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French Bulldog Behavior Problems

The 9 Most Common French Bulldog Behavior Problems

For the most part, Frenchies are pretty well-behaved— they’re not big barkers, they’re smart, and they love to make their owners happy.

While behavior problems aren’t necessarily specific to any breed, these are 9 of the most common Frenchie behavior problems.

  1. Separation anxiety — extreme distress when not with their owner; more severe than clinginess; treatable with training
  2. Clingy behavior — Frenchies are a pretty clingy breed; some are more clingy than others to the point that it becomes annoying; this is also treatable with training
  3. Chewing — more common in puppies; most will grow out of it, but intervention might be needed in some cases; give your Frenchie something healthy to chew like a Bully Stick!
  4. Barking & whiningFrenchies are noisy; but that doesn’t mean all Frenchies bark & whine; there might be some underlying issue if your Frenchie won’t stop barking & whining.
  5. Begging — don’t give your Frenchie food they can’t eat!
  6. Pulling on the leash — not only is this behavior problem annoying, it’s also detrimental to your Frenchie’s spine & neck health
  7. Jumping up on people — while this might be cute to you, your guests might not appreciate it; easy to fix with some consistent training
  8. Stubborn selective listeners — Frenchies are super stubborn (but they’re smart!)
  9. Playing too rough — while Frenchies are known to roughhouse with each other, it’s important to know the difference between rough play and just plain-old-being-too-rough

1. Separation Anxiety

One of the most common behavioral problems in French Bulldogs is without a doubt separation anxiety.

Left alone, they could wreak havoc around the house!

This is actually what your Frenchie does when you leave them home alone

Dogs that are very attached to their owners become distressed when left alone, especially for long periods of time.

Separation anxiety in dogs is characterized by their extreme distress when you leave the house.

They will do ANYTHING to try and find you, even if it means they get hurt in the process.

Symptoms of separation anxiety

  • Pacing endlessly
  • Eating their own poop (gross, I know!)
  • Urinating and defecating inside the house
  • Barking and howling (your neighbors are sure to love you & your Frenchie)
  • Chewing, digging, and destruction (your couch and shoes will not be spared)
  • Escaping or trying to escape where they are confined to (they might even hurt themselves trying to do so)

The Development of Separation Anxiety

Your French Bulldog may develop separation anxiety after developing an attachment to one person.

When this person isn’t present, the dog panics.

A nervous looking Brindle French Bulldog
“What do you mean you’re leaving without me?”

Don’t Ignore Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is no joke; it’s best to treat the behavior early before it gets even worse. You cannot simply let them “outgrow” this behavior or “work it out” on their own.

Separation Anxiety is Treatable

Luckily, there are a few treatment options for dogs suffering from separation anxiety however you may need the help of a professional dog trainer to treat the condition.

Treating Separation Anxiety

There are a few techniques used to treat separation anxiety in dogs…

  • Counterconditioning or desensitization
  • Exercise can reduce anxiety & stress levels
  • Calming products that reduce anxiety
  • Crate training

If you just want your Frenchie to leave you alone for a few minutes while you’re doing something, I suggest giving them a bully stick or some other treat to keep them occupied.

This only works for Frenchies with very mild separation anxiety or mere clinginess… True separation anxiety cannot be treated with just a treat or distracting toy.

Counterconditioning

Treatment of separation anxiety usually includes a process called counterconditioning.

This works by associating something that the dog doesn’t like with a positive experience such as toys or treats.

Example of Counter-Conditioning

For example, your dog will always get his favorite treat and toy when you leave the house.

Over time, they will start to associate you leaving the house with them getting a treat!

Try calming products

There are many natural products available that claim to reduce pet anxiety. Some may or may not work for your Frenchie, it all depends on your dog.

My favorites are the ThunderShirt, Zesty Paws Hemp Elements, and the Happy Hoodie Calming Cap.

The ThunderShirt

While my Frenchie isn’t scared of loud noises and thunderstorms… (thank god)

I have used the ThunderShirt in the past on my other dogs that had really bad anxiety with thunderstorms and fireworks. It worked great.

