Ask the French Bulldog Experts

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

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gollygear June 2nd, 2008

(This question was posted in the comments section. Please - in the future, make sure to email us with your questions. Do not post them in comments, or we might not notice them, which means you won’t get an answer)

 I have just recently gotten a 5 month old french bull dog, his name is Chase. He is very scared of people and he will not go outside. He was not abused so we can not understand his behavior. I love him very much but, do not know what to do with him. He will bark at night when everyone is in bed but, other than that he stays underneath our bed.

What can we do to fix this?

Hope writes - 

Since we’ll never know the cause of Chase’s timidity, we can only deal with the situation as presented.

Chase must learn to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Therefore - you mustn’t alter your normal life to accommodate his shyness. Don’t be an enabler.

Set up training situations. Arrange for someone to come over at a specific time. Have Chase ready, with his collar and leash already on. Chase needs to learn that the leash is a safety line straight to you. Have the person come in and have a short conversation. At this point, your guest should ignore Chase. If Chase hides behind your legs - move aside. He’s allowed to be in front of you, between your feet, but not allowed to hide.

Ask any guests to ignore him - not make cooing baby sounds and lean over him. Small dogs can find humans very intimidating - especially when they lean over. When he’s making progress and can cope with attention from other people, make sure they pet Chase beneath his chin, not on the top of his head which can be another threatening move. If he sits calmly, have the other person give him treats and tell him he’s a good boy - calmly. Break off any training session as soon as you see Chase’s stress level increase.

Treat his successes with praise - calmly. Don’t make a fuss. You have to help Chase learn that there’s nothing to be frightened of, nothing to get excited about, nothing to worry about. Your most important job in this process, which may be a long one, is to make sure that Chase is safe. Any progress you make could be undone if Chase is exposed to harm - even if the event is accidental. If you tell Chase that “it’s okay - say hello!” it better be okay. Should something happen that frightens him, be calm, assure him everything’s okay, and go back to whatever you were doing.

Ignore the behaviors you don’t want, calmly praise the ones you want to encourage. Be matter-of-fact in your training. The process may be a long one, and Chase may never be the life of the party, but with time and patience he’ll come out of the bedroom.

-Hope

Tags: dog training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, Frenchies, lead, leash, nervous dog, nervous puppy, timid dog, walking

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gollygear June 1st, 2008

I live in Pensacola and have four dogs, 2 Boston Terriers, a mini-dachshund and a French Bulldog named Cricket. She is 11 months old.

The problem I have is that whenever we go to the dog park she tries to attack or bully dogs that are smaller than her or are puppies( never big dogs or small dogs that will stand up to her). She is a selective bully. After a battle of a couple of months of skirmishes at home with my Boston who was the alpha, Cricket is now the boss.

Cricket is close to being banned from the park.  Do you have any advice or techniques to help me stop her from acting so ugly at the dog park?

Hope writes -
I am not a fan of dog parks and your dilemma is one of the reasons. Unlike most owners, however, you’ve recognized the problem and realize that something should be done to curtail the behavior.

The first rule of dog training is to have control. As soon as you let Cricket off-leash, you have none. And having Cricket on-leash when none of the other dogs are leashed is inviting trouble. I’ve even seen situations where the “pack” goes after a leashed dog, the owner picks up the dog and the “pack” starts jumping on the owner to get to the dog.

If your other dogs (and you) enjoy the dog park, have no trouble and are well-behaved, just leave Cricket home until you have completed (and passed - with flying colors) an obedience course with her. She must recognize that you are the boss. Unless and until you are absolutely certain that Cricket will break off whatever she’s doing and “come” when called - she’s not allowed back in the park.

Cricket also needs to respect your authority at home. Many people who have multiple dogs are concerned with “pack order” and who’s “dominant.”

The answer is simple -  You are in charge at all times.

Dogs thrive under benevolent dictatorship - they have no clue what to do in a democracy.

Hope

Tags: agressive French Bulldog, behavior, dog agression, dog park, dog training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, off leash parks

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gollygear May 18th, 2008

My Frenchie is 4 mos old. He hates to go outside, especially on a leash. He has gotten better, and enjoys being in the backyard, playing frisbee or catch in a field, etc., but refuses to walk on a leash unless we’re headed home. On our puppy kindergarten trainers advice, we’re using a comfort harness, but we literally have to drag him a long block or so before he’ll start walking.

We have tried high value treats, but this doesn’t work. I’m afraid to use a choke collar for fear of damaging his neck, and some high head collars say not to be used in flat face breeds.

Any suggestions?

Hope writes - 

Your little boy is showing his “bulldoggedness” early! The keys for training Frenchies (or any dog) are: patience, consistency, and praise.

To get your little guy used to a leash - let him drag it around the house while he’s “helping” you, doing normal household activities. If you’re using a retractable lead - stop. Just hook a light, four-foot or shorter lead to his collar and let him drag it around. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t get snagged on anything and that he doesn’t chew on it.

If it bothers him a lot, start with a short, light piece of string and work up to the leash.

Learning to “walk nice” on leash can be a slow process. The first month with Dax, I never made it past our own front yard! Go out with the puppy on leash and collar. If he’s walking around - good! Let him take the lead for a couple of steps. Then let him know you’re changing direction: “Here, puppy! We’re going this way!” and take a step or two, until the leash has no slack. Stay there. Be patient. As soon as he looks toward you, or makes any move in your direction, praise him! Tell him he’s wonderful. Make kissy noises! Laugh! Give cookies! And take another step or two to take up the slack. Your objective is to walk with your puppy on a loose leash - in the direction you choose to go. You won’t get anywhere quickly at first, but it will be worth it. You want your dog to be happy to take walks with you.

Hope
 

Tags: dog training, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, Frenchies, lead, leash, walking

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