Potty Training French Bulldogs Guide (Simple)
We all know the joys of a new puppy in the home! A French Bulldog is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, a master of disguise, and one of the cutest puppies. The downside to having this kind of smart pup is potty training them.
The French Bulldogs are quick learners, but they are also stubborn. The initial learning phase can be a challenge, but trust me, once they learn they will stick with it forever.
Below, I’ve compiled a guide for potty training your new French Bulldog puppy.
Things You’ll Require for Potty Training Your French Bulldog
- Crate
- Training pad
- Patience
- Training treats
- Consistency
- Time
- Leash
Choose the Appropriate Time To Begin Potty Training
Timing is vital when thinking of the best time to potty train your French Bulldog. The earlier you start, the more effective it will be. It’s best to begin potty training your Frenchie when they are young so they can grasp the process easily.
That said, consistency is a crucial factor in training your French Bulldog. For your pup to understand that you want them to go potty outside every time they need to go, you must teach that skill every opportunity you get. As a result, training should begin at a convenient time for you and your dog.
You can choose a time when both of you have the energy to train.
In no time, your Frenchie will be accustomed to this routine and expect it to happen daily. Make it a part of your daily routine.
Structure a Set Routine
Starting a new routine requires you to be consistent, and the best way to ensure this is by sticking to some rules and regulations. For example, if you’re a morning person and prefer to wake up early, perform your potty routine at this time.
Make it a habit—wake up, feed your French Bulldog, and take them outside for bathroom breaks. Over time, your French Bulldog will make the connection and anticipate their potty breaks every morning. With consistency, this becomes a natural habit in their mind.
Crate Training Your Frenchie
Crate training is a great way to make potty training your Frenchie easier. It helps your Frenchie understand that the potty area and bed space are different. Securing your puppy inside a crate will make your Frenchie understand that they have to hold in their pee.
Since this breed is hygienic by nature, your dog will not want to urinate where they sleep. Instead, they will hold their pee until they are let out again.
Additionally, you need to confine your French Bulldog when you cannot accompany them. Take them out for potty breaks before you leave the house. And ensure you know how long they can hold in their pee before getting anxious.
Understanding their abilities will help prevent unwanted accidents inside your house.
Set Up a Potty Area
When you start potty training your French Bulldog, you need to set up a potty area in the house. This is where they can go when they need to use the bathroom. It’s best to pick a room close to your puppy’s sleeping area.
If your dog uses their crate as their sleeping place, then it’d be best to place their potty area nearby.
Depending on your puppy’s age and size, you can either place some pee pads on the floor or get a potty box. This type of box is ideal for puppies and makes it easier for them to learn how to use the bathroom. Since you’ll be placing a few pads inside the potty box, it will be much easier for them to associate this as their toilet area in the house.
Utilize Puppy Pee Pads
Puppy pads are an excellent way to help your puppy understand where to go potty. Knowing the differences between your furniture and the floor will help your Frenchie understand that this is where they need to use the bathroom. This way, you won’t have accidents in your house and ensure that your puppy poo’s outside often.
Puppy pads are also a good way to help your puppy learn how long they can hold their pee before you’re ready to take them out. You may consider placing a few puppy pads in the house and gradually moving them towards the door. This way, your puppy will eventually go on their own, not just when you take them out.
Use Treats as a Reward
Using training treats as a reward will help your puppy make the connection that peeing outside is a positive skill. You’re rewarding them for a job well done. Remember to use food treats and not to overdo them.
While treats are helpful to encourage your puppy to go out for potty breaks, using dog treats can make your puppy expect rewards whenever they do something good.
You should reward your Frenchie with treats only when you take them outside or after they use the bathroom in their potty area. Slowly decrease the frequency of rewards as your puppy gets used to its new routine. If you show them no reward, they’ll try to do a good job without one.
Consistency is Key
Puppy training may seem difficult at first, but as you continue with it, your Frenchie will learn and be able to adjust to their new way of living. The most important thing to remember is that you should always be there for your puppy and guide them along the way. It’s all about forming a new habit and sticking to it.
You must follow your puppy’s new routine consistently. If you don’t show them how to potty, they might have an accident. Be there to guide them through the process and make it a fun activity for you both.
You should never scold or force your puppy. Puppies can get anxious when forced into doing something. They need to understand the importance of this routine and be able to do it independently.
Even so, try not to use force if they are not cooperating.
Give it Time (Patience)
This process can take a while, so be patient and give your puppy time to learn. To help them maintain this habit, you’ll need to keep practicing. The more you practice, the easier it will be.
It’s a good idea to start as soon as you get your new Frenchie; otherwise, they might create habits that could be hard to overcome.
Training times will vary between puppies, so don’t jump in with a rigid schedule. You’ll need to allow them to get used to the routine. Take your time, and start with small goals.
If your puppy seems like they’re not catching on, you may need to wait a bit longer until they have grasped the concept.
While it can be hard, patience is crucial when potty training your Frenchie. Once they’re housebroken, it’ll become a natural thing for them.
Be Attentive to Potty Signs
Potty training your Frenchie is not restricted to your schedule. You should also pay attention to signs they need to use the bathroom. Here are some of the most common signals you should look for:
- Running in circles
- Whining
- Barking at you
- Staring at you
- Running and sniffing around you
- Unnecessary pacing
Clean Accidents up Quickly
Once your puppy makes mistakes, quickly clean them up. It’s best to use an odor neutralizer or a dog solution that will help eliminate the smell of pee or poop. The faster you clean up the mess, the less likely your dog will return to it.
It is best not to scold your dog for making a mistake. Instead, let them learn from their mistakes and try not to show dissatisfaction towards them. Cleaning the pee will help them understand that this is not the place to use the bathroom, and they will try to hold it in.
Use a Simple Phrase to Command
Using clear, simple commands when training your Frenchie is a good idea. This will make it easier for them to understand what you want them to do and when. For example, if you want your puppy to go to their potty area, say, “Go potty.”
You’ll also need to repeat this command when taking them out.
Repeating the same phrase will help your dog learn the command. It will also help them associate this phrase with the potty area.
Final Thoughts
I know puppy potty training can seem like a difficult task, but with the right approach, you’ll be able to train your puppy successfully. With patience and consistency, it’ll take a few days for them to understand the routine. It’s important to remember not to force them into doing something; they need to learn from their mistakes.
Do you need advice on training your Frenchie? I can help. I understand how their minds work and how to train them efficiently.
