. Weather- Sometimes in New Jersey during the summer months can be really humid, sticky, and the air is very thick. I know they are sensitive to heat and cannot be outside in that type of weather for long periods of time. What is the absolute longest time he should be in that type of weather for a potty break/walk. What is the highest temp that he can safely take a walk during the summer months. It can also get cold in the winter, what is the coldest? Should I buy sweaters when the weather is cold?

4. When is it an appropriate time to take him to a dog park and introduce him to other dogs? Should i start with my neighbors dog first so he will not be overwhelmed.

5. Should I leave water out all day or only at certain times?

6. Should you really give a dog raw chicken or beef bones because it cleans their teeth and its good for them?

7. What is the longest you should leave a dog in a crate when you are away from the house.

Thank you so much for your help and your time with these questions. Have a good day.

Carol writes -

Wow, that’s a long list! The good thing about a long list is that means you’ve put a LOT of thought into dog ownership - and that’s the best way to prepare to be a great owner!

I’ll do the best I can to answer your questions.

1.What type of collar would be the best for him?

Personally, I use a soft harness on small puppies - and by small, I’m referring here to pups under 16 weeks. I like the Puppia Harness, but I suggest getting two, in medium, and large. A Frenchie puppy’s neck will outgrow them before you know it. After that, I change them over to a soft, buckle collar. I like the ones by Lupine, personally - they have a chew proof guarantee.

I actually still like a chain collar (properly called a ‘choke’ collar, although it doesn’t actually choke them, if it’s used properly), but for training class ONLY. This, of course, depends on your trainer, and of course a choke or chain collar needs to be properly fitted, properly used and NEVER left on an unsupervised puppy. When in doubt, check with your trainer.

2. What is the appropriate age to get him neutered?

That is a tough question. Some experts believe that Frenchies - and most other dog breeds - benefit from being able to go through puberty. There’s some evidence that their bones don’t properly develop if they are neutered before a year, and that their personalities and intelligence levels are better enhanced by waiting until a year of age at least. On the other hand, dogs neutered after one year are a greater risk of testicular cancer, are more prone to marking behaviours, and can begin such embarassing habits as humping. There’s also the real risk of accidental breedings, if you don’t keep your dog under control 100% of the time.

Personally, I think that shortly after six months is the earliest I am comfortable having a dog neutered, but to your breeder might have another age in their contract. Consult their wishes, and your veterinarian’s suggestions.

3. What is the highest temp that he can safely take a walk during the summer months. It can also get cold in the winter, what is the coldest?

We personally try to avoid vigorous exercise during the full heat of day during the summer time. Walk in the cooler morning and evening hours, and limit outside play during the day to a few minutes in a shaded yard, under close supervision and with lots of fresh water available. A Frenchie can go from fine to heat stroke in less time than you can imagine, so exercise caution. In the winter, we keep walks to a reasonable minimum - 10 to 15 minutes, unless your dog seems to be one of the rare Frenchies who doesn’t mind the cold. Sweaters are cute, but Frenchies usually do better with polar fleece coats that are adjustable through the chest and neck. You might find you need to get them shortened.

Play sessions in the house can be good substitutes for outside play, in extreme heat or extreme cold. You can also look for indoor doggy play centers in your area.

4. When is it an appropriate time to take him to a dog park and introduce him to other dogs?

Well, Hope and I agree on this topic - I’m not a huge fan of dog parks. There’s too much room for error, usually caused by inattentive owners, and a small puppy can be injured quite easily. They’re also vectors for disease transmission. Make sure your dog has had all of his shots, including his first rabies booster (usually given at six months), before exposing him to new dogs in large groups. At all times, keep him closely supervised, and keep a close eye on the other dogs. Again, I’d suggest a good training class, which will socialize him in a controlled environment, and among dogs which have been checked for current shots.

5. Should I leave water out all day or only at certain times?

I never restrict access to water, until one hour before bed. I think dog’s need to drink as often as their bodies require it. I know some trainers disagree, but I’m not a trainer

6. Should you really give a dog raw chicken or beef bones because it cleans their teeth and its good for them?

I feed raw, but I grind my raw chicken. I have had too many dogs bolt unchewed bones and chicken pieces, and grinding is the only way I feel it’s safe to feed raw bones to small dogs like Frenchies. Beef bones are another story - large leg bone portions, cut and sized appropriately, can’t possibly be swallowed. If you’re thinking of feeding raw, pick up a good book, like “Raw Meaty Bones” by Tom Lonsdale , or consider using a mix like Honest Kitchen, which is designed to be mixed with the meat source. You can also buy pre made raw frozen patties. If I was feeding raw to just one or two dogs, that’s most definitely the way I’d go.
7. What is the longest you should leave a dog in a crate when you are away from the house.

Again, I’m not a trainer, so this isn’t really my field. I personally like the guidelines suggested by the American Dog Trainers Network -

In fact, their guide is an excellent introduction to crate training, and I suggest printing it out and having it handy while you’re getting ready for your new pup.

Well, I hope that has helped, and please make sure to share photos with us when the little guy arrives!

Carol

Tags: collar, crate training, dog parks, dog training, French Bull Dog, French Bulldog, harness, pup, puppy

• French Bulldog Miscellaneous
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admin May 27th, 2008

My wife and I really would love to get a Frenchie. We’ve had several dogs over the years and currently have a 15 yr. old Border Collie, so we know that house training can be rough at times.

Our main concern before getting one is whether or not our schedules are satisfactory for this breed. There would be someone home with the dog M-F all day in the summers because my wife teaches high-school, but from Sept. through mid-June the dog would be alone from 8am - 4pm.

Are we just asking for trouble with house training as well as behavioral issues like separation anxiety?