FrenchieWiki Favorite
ThunderShirt Polo Anxiety Vest
4.2
$49.95 $41.16
Pros:
  • Comfy & easy to put on
  • Helps sooth stress during thunderstorms and other stressful times
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Chewy
10/02/2024 05:46 pm GMT

Zesty Paws Hemp Elements

This contains Hemp Seed, Melatonin, and L-Theanine to calm your Frenchie without any of the side effects of other sedative medications like worsening their breathing, loopiness, and lethargy.

I highly recommend this for plane travel, as the last thing you want to do when your Frenchie is stuck under the seat on a hot plane is give them something that could worsen their breathing.

Zesty Paws Hemp Elements
4.2
$14.97
Pros:
  • Calms your Frenchie
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Contains Suntheanine— helps promote a sense of relaxation and calmness for your pup
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Chewy
10/02/2024 05:46 pm GMT

The Happy Hoodie

The Happy Hoodie Calming Cap is a similar product to the ThunderShirt, but is a bit easier/comfier for them to wear and also protects their ears.

It was designed as a grooming tool to protect their ears from moisture & loud sounds (like a blowdryer), but also works at home, while traveling, or anywhere that’s loud & stressful.

If your Frenchie is clingy, check out our post on clinginess and separation anxiety and what you can do to stop it.

2. Clingy Behavior

I’ve got my eye on you!

Does your French Bulldog follow you around the house everywhere you go?

Can they not let you out of their sight?

You might have a “Velcro Dog”

If so, your dog might be what some call a velcro dog.

Clingy dogs, sometimes called velcro dogs, follow their owners everywhere they go.

This behavior is also unofficially referred to as Velcro Dog Syndrome by some.

Keep an eye on your Frenchie

Want to keep your Frenchie company while you’re not home?

Check out the Furbo Dog Camera — it lets you talk to your Frenchie with 2-way audio and toss treats at the click of a button!

Frenchie Spy Program
Furbo 360 Dog Camera
4.9
$147.00 $210.00 (30% off)

The Furbo 360° Dog Camera is the perfect way to keep an eye on your Frenchie while you're away.

With its rotating 360° view, 1080p Full HD camera, and enhanced night vision, you'll be able to see your Frenchie in crystal clear detail, even in low light.

Talk to your Frenchie in real-time with 2-way audio and toss treats with the click of a button to reward good behavior (or just because!).

Pros:
  • Click a button to toss a treat
  • Activity, barking, and person alerts
  • Talk to your dog while you're gone
  • 1080p HD with color night vision & 360-view
Cons:
  • A bit pricey
  • Some features require a subscription
Buy the Furbo 360° Dog Camera Learn More about Furbo
Clinginess isn’t separation anxiety

Just as Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety, they also commonly exhibit clingy behavior.

They really love their owners! French Bulldogs have been selectively bred to be dependent on their owners.

Two Peas in a Pod
Clingy Dogs are Prone to Separation Anxiety

Clinginess is often confused with separation anxiety because of their similarities, however, there are a few key differences.

It should be noted that clingy dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety.

Don’t be fooled by the cuteness

While you may think this clingy behavior is cute and loving, it may be caused by emotional or physical distress.

Look out for sudden clinginess

A sudden onset of clinginess may mean something health-related is going on– check with your vet.

There’s no reason to be concerned if this is their typical behavior, though… only if it appears out of the blue.

3. Chewing

It’s completely normal for puppies and dogs to chew on things; it’s in their nature.

I mean really, what dog doesn’t love chewing on a fresh new bone or bully stick?

Your Frenchie will love these bully sticks

Traditional Bully Sticks
4.3
$35.99

Looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your Frenchie that'll keep them busy? 

Well then look no further than Best Bully Sticks All-Natural Bully Sticks!

Made with...

  • 100% grass-fed beef
  • No artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or additives

If you're looking for a no-frills Bully Stick, these are for you.

Note: Your Frenchie will love these — but you might not... they're not odorless!

Buy Now on Amazon
10/02/2024 03:37 pm GMT

Why do dogs chew?

Dogs chew for many reasons… to relieve stress, anxiety, or they’re a “teething” puppy.

Chewing relieves stress

Chewing is a great stress reliever, tons of fun, and just feels good for our pups!

nom nom nom
Puppies may be teething

Puppies chew to relieve the pain caused by their teeth growing, commonly known as “teething”. This is why it’s so important to give puppies plenty of things to chew on.

