Essential Puppy Care Tips for French Bulldog Owners

Bringing home a new French Bulldog puppy is an exciting experience filled with lots of love and adorable moments. I have owned a French Bulldog for a long time, so I understand the joys and challenges of raising one of these special dogs.

French Bulldogs have some unique needs compared to other breeds, so it’s important to be prepared. In this post, I’ll share my top tips for providing the best care for your new French Bulldog puppy.

Preparing Your Home

Before your new puppy arrives, take some time to puppy-proof your living space. French Bulldog puppies are curious little explorers who will try to get into everything! Block access to hazards like electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects, and open stairways. Create a cozy, safe space with a crate or playpen for your puppy to rest and play when you can’t watch them.

When I brought my Frenchie puppy, Marcel, home, I thought I had made everything safe for him, but he still got into trouble. He learned to open small cabinets and once dragged a whole roll of toilet paper into his crate to tear apart! Lesson learned: secure all cabinets with child-proof latches and keep bathroom doors closed at all times.

Establishing a Routine

French Bulldogs thrive on predictability, so it’s important to establish a daily routine for your new puppy right away. Set regular times for meals, potty breaks, naps, and playtime. Puppies need to eat three to four small meals per day. Take your dog outside to go to the bathroom in the following situations: first thing in the morning, after each meal, after playtime or when they are excited, and before going to sleep.

Here’s a sample schedule I used for my puppies:

Sticking to a consistent schedule helped my puppies learn when to expect food, potty times, and rest. It also made them feel secure and reduced accidents and whining.

Nutrition and Feeding

Proper nutrition is crucial for your French Bulldog puppy’s development. Choose a high-quality puppy food formulated for small or medium breeds. Look for a food that lists a protein like chicken or fish as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy which can trigger allergies in some Frenchies.

Follow the feeding guidelines on the package according to your puppy’s age and weight, but also monitor their body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them. Cut back a little if they start to look rolly-polly.

I found that my puppies did best with a sensitive stomach formula that contained prebiotics and probiotics. A little canned pumpkin (not the pie filling kind) can also help keep stools firm and regular. Always provide plenty of fresh water and wash bowls daily.

Potty Training 101

Success in potty training requires both patience and consistent positive reinforcement. French Bulldogs can be stubborn, so never scold or punish them for accidents. Instead, wildly praise and reward them with a tasty treat immediately when they go in the right spot.

I used a cue word or phrase like “go potty” while potty training my Frenchies. It helped them associate the word with the action. Say the cue word right before you take them to their potty spot and they’ll quickly learn to go on command.

Some French Bulldog owners find success with litter box training or using indoor grass patches because Frenchies can be reluctant to go outside in rain or cold weather. If you go this route, still take them outdoors regularly so they learn to potty on various surfaces.

Socialization and Training

Well-socialized French Bulldogs are friendly, outgoing, and adaptable in different situations. Start socializing your puppy right after bringing them home and after they’ve had their first vaccinations. Introduce them to different people, animals, places, and experiences. Invite friends over to meet your puppy, take them to dog-friendly stores, and arrange play dates with other vaccinated puppies.

Frenchies can have a stubborn streak, but they are very intelligent and eager to please their humans. Start training your puppy early with lots of positive reinforcement. Teach basic cues like sit, down, come, and leave it. Keep training sessions short and fun, always ending on a success.

One of the best things I did was enroll my puppies in a socialization class with a certified trainer. The class allowed them to experience a variety of activities in a safe environment, such as walking on unfamiliar surfaces, wearing costumes, and hearing loud noises. The trainer also taught me how to teach my pups basic manners and prevent common behavior problems.

Health Care Essentials

As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues you should be aware of. Their short snouts make them susceptible to breathing difficulties, especially in heat or humidity. Keep your Frenchie cool and never over-exercise them.

Frenchies are also prone to allergies, ear infections, eye problems, and joint issues. Work closely with your vet to stay on top of health screenings and preventive care. Follow this vet check-up and vaccination schedule to keep your pup protected:

Grooming and Hygiene

Luckily, French Bulldogs have short, easy-to-maintain coats. To keep their coat healthy and shiny, make sure to brush them on a weekly basis using a rubber curry brush or a grooming mitt. This will effectively eliminate any loose fur and evenly distribute their skin oils. Bathe them every month or two with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.

However, their facial wrinkles, ears, eyes, and nail beds need regular attention. Wipe wrinkles and skin folds daily with a damp cloth or grooming wipe, then dry thoroughly to prevent bacteria. Clean your dog’s ears weekly using an ear cleaner that is safe for them. Wipe away any eye goop as needed. Trim nails every 3–4 weeks or take your pup to the groomer.

When my Frenchie puppy Louie was young, he used to hate getting his nails trimmed. He would flail and scream as if he was being tortured. The vet taught me to desensitize him by touching his paws often and giving him lots of treats. I also found that using a nail grinder instead of clippers worked much better for both of us!

Enrichment and Exercise

French Bulldogs need daily mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy, although they don’t require as much exercise as other breeds. Aim for two to three 20- to 30-mminute walks or play sessions per day. Avoid exercising in hot weather and watch for signs of fatigue or overheating.

Puzzle toys and games are excellent for keeping French Bulldogs’ intelligent minds active. My dogs love treat balls, snuffle mats, and hide-and-seek games. Trick training and scent work are also fun ways to challenge them mentally.

Some of our favorite enrichment toys include:

• Kong Wobbler
• Outward Hound puzzle brick
• Starmark Bob-a-Lot
• Snuffle mat
• Flirt pole

Behavior Problem Solving

Even with the best training and socialization, behavior problems can still crop up. French Bulldogs often experience common problems such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, and resource guarding. The key is to address problems early before they become entrenched habits.

If your French Bulldog is exhibiting problem behaviors, first rule out any underlying medical causes with your vet. Then work with a certified positive reinforcement trainer or behaviorist to come up with a modification plan.

The goal with separation anxiety is to slowly get your dog used to being alone by starting with short absences and increasing their tolerance over time. To stop barking, identify the cause (boredom, fear, territorial behavior) and work to lessen their reaction to it or eliminate the trigger if you can. Teach your dog to exchange high-value items for treats to reduce resource guarding. This way, they will associate your approach with good things.

A Lifetime of Love

French Bulldogs have unique challenges, but they also bring immense joy, laughter, and love to your life. By giving your French Bulldog puppy good food, training, socializing, and regular healthcare, you will help them have a long, healthy, and happy life with you.

The bond I have with my French Bulldogs is like no other. They make me smile every single day with their hilarious antics, snuggly cuddles, and unconditional affection. Raising a French Bulldog from puppyhood is a special journey I wish every dog lover could experience. Enjoy every moment with your new best friend!

Alexios Papaioannou

Hi, I’m Alex! At FrenchyFab.com, I share my expertise and love for French Bulldogs. Dive in for top-notch grooming, nutrition, and health care tips to keep your Frenchie thriving.