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

• French Bulldog Miscellaneous
• Comments(1)