While some chewing is normal, in some cases it can become destructive and excessive.

Chews for a Teething Frenchie

If your Frenchie is currently teething — or you plan on bringing home a puppy anytime soon — you’re going to need some Teething Chews.

When my Frenchie was a puppy, I used these Nylabone Chews so she had something to chew on instead of my shoes & furniture.

Nylabone Teething Keys Puppy Chew Toy
4.6
$11.29 $7.39
Pros:
  • Textured bristles help clean teeth
  • Promotes healthy chewing habits in puppies
  • Made with special materials designed for teething puppies
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Chewy
10/02/2024 08:06 pm GMT

Friendly Fire

I’m sure we’ve all come home to our puppies to find out they’ve chewed apart something you accidentally left on the floor.

Don’t blame your puppy for this!

A Cream French Bulldog that just made a mess of toilet paper
“I swear, it wasn’t me!”

It’s your fault for not puppy-proofing your house!

You have to teach your puppy what is okay for them to chew. It’s also your responsibility not to leave anything dangerous lying around within their reach!

5 Most Common Causes of Destructive Chewing

  • Hunger
  • Fabric sucking
  • Separation anxiety
  • Stress or frustration
  • Lack of exercise or mental stimulation

How to Stop Your Frenchie’s Bad Behaviors

It’s not easy

Let’s be honest…

Frenchies aren’t always on their best behavior…

French Bulldog attacking a cat
POV: Your Frenchie won’t listen

Have you been trying to break your Frenchie of a bad habit to no avail?

You’re not alone… Frenchies can be stubborn little buggers.

What my trainer taught me — make a loud sound

Whenever I catch my Frenchie doing something bad

And I mean real bad…

I’ll make a loud, unpleasant sound by clapping or banging on a table.

Jump Scare!

It always catches her off guard and makes her jump a bit.

She also stops doing whatever she knows she shouldn’t be doing.

So, What’s the Point?

You might be wondering what this accomplishes.

What it does, is associate their bad behavior with an unpleasant outcome.

This is the same technique used when trying to treat separation anxiety, however, you are assocating a bad behavior with a negative outcome, rather than the other way around.

Not In My House!

They will learn that continuing in their naughty ways will get them nowhere, and they might get startled by your loud noise.

It’s important to note that this is not a good training technique for trying to break your Frenchie of behaviors such as fear, separation anxiety, etc. This will only make matters worse.

I’ve found this works best when using it for behaviors such as jumping on people, excessive barking, stealing food, jumping on furniture, or chewing on things. You know, bad things.

Stubborn and Adaptive

A problem I’ve run into using this technique is that my Frenchie seems to be unfazed by my senseless clapping and banging.

I just can’t get her attention or startle her by simply clapping anymore.

For anybody else in a similar situation, I recommend using something like this pet corrector spray.

Instantly Stop Bad Behaviors!
The Company of Animals Pet Corrector Dog Training Aid
4.2
$15.99 $6.96

Emits a harmless hissing sound that resembles the warning sound from wild animals such as snakes, raccoons, geese, and more.

Tells your Frenchie to "STOP!" in their own language!

Use to stop barking, jumping up, stealing food, and chasing

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Safe & effective
  • 200 uses per can
  • Works immediately
Buy Now on Amazon
10/02/2024 04:11 pm GMT

What it does is emit a loud, unpleasant sound similar to a warning hiss made by a cat or snake.

How does this thing work?

It does this by releasing compressed gas (it sounds like an air compressor sorta) which is loud, but perfectly safe for you and your Frenchie.

My dog trainer showed me this trick and it never fails to startle any dog.

It’s just such an unpleasant sound that they’ll do anything to avoid hearing it again.

If you’re struggling to break your Frenchie of any bad habit, I seriously recommend checking this product out.

It’s impressive how quickly you can stop those stubborn bad behaviors.

4. Barking or Whining

Barking and whining are just some of the ways your dog expresses its feelings.

It’s their way of talking to us.

When barking gets excessive, it’s important that you don’t ignore it— it could be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Check out this Frenchie hilarious whining

Why do Frenchies bark and whine?

Dogs usually don’t bark for no reason. (Ok, some dogs do.)

