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French Bulldog Puppy Training: The Surprising Truth About When to Start

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| August 21, 2023

The charming and compact French Bulldog, often simply referred to as a “Frenchie”, is a small breed dog with a distinctive bat-ear appearance and a playful, amicable disposition. Their soaring popularity isn’t just because of their looks, but also due to their affable nature. Yet, to nurture an obedient and well-socialized adult Frenchie, the foundation of proper training must be laid early. This article elucidates the importance of early training, potential behavioral issues from training delays, and the unique advantages of online dog training courses for your French Bulldog puppy.

Pinpointing the Ideal Time for Training for a French Bulldog Puppy

French Bulldogs are known for their intelligence, but they also come with a stubborn streak. The earlier you start training, the better the outcome. Ideally, training should commence when your Frenchie is between 8 to 12 weeks old.

There are several reasons to initiate training during this period:

  • Neuroplasticity: Puppies in this age bracket are exceptionally receptive. Their brains are rapidly developing, making it an opportune moment to instill basic commands and good habits.
  • Socialization: The 8-12 week period is a critical window for socialization. Exposing your Frenchie to different people, pets, sounds, and environments ensures they grow up to be well-rounded and adaptable adults.
  • Setting Boundaries: Young puppies are like sponges. By establishing rules and routines early, you can ensure that your Frenchie knows what’s expected of them.

Remember, due to their somewhat willful nature, it’s essential to employ a gentle yet consistent training approach, emphasizing positive reinforcement.

Potential Behavioral Issues from Delayed Training of French Bulldog Puppy

Postponing training for your French Bulldog can lead to an array of behavioral problems, as their inherent stubbornness can become more pronounced. Here are potential challenges you might face:

  1. Stubborn Behavior: Without early training, Frenchies can become set in their ways, making it harder to teach them new behaviors or rectify undesirable ones.
  2. Over-dependency: French Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and love for their humans. Delayed training can exacerbate separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior when left alone.
  3. Aggression: Although typically friendly, an untrained Frenchie might show signs of possessiveness or food aggression, especially when their boundaries aren’t established early.
  4. Toilet Training Issues: One of the primary areas of focus for young puppies is toilet training. Without early guidance, housebreaking your Frenchie might become a tedious process.

Proactively training your French Bulldog puppy can circumvent these issues, ensuring you have a happy, well-adjusted pet.

 Advantages of Online Dog Training for Your French Bulldog Puppy 

While traditional training methods have their merits, online dog training courses offer a modern twist with unique advantages. Here are two benefits for French Bulldog owners:

  1. Flexibility: Online dog training courses allow you to learn and implement training techniques at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, as they can tailor the training timings according to their convenience.
  2. Access to Expertise: The digital realm breaks geographical boundaries, offering you insights from global dog training experts. This means your Frenchie can benefit from diverse, expert-backed methodologies that might not be locally available.

The Only 2 Online Puppy Training Courses We Recommend

1. SpiritDog’s Ultimate Puppy Bundle (BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)

This comprehensive online puppy training program, designed by experienced trainer Steffi Trott, aims to help dog owners raise a well-behaved, social, and friendly puppy. The course provides lifetime access to over 70 lessons, including videos and an exclusive eBook, with a focus on critical behaviors like biting, potty training, and chewing. Participants can learn at their own pace from home, with the ability to ask unlimited questions to professional trainers. The program promises noticeable improvements in puppy behavior with just 10 minutes of practice per day. It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, lifetime personal support, and seven bonus mini-courses covering specific issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass” (BEST OVERALL)

In addition to basic puppy training, this more comprehensive training class tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog. It’s made in a very easy-to-follow video format.

Conclusion

To conclude, French Bulldogs, with their captivating personalities, can bring immense joy to any household. However, to ensure a harmonious coexistence, it’s pivotal to begin training early. Leveraging the vast online resources can be a game-changer, enabling you to mold your Frenchie into a well-mannered, loving companion. Whether you choose traditional training methods, online courses, or a blend of both, the key lies in starting early and staying consistent. Your efforts will undoubtedly pay off, deepening the bond you share with your adorable Frenchie.

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