Training a French Bulldog puppy or adult dog

French Bulldogs are affectionate, loyal companions, but training a puppy still takes time, love and patience. There will be accidents along the way, especially during toilet training. The effort you put in while your Frenchie is young pays off in a calmer, better-mannered adult dog.

Keep sessions short and cool

French Bulldogs are a flat-faced breed, so keep training and play sessions short, avoid hot weather and watch for noisy or laboured breathing. Train in a cool, shaded place, offer water, and stop and let your dog rest if they start to pant heavily or struggle. If you are worried about your dog's breathing, ask your vet.

Crate training

A crate gives your puppy a quiet place to rest and a safe place to be when you can't supervise them. Young puppies don't yet know what they shouldn't climb on, bite or chew, so a crate helps keep them out of trouble.

Many dogs come to see a crate as a safe den if it is introduced gradually and never used as a punishment. Start with the door open, add soft bedding and a toy, and reward your puppy for going in by themselves. Build up the time they spend inside slowly.

Socialising your French Bulldog

Meeting a wide range of people, dogs, sights and sounds while young helps your Frenchie grow into a confident, relaxed adult and makes them less likely to be anxious around strangers later on.

Until your vet says your puppy is protected by their vaccinations, carry them in busy areas and only let them meet healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know. After that, you can introduce them to neighbours, visitors and other dogs on walks.

• Keep meetings calm and short.
• When your puppy approaches a stranger or dog in a relaxed way, praise them and give a treat.
• If your puppy shies away, don't force them or push them closer. Forcing contact can make them more fearful and less willing to approach a stranger or dog next time.
• Let them watch from a distance and try again another day.

Toilet training

Providing your French Bulldog with a regular routine of meals, drinks and trips outside helps them learn faster. Take your puppy out:

• as soon as they wake up
• after meals
• after play
• before bed

Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go, such as pacing, circling, sniffing the floor or whining. Take them outside straight away. As soon as they have been, reward them with praise and a treat so they learn that going outside is what earns a reward.

If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean it up calmly and don't tell them off. Punishment can make them anxious and more likely to hide when they need to go.

Patience pays off

Every puppy learns at their own pace. Short, positive sessions, a steady routine and plenty of rewards will help your French Bulldog become a happy, well-behaved companion. If you run into problems, a qualified, reward-based trainer can help.