Toy breeds such as Yorkies and other terriers are notorious for their excessive barking, but luckily, Frenchies aren’t known for their non-stop barking.

Stop Barking Fast
Dog Bark Deterrent Device
4.7
$59.99 $37.99

Struggling with stopping your Frenchie's barking?

This anti-barking device uses ultrasonic technology to discourage barking indoors and outdoors.

With the click of a button, your Frenchie will know you're saying "Stop Barking!" in their own language.

Pros:
  • Works indoors and outdoors
  • Emits a sound only dogs can hear
  • More effective than a bark collar with no painful shock
Buy Now on Amazon
07/07/2024 08:06 am GMT

7 Reasons Why your Frenchie is Excessively Barking

Not only is this behavior extremely annoying and disturbing to you and your neighbors, but it can also be a sign that something more serious is going on.

It’s pretty unlikely they’re just barking to bark— there’s usually a reason for their barking.

Reasons why…
  1. Pain
  2. Anxiety
  3. Alarm (i.e. barking when the doorbell rings)
  4. Territorial
  5. Attention seeking
  6. Emotional distress
  7. Genetics

5. Begging

Begging is one of those problems where the owner is usually to blame (sorry, not sorry!).

When you give in to a dog that is begging for food it only reinforces this bad behavior.

Begging is so cute though

Not only is begging bad manners but there are also many health reasons to not share food with your Frenchie.

If your dog is begging, there are a few things you can do to stop this behavior in its tracks.

Don’t give in when your dog is begging

I know it’s so hard to resist those puppy eyes but sharing your food is only going to make their begging worse.

They’ll eventually give up

They’ll just stop begging for a few seconds while they wolf down their food, just to come back begging with a vengeance. They know they can get food out of you now!

A Brindle French Bulldog with cute eyes
How can you say no to those eyes?

Completely ignore your dog

A good way to stop many of your dog’s negative behaviors is to completely ignore them. They will soon learn that begging won’t get them any food or attention.

When you yell at your dog to stop begging or give them any type of reaction at all, they are going to keep begging.

Patience is key

It might take a while for your dog to completely stop begging. This is to be expected.

Be persistent in your training.

They eventually will learn that begging is a waste of time.

6. Pulling on the Leash

This is one problem that I’ve been dealing with recently.

My Frenchie is always so excited to go out for a walk and just wants to pull the entire time. It’s pretty frustrating.

Some Frenchies Pull, Some Don’t

I know some lucky people whose dog walks next to them without any training at all.

Unfortunately, most of us are not this lucky.

They’re not trying to “lead the pack”

A common misconception is that dogs pull on the leash trying to “lead the pack” or be dominant. This is typically not the case.

The outdoors is much more interesting to your dog than you are; your dog would rather chase bunnies than listen to you tell them to stay!

Lack of training is usually to blame

The most common reason for dogs pulling on leashes is simply the fact that they are untrained.

It’s pretty common for puppies to pull on the leash, but commonly seen in dogs of all ages.

Reduce strain from pulling on the leash

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that years and years of tugging on the leash can lead to some serious spine, neck, and trachea injuries.

You should do whatever you can to stop their leash pulling ASAP. (I know it can be tough…)

The leash I use

I personally use this leash that has shock-absorbing technology to soften the blow whenever my Frenchie decides to charge a squirrel.

My Frenchie loves pulling on the leash whenever something catches her eye outside, so it’s nice to know my leash reduces any strain this may put on her body.

Shock Absorbing Leash
Tuff Mutt Hands Free Bungee Dog Leash
4.7
$29.97 $24.97

Shock-absorbing bungee technology protects your Frenchie's joints from the stress of leash-pulling

48 inches – extends to 60 inches

Pros:
  • Easy to grab— control handles to easily grab your dog
  • High-visibility— reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
  • Good for joints— protect your Frenchie's joints from the shock of them pulling on the leash
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Chewy
10/02/2024 06:04 pm GMT

Zero Tolerance

Just like any other negative behavior, if you allow the behavior, they will keep doing it because they know it works.

You have to have zero tolerance for pulling on the leash if you want them to stop.

No-pull harnesses are great ways to stop them from pulling on the leash. They are usually used in cases where other methods that you have tried to stop the behavior haven’t worked.

