We all treat our French Bulldogs as family members and behave with them like that. It’s important to note, however, that there are some things they don’t like as much as humans. While a lot depends on how they are raised and trained, try to avoid the things below.
1. Exposing your Frenchie to too much heat
French Bulldogs don’t do well in heat because of their short noses, so you need to keep a close eye on them during the summer months. Playing outside in the sun or walking when it’s still too hot can really affect your poor pup, that’s why you should only walk your Frenchie early in the morning and late in the evening in lower temperatures.
Always watch out for signs like heavy breathing and panting, foaming at the mouth, hanging or discolored tongue, excessive drooling or lethargy and learn how you can help your Frenchie cool down. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water as well, as dehydration and heatstroke may largely affect a French Bulldog’s lifespan.
2. Tight hugging
Humans often express their love for each other with hugs, so you might be tempted to do the same with your sweet puppy. However, dogs don’t like tight hugs. First of all, they don’t have arms. Secondly, they are the descendants of wolves where the gesture of a hug is likely to be perceived as the sign of dominance. Thirdly, French Bulldogs – like all dogs – are cursorial animals, which means that in case of threat their first reaction is running away and a hug might feel as a gesture of reducing their level of mobility.
Most puppies can still get used to hugging if you start from a really young age. But if you can see that they dislike it or feel uncomfortable during a hug, you should look for other ways to bond with your Frenchie. It’s important to tell this to kids in the family too, who often treat Frenchies as a toy, click here to read how to play with a Frenchie.
3. Leaving your Frenchie out of sight while with strange dogs
French Bulldogs and all flat-faced bully breeds are known for their loud breathing which often sounds like grunting, especially when they are older. Other dogs, especially those that rarely meet bulldogs often don’t know what to make of this strange sound and tend to react to it with aggression and attack.
Because of that, bulldogs may sometimes find it more difficult to fit in a dog pack as they may be greeted with hostility at first (e.g. in a dog school). So, when you take your Frenchie to dog parks where they will likely meet strange dogs, you should never leave them out of your sight!
4. Inviting a strange dog
When two strange humans meet, we rely on our manners to start a conversation, and young kids get along well too even if they don’t know each other. However, letting a guest bring a strange dog to your house is not a good idea, as your pup will instinctively protect their home.
What could be better is to take them for a walk first, where they can meet each other. Then keep them on the leash for some time in the house until they warm up, and then they can freely socialize. Here you can read how to introduce your Frenchie to a new family member.
5. Changing your Frenchie’s routine
You might find doing always the same things the same way boring, but your Frenchie won’t. They feel safe following the same routine of the day, regarding eating times, playing, walking and sleeping. Changing it might upset or stress them, unless obviously absolutely necessary for some reason.
The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and show puppies from their breed and their farm. Check their available puppies here, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