Hope writes - 

Just the fact that you thought to ask the question makes you an excellent candidate for French Bulldog companionship!

Frenchies can be a challenge to train - housetraining and everything else. Unlike your Border Collie, who wants to work with you, please you and looks to you for guidance, French Bulldogs do what they want to do, when they want to do it. As a result, you must be more stubborn than your Bulldog, in addition to patient and consistent.

I am a firm advocate of crate training. When I’m away from home my dogs are safe in their crates. When I get a puppy, if I am not actively watching the puppy, it’s in its crate. When the level of trust improves to more than zero, I attach the puppy’s leash to my belt-loop so it can never wander off.

The advantage to this training is that you never give the dog the opportunity to be “bad.” It learns from the very first where his eliminatiion spot is. If you’re consistent until you are absolutely certain that the puppy knows where to do its “business,” housetraining is not a problem. It’s a long procedure, but even Frenchies eventually figure it out.

As far as scheduling - you are right to be concerned. It would be unfair to give the puppy the idea that someone is always going to be around. If you do get a puppy over the summer, you must incorporate your (and your wife’s) absence into its everyday routine. A young pup shouldn’t be left for more than three or four hours before a “potty break,” but he should know that mom and dad aren’t going to be available all day every day. Once the puppy matures, there’s no reason it can’t be left for six to eight hours a day, he or she will nap safely in her crate.

Thank you for asking - and for making sure your decision is right for you and your family!

Hope

Tags: crate training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, housebreaking, new puppy, pup, seperation anxiety

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gollygear May 22nd, 2008

Hi Hope,

I have 2 French bulldogs. One since a puppy and he is a great dog. He is almost 5 yrs. We decided to get another back in February when we saw a posting for a 2 1/2 yr old female who belonged to a breeder, no longer being bred. Needed a good home. She is very sweet and has become good friends with our 1st dog.

However she urinates in her crate almost every night. I take her out last minute before bed and grab her 1st thing 6am to go back out. Usually too late.

She has had very few accidents anywhere in the house. Our other dogs is very good and never messes in the house. Can you give me some idea as to how to help her break this habit.

Thanks so much!

Hope writes -

It is extremely difficult to stop a dog from urinating in her crate if it truly is a habit. My first concern, especially since she has had puppies, is your girl’s medical condition. If you have not addressed the issue of her overnight urination with your veterinarian, please do so right away. There are medications that can help if her problem is health-related.

If she has no medical issues and it truly is a habit, I would first consider the size of her crate. If she’s able to get away from the mess, it may not bother her. Crates should be large enough so that the dog can stand up, turn around, sit, or lie down. That’s it. If the crate is too large and she can escape the consequences of her misbehavior, block off the back. Many crates/cages have a movable partition for this purpose. If yours doesn’t, you can use a box, if she shows no inclination to chew cardboard.

If she was used as a brood bitch in a kennel situation, she may have lived most of her life in a cage and the standard rules of housebreaking may not apply. If she had nowhere else to eliminate, she doesn’t know that dogs are supposed to keep their beds clean. You may need to consult a professional trainer in your area to evaluate your situation and help you find creative ways to train your girl. Your veterinarian may have a recommendation, or you may find a good trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

If you do seek professional help - keep in mind that you are your dog’s advocate. Don’t allow anyone to do anything with her or to her that makes you uncomfortable. There are many wonderful trainers out there. Talk to the person you’re considering, try to see them in “action” and be sure their philosophy coincides with your own.

Hope

Tags: crate training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, Frenchies, housebreaking, pee, trianing

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gollygear May 21st, 2008

Hi Hope,

We just brought home our 12 wk old male Frenchie. Our lively little guy, Max is out smarting us at every hop on potty training. I see his signs, the sniffing around and he’s going in the same places.

Thankfully, not carpeted areas! Before I foul this up completely, how best do you potty train a Frenchie?

If you could recommend a particular book that the whole family could read, I would appreciate that just as well as any advice you can lend.

Thank you

Hope writes -

Congratulations on the new member of your family. I love your description of Max - especially “at every hop.” It’s a very Frenchie thing, isn’t it?

There’s a saying in dog training that “every dog is trained to his owner’s level of comfort.” We all may have different opinions about dogs on the furniture, dogs begging at the table, etc. Everyone agrees on one aspect of training - potty training.

It is essential that Max hears one consistent voice on this. Every member of the family has to abide by the rules. If Max is not being actively watched - he’s in his crate. At the first sign of circling, sniffing, etc. - out he goes, on collar and leash. And you stand in the place you’ve chosen for his potty. No playing, no joking around. Tell him “go potty” or another phrase you choose. When he’s accomplished his mission, say “good go potty” and give him a treat. Then you and Max can play.

If you have no luck in 10 minutes - back into the crate he goes. And goes back outside in 15 minutes. Same routine.

As you become familiar with Max’s schedule, you can allow slightly more freedom. Put on his harness or collar and leash and knot the leash to your belt loop. He can follow you around the house as you go through your day, but he’s never out of your sight and never allowed to wander off on his own.

I know that having a puppy can severely crimp your style at first. Many things around the house may not get done while you’re actively paying attention to Max. But it’s well worth it - consider it part of bonding with the baby. The more time and energy you put into training now, the less you’ll have to do later. And you’ll have a wonderful Frenchie companion who will be welcome wherever you go.

We like the book “Outwitting Dogs” by Terry Ryan and Kirsten Mortensen. The authors really seem wonderfully common-sense oriented and the advice is sound.

Best of luck with little Max!

Hope

Tags: crate training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, Frenchies, housebreaking, pee, potty training, puppy, trianing

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