Discourages Leash Pulling
No Pull Dog Harness
4.5
$20.98

It is frustrating when your Frenchie pulls on the leash— and training them to stop can be even more frustrating at times...

For Frenchies that won't stop pulling on the leash, a front-clip harness is one of the best ways to help stop this annoying behavior.

Pros:
  • 2 clips— one in the front, one in the back
  • High-visibility— reflective material for night visibility
  • Controllable— handle that is easy to grab to control your dog
  • Perfect fit— The large size is perfect for most adult Frenchies
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Chewy
10/02/2024 05:46 pm GMT

7. Jumping up on people

Dogs naturally jump up on people to say hi!

They like to get as close to our faces as they can to see what they can smell.

“Hai—” *snort*

While you might not mind your dog jumping up on you when you get home from work, strangers might not feel the same way.

How to stop your Frenchie from jumping on people

If you want to stop your French Bulldog from jumping on you and other people, try the following.

  1. Keep your hands away from your dog unless their front paws are on the ground.
  2. When their front paws hit the floor, instantly praise and pet them.
  3. Your dog will learn over time that they won’t get the love they’re seeking unless their front paws are on the ground.

My Favorite Training Treats

Check out these low-calorie training treats that will keep your Frenchie attentive and eager to please without blowing them up like a balloon!

While there are a bunch of training treats available on the market, my Frenchie’s favorites are the Zuke’s Mini Naturals.

At less than 3 calories per treat, you’ll be able to train your stubborn Frenchie without worrying about them gaining a ton of weight.

My Frenchie's Favorite
Zuke's Mini Naturals
4.6
$8.99 $6.48

Frenchies may be stubborn— but with a treat like this, they'll be doing whatever it takes to get another one...

With chicken as the #1 ingredient and only 3 calories per treat, this is one of my favorite Frenchie treats for both training & snacking.

Pros:
  • Made with chicken
  • Less than 3 calories per treat
  • Made with natural, whole ingredients
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10/02/2024 08:05 pm GMT

8. Stubbornness and Selective Listening

Wow, you’d think with such big ears Frenchies would be superb listeners.

Hah, you thought.

Big Ears — Little Listeners

Frenchies are stubborn little buggers and commonly suffer from a serious condition called selective hearing.

I’m half-kidding.

Frenchies listen to you when they feel like it and perform commands at their whim. A treat can help you persuade them, but no promises.

5 things you can do if Frenchie isn’t listening to you

It’s always frustrating when your dog doesn’t listen to you— especially when you know they know what you’re saying and expect from them.

Here are a few tips on how to get your Frenchie to listen to you better…

  1. Be calm and assertive
  2. Remove excess energy
  3. Be consistent with your commands
  4. Practice the basic commands (even if you think they’ve mastered them)
  5. Use hand commands. Dogs commonly tune out verbal commands when we’ve been talking to them constantly.

9. Playing Too Rough

If you haven’t seen Frenchies playing with each other before, you’d probably think they’re fighting or hurting each other!

Frenchies can handle it

This is just the way they play.

While Frenchies are tough little guys that can handle this roughhousing, it’s important that they understand not every dog is a Frenchie though!

This is why socializing your puppy is so crucial.

4 Reasons why French Bulldogs Play so Rough

  • Overexcitement
  • Rough play with people
  • Trying to dominate the other dog
  • Learned to play rough from other dogs
What you can do

What can I do if my Frenchie is playing too rough with other dogs or people?

When things start to get out of hand, instantly remove them from the situation. Give them a small timeout and try to calm them down.

Don’t get mad at your dog; they’re just excited!

“Time-out isn’t too bad”
Stopping the roughhousing

If you stop the roughhousing and play immediately, they’ll learn over time that they need to contain their excitement if they want to play.

Rough play should always be stopped as soon as possible to prevent anybody from getting hurt.

Luckily Frenchies aren’t the biggest dogs out there and usually won’t hurt seriously hurt anybody, but regardless, a rough-playing Frenchie is still dangerous around small dogs and children!

French Bulldog Personality Traits

Frenchies have tons of personality and are definitely one of the best companion dogs in the world! Frenchies not only have tons of spunk & energy to zoomie around your house

Frenchies are…

  • Playful
  • Friendly
  • Funny
  • Loving
  • Smart
  • Stubborn
  • Mischievous
  • Energetic
  • Adaptable

Love attention & entertaining

They love being the center of attention and will always find a way to steal some attention!

