French Bulldog Etiquette: 17 Must-Know Rules for Public Spaces

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As responsible pet parents, it’s our duty to teach our Frenchies how to behave when we step outside our familiar home environment. French Bulldogs, with their curious and sociable nature, can sometimes get a bit too excited in public. There are certain unwritten rules we must adhere to, which may not always be obvious, especially for new dog owners. In this article, we’ve compiled 17 dog etiquette rules for walking on the street, visiting dog parks, dining at outdoor restaurants, and spending time at the beach. Let’s dive into these tips to make your adventures with your Frenchie pleasant for everyone around you!

How to Behave During Street Walks With Your Frenchie

Taking your Frenchie for a walk is one of the joys of being a dog owner. However, ensuring these walks are pleasant for everyone involved requires some basic etiquette. Below are some essential tips for walking your Frenchie on the street. Make sure to also read our article about 3 rules on the street that can save your Frenchie’s life!

1. Walking on a Leash: Always keep your Frenchie on a leash, even if they have excellent recall skills. This is not only the law in many places but also a matter of safety and courtesy. Keeping your Frenchie leashed ensures they stay close to you when passing others, preventing any unwanted interactions. It’s also essential to train your Frenchie not to pull on the leash, as this can be a tripping hazard and make the walk unpleasant for both of you.

2. Clean Up After Your Dog: Always carry enough poop bags and promptly pick up after your pup. Leaving your dog’s waste is not only inconsiderate but also unhygienic. Additionally, avoid letting your dog urinate on inappropriate places like doorways, cars, or other people’s property. Aim for trees or bushes instead. Keeping the environment clean ensures that public spaces remain pleasant for everyone.

3. Respect Other Pedestrians: It’s important to be mindful of people who might be uncomfortable around dogs. Do not let your Frenchie bark at or chase people using strollers, bicycles, or other vehicles. Such behavior can be startling and even dangerous. If your dog tends to get excited or reactive, consider crossing the street or moving to a safe distance to give others space.

4. Respect Other Dogs: Not all dogs are friendly or comfortable with new encounters. Only let your Frenchie approach another dog if the other owner agrees. Until you have permission, keep your Frenchie close to you. This prevents any potential conflicts and ensures that all interactions are safe and controlled.

How to Behave in Dog Parks with Your Frenchie

Dog parks are fantastic places for your puppy to burn off energy, socialize, and have fun. Frenchies get along very well with other dogs, however, these shared spaces come with their own set of rules to ensure everyone has a positive experience. Here are some essential tips for proper etiquette at the dog park:

1. Respect Other Dogs: Always ask the owner’s permission before petting or feeding someone else’s dog. Every dog has a unique temperament, and some may not be comfortable with strangers. By respecting these boundaries, you help maintain a safe and friendly environment for all dogs and their owners.

2. Handle Conflicts Appropriately: If another dog’s behavior bothers you or your Frenchie, speak to the owner politely instead of taking matters into your own hands. It’s crucial not to discipline or shoo away another dog unless the owner is not nearby and the situation is urgent.

3. Play Respectfully: Make sure your Frenchie doesn’t join in on other dogs’ games without an invitation. If your dog can’t engage appropriately in play, move to a different area. Additionally, always use toys only if it doesn’t disturb other dogs. Avoid using fetch or tug-of-war toys that might provoke aggressive behavior in a shared space.

4. In-Heat Females and Overzealous Males: Avoid bringing a female dog in heat to the park, as this can cause tension and potential conflicts among other dogs. Similarly, discourage excessive courtship behaviors in male dogs. If your male dog is overly persistent, it’s best to remove him from the situation until he calms down.

5. Respect Commands: If another owner calls their dog or gives them a command, ensure your Frenchie doesn’t interfere. Call your dog away to allow other owners to manage their pets effectively. This mutual respect makes it easier for everyone to control their dogs and ensures a harmonious environment.

How to Behave in Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés with Your Frenchie

Dining out with your Frenchie can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to ensure that your pup’s behavior enhances the outing rather than disrupts it. Here are some key tips to follow when you take your Frenchie to a dog-friendly restaurant or café.

1. Respect Others’ Comfort: Always keep your Frenchie on a leash and close to you. It’s important to respect other people’s opinions, requests, and fears. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and your Frenchie’s presence should not make others feel uneasy. Ensure that your pup stays calm and well-behaved at all times.

2. Respect Personal Space: Don’t let your Frenchie approach strangers unless they invite it. Particularly avoid disturbing others during meals. Keep a larger distance from children, as some might be afraid of dogs or have allergies. Teach your Frenchie to stay by your side and not to beg for food from other diners.

3. Minimize Noise: Although Frenchies are not known for their barking, some of them can still be quite vocal. Ensure your Frenchie remains quiet and doesn’t bark or whine. This helps to avoid disturbing other guests who are trying to enjoy their meals. If your Frenchie starts being noisy, try to distract them with a toy or take them for a short walk to calm them down.

4. Interactive Toys: Bring a food-filled chew toy or a favorite toy to keep your dog occupied while you eat. This will help prevent your Frenchie from getting bored and restless, which can lead to disruptive behavior. An entertained dog is a quiet and well-behaved dog.

5. Never Leave Unattended: If you need to leave your table, ask a friend or family member to hold your Frenchie’s leash. Never leave your dog unattended, as this can lead to anxiety for your Frenchie and potential disturbances for other diners.

How to Behave at the Beach with Your Frenchie

Taking your Frenchie to the beach can be especially fun, but it’s important to follow some basic etiquette to ensure everyone enjoys their time. Here are some essential tips for a pleasant beach outing with your Frenchie:

1. Avoid Disturbance: Make sure your Frenchie doesn’t splash water on others or step on their towels. Beachgoers are there to relax and enjoy their time, and a wet, sandy dog can quickly dampen their spirits. Train your Frenchie to stay close to you and to be respectful of other people’s space.

2. Respect Others’ Belongings: Keep your Frenchie away from other people’s belongings and prevent them from sniffing through others’ bags. It’s not only impolite but can also lead to accidents or damage.

3. Supervise Closely: Always keep an eye on your Frenchie to make sure they don’t disturb other beachgoers and remain safe. Never let them run free without supervision as they can easily get lost or find themselves in dangerous situations, especially in extreme heat. Most French Bulldogs can’t swim, so consider using a doggy life jacket for added safety.

If you’d like to learn more about Frenchies, join our Facebook group called TomKings Frenchie Family to read our Frenchie parents’ experiences.

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 their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.