A French Bulldog in a taco costume
“Why is everybody staring at me…?”

Frenchies love making friends with new people and entertaining the crowd with their goofy antics.

Great lap dogs

If you’re looking for a lap dog that’ll hang around and watch TV with you and then go outside for a run in the park, a Frenchie is perfect for you!

A French Bulldog sleeping on the couch next to its owner
Frenchies are professional couch potatoes

If you’re curious if a Frenchie is right for you, check out our pros and cons of owning a French Bulldog.

A little clingy

Frenchies love their owners more than anything in the whole wide world.

Prone to separation anxiety

They don’t tend to do well when left alone for long periods of time and are prone to separation anxiety.

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety don’t just get a little sad when you leave

They suffer from severe emotional distress without you, and may excessively bark, be destructive around the house, pee/poop inside, or do anything to escape their confinement (they might even get hurt trying to do so).

Dog Separation Anxiety: Causes, Prevention, and How to Stop — AKC

Can be a little clingy

Some Frenchies are also pretty clingy to their owners and will follow you around the house wherever you go.

“Whatcha doing???”

With this being said, not all Frenchies are clingy or have separation anxiety— every dog has a unique personality but clinginess & separation anxiety aren’t uncommon in Frenchies.

Don’t leave them home alone all day!

If you work long hours and aren’t going to be home for the majority of the day, you should consider another breed… your Frenchie isn’t going to be happy sitting around at home alone all day!

Keep an eye on your Frenchie while you’re gone

But if you have to leave your Frenchie for a big part of the day, you’ll want a way to keep an eye on them…

Meet the Furbo 360° Dog Camera — you’ll be able to see your Frenchie, talk to them with 2-way audio, and throw treats at the click of a button!

Frenchie Spy Program
Furbo 360 Dog Camera
4.9
$147.00 $210.00 (30% off)

The Furbo 360° Dog Camera is the perfect way to keep an eye on your Frenchie while you're away.

With its rotating 360° view, 1080p Full HD camera, and enhanced night vision, you'll be able to see your Frenchie in crystal clear detail, even in low light.

Talk to your Frenchie in real-time with 2-way audio and toss treats with the click of a button to reward good behavior (or just because!).

Pros:
  • Click a button to toss a treat
  • Activity, barking, and person alerts
  • Talk to your dog while you're gone
  • 1080p HD with color night vision & 360-view
Cons:
  • A bit pricey
  • Some features require a subscription
Buy the Furbo 360° Dog Camera Learn More about Furbo

A little noisy

If you’re planning on getting a Frenchie, you better get used to all the strange sounds they make!

They’re constantly snorting, snoring, farting, and talking in their own little language. Love it or hate it, these sounds are what make the Frenchie such a unique breed!

Check out all the sounds Frenchies make

A bit mischievous

I don’t know about you, but my Frenchie is always getting herself into some kind of mischief.

This is why I stress the importance of puppy-proofing your house!

Once you make sure your house is 100% safe for your Frenchie, you can let them roam around stress-free.


French Bulldog Do’s and Dont’s

Things not to do with a Frenchie

  • Don’t use negative reinforcement: Frenchies respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. Avoid harsh punishment or scolding, as this can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression in your French Bulldog.
  • Don’t neglect socialization: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature. It’s essential to expose them to different people, animals, and environments early on to help develop their confidence and prevent behavior problems, such as fear or aggression.
  • Avoid isolating them for long periods: French Bulldogs are companion animals and thrive on human interaction. Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. Ensure someone is available to care for your dog if you’re unable to be around.
  • Don’t overfeed them: French Bulldogs have a tendency to become overweight, which can exacerbate health issues like hip dysplasia and respiratory problems. Monitor your dog’s diet and provide appropriate portions to maintain a healthy weight— this means no sharing table food with them!
  • Don’t ignore grooming needs: While French Bulldogs have short coats, they still require regular grooming to minimize shedding and keep their skin healthy. Neglecting grooming can result in skin infections and other issues.

Things to do with a Frenchie

  • Use positive reinforcement: Frenchies — along with most dogs — respond best to positive reinforcement when training. That is, it’s better to reward them for positive behaviors that you want them to repeat than it is to punish them for bad behaviors you don’t want them to have. (Punishment never works well)
  • Socialize them often, especially as a puppy: While Frenchies are highly social & friendly, they still need to be socialized at a young age to ensure healthy social development. It’s important when they’re puppies, but also important to regularly socialize them at any age.
  • Feed them a high-quality diet: Your Frenchie will be the happiest & healthiest when they’re eating a high-quality diet to fuel their adventures (even if they’re just running around in the backyard and playing tug-of-war).
  • Regularly groom them: Wipe their folds, brush them with a deshedding brush, keep their nails trimmed, and give them a bath every month or two. Not sure how to groom your Frenchie? Here’s everything you need to know.

Looks can be deceiving

At first glance, Frenchies may look a bit scary and menacing…

I mean they’re a bulldog, right?!l

French Bulldog laying in a funny position
The big, mean, scary, FEROCIOUS French Bulldog

A French Bulldog?! That sounds like a aggressive, mean dog to me!!!

– Someone that’s never seen a Frenchie

But if you’ve ever met a Frenchie, you know that couldn’t be further from the truth…

French Bulldogs are one of the most playful, loving, and hilarious dog breeds out there!

That doesn’t mean they’re free of behavior problems though…

Frenchies can be quite mischievous and aren’t always on their best behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s so much to know about Frenchies — I hope you are able to find the answer to your questions somewhere on FrenchieWiki.

Can’t find an answer to your question? Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you!

What are a French Bulldog’s personality traits?

French Bulldogs are: Playful, Friendly, Funny, Loving, Smart, Stubborn, Mischievous, Energetic, and Adaptable

Are French Bulldogs aggressive?

No. Despite their sorta aggressive appearance, French Bulldogs are not known as an aggressive breed whatsoever.

While most Frenchies are friendly, this does not mean it’s impossible for one to be mean & aggressive.

While people unfamiliar with the breed might mistake them for being mean bullies, that couldn’t be further from the truth!

If you don’t know a dog, treat them like they could be aggressive, no matter how cute they are.

Do French Bulldogs bark a lot?

No, Frenchies are not big barkers… my Frenchie barely even barks to go outside!

Are French Bulldogs clingy?

Yes, Frenchies are known for being clingy & are more likely to experience separation anxiety than other breeds. Not all Frenchies are clingers though!

What are the most common French Bulldog behavior problems?

Separation anxiety, Clingy behavior, Chewing, Barking & whining, Begging, Pulling on the Leash, Jumping up on people, Stubborn selective listeners, and Playing too rough

Do Frenchies pull on their leash?

It depends — some Frenchies pull a lot & others don’t at all. It mostly comes down to how trained the Frenchie is though.

Are French Bulldogs Hyper?

To answer this simply: yes. Frenchies can be a bit hyper.

While my Frenchie isn’t hyper all the time, she can get some crazy bursts of energy (zoomies!!) that I don’t even know how to start to explain.

Do French Bulldogs bite?

No, most well-socialized French Bulldogs don’t bite whatsoever. They are not aggressive dogs, and usually the most you have to worry about is them “biting” you when they’re getting rough playing — but they are not known for biting whatsoever.

Khalid

Friday 25th of August 2023

Great Article

eric

Saturday 15th of April 2023

my recent rescue of a 3 year old supposed puppymill frenchie momma. she has some quirks of behavior she is toy aggressive with our 4 year old pug and was barking at my 2 year old grandchild not vicious like more startled or curious just guessing she's never played with toys or seen a todler

eric

Sunday 16th of April 2023

thank you. we've only had her 5 days and she is doing well with most things. again thank you we love her and want her to be a happy well adjusted member of our family. I will probably have more questions later.

frenchiewiki

Sunday 16th of April 2023

Congratulations on rescuing your Frenchie momma!

It's not easy to take on the responsibility of a dog with behavioral quirks, but with some effort, you can help her become a happy and well-adjusted pet.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Socialize her as much as possible: She might not have been socialized as much as she could've — ideally this is done when they're puppies, but you can still get behavior improvements in adult Frenchies through socializing. My Frenchie used to be scared of new people and always would bark at them... but through lots of socializing and bringing her around lots of people, this probably is completely gone! Supervise playtime: It's important to keep a close eye on interactions between the Frenchie and your pug, especially when toys are involved. If the Frenchie shows signs of aggression, such as growling or snarling, immediately remove the toy and redirect her attention to a different activity. Introduce new experiences gradually: If the Frenchie is not used to being around children, it's important to introduce her to your grandchild in a slow and controlled manner. Start by having the child sit quietly while you hold the Frenchie on a leash. If the Frenchie shows interest but no signs of aggression, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend together. Seek professional help if needed: If the Frenchie's behavioral issues persist despite your efforts, it may be helpful to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the situation and provide tailored advice and training techniques to help the Frenchie overcome her fears and insecurities.

Remember, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Frenchie momma become a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.

Best of luck!

Merridith Crockett

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

My Frenchie is really a good one, I feel very blessed. My biggest problem is Squirrels. We live on 2 acres and yes lots of squirrels. I am trying to figure out how to keep him from just taking off full speed after them. I even walk him on a leash ( no pull harness) it terrifies me when takes off while being on a leash, he is very strong. I started making him stop walking before he takes off, before we start walking again. Our yard is fenced however he started running to fence or tree trying to climb it. ( which is why a leash) I hate having to leash walk in his own yard. I want him to have free time to run and play.

Any suggestions are appreciated ( he really hates squirrels or just like the challenge of trying to catch it lol)

Thank you

frenchiewiki

Sunday 26th of March 2023

Hi Merridith,

It can be tough dealing with a dog w/ a strong prey drive, especially when you live somewhere with a bunch of squirrels. It seems like you're on the right track with the no-pull harness, but they definitely aren't an easy fix to a problem like this.

My Frenchie is the same way, she likes to chase squirrels, bunnies, and other animals in our backyard. She's actually got a few bunnies — I don't think the squirrel toy we have helps lol.

Here are a few suggestions for your situation:

Use a deterrent: Consider using a deterrent such as a motion-activated sprinkler or ultrasonic device to discourage squirrels from entering your yard in the first place. Impulse control training: Practice impulse control training by making your dog stop and refocus his attention before taking off after squirrels. Positive reinforcement training: Train your dog with positive reinforcement, teaching him a "leave it" command to ignore squirrels and focus on you instead. Avoid punishment: Avoid punishing your dog for chasing squirrels as this can lead to fear or anxiety around them. Instead, focus on redirecting his attention to more appropriate behaviors. Physical and mental stimulation: Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation through regular walks, interactive toys, and training sessions to help reduce your dog's desire to chase squirrels. Long leash: Consider using a long leash to give your dog more freedom to move around the yard while still having control over him. Safe and secure outdoor space: Create a safe and secure outdoor space for your dog, such as a fenced area or an enclosed playpen, where he can run and play without chasing squirrels. Professional guidance: Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for additional guidance and support.

It's important to remember that training takes time and patience, so don't get discouraged if progress is slow. With consistent training and reinforcement, your dog can learn to control his impulse to chase squirrels and enjoy his free time in the yard without the need for a leash.

Thanks for your comment. Don't hesitate to follow up with any other questions & concerns you may have. We'll try to help you to the best of our abilities.

— FrenchieWiki

Mel

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

Hi, my Frenchie constantly bits our feet and ankles and jumps on us. We have tried turning our backs to her but that was not a success. Do you have any helpful tips? We need help!

frenchiewiki

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

Hi there, I'm sorry for the late reply. Here are some tips to help with your Frenchie's biting and jumping:

Teach "off" or "down" command: When your Frenchie starts to jump or bite, firmly and calmly say "off" or "down" and redirect her attention to a toy or treat. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Frenchie with a treat or praise when she listens and stops biting or jumping. Consistency is key in reinforcing good behavior. Provide plenty of exercise: Make sure your Frenchie gets enough exercise and playtime to help reduce her energy and prevent her from getting too excited and jumping or biting. Practice good playtime: Encourage your Frenchie to play with toys and not with people's feet or ankles. Provide plenty of chew toys and interactive toys to keep her engaged and occupied. Consider professional training: If these tips don't seem to work, you may want to consider professional training for your Frenchie to help modify her behavior and learn more positive ways to interact with people.

I hope these tips help, and good luck with your Frenchie!