The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Frenchie Parents Should Avoid

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At TomKings Puppies, we believe that bringing home a Frenchie is like welcoming a new family member. These lovable little companions bring so much joy, but just like raising a child, they also come with their own set of challenges. From the moment your puppy enters your life, you’ll be their guide, teacher, and best friend.

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of Frenchie parents face common struggles when it comes to raising their pups. To help you avoid some of the biggest pitfalls, we’ve put together this guide on the five mistakes every new Frenchie parent should steer clear of. With a bit of patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love, you’ll set your Frenchie up for a happy and well-behaved future!

1. Skipping Early Socialization

Your French Bulldog’s first few months are the most important time to help them become a confident, well-adjusted dog. Much like children, puppies are like sponges—they absorb every new experience and interaction. During this critical period, your Frenchie should be exposed to a variety of environments, sounds, and people. The goal is to make sure they’re comfortable in any situation, whether it’s meeting a new person, hearing a loud vacuum, or walking on a new surface.

Neglecting socialization can lead to a nervous, anxious dog who may become overwhelmed or scared in unfamiliar situations. A poorly socialized Frenchie might be frightened by new experiences, which can cause unnecessary stress for both of you. At TomKings Puppies, we take socialization very seriously from the very beginning. We ensure that our puppies are exposed to a wide range of stimuli in their first few weeks, so that they can grow into balanced, confident pups by the time they join their forever families.

The good news is, socializing your Frenchie can be a lot of fun! Take them for walks in the park, let them meet other dogs and cats (in a safe environment), introduce them to new places and new people as well. Invite guests over so the puppies can experience different human voices and scents. Ensure they meet children and elderly people, but make sure everyone handles the puppies gently and carefully. The key is to make each new experience positive by giving plenty of praise, treats, and reassurance. If your pup senses that you’re calm and happy, they’ll feel the same.

2. Too Much Freedom Too Soon

It’s natural to want your new puppy to explore their new home and enjoy their newfound freedom, but giving them too much space too early can lead to trouble. Just like toddlers, puppies don’t understand boundaries, and if left unsupervised, they can easily get into mischief—chewing on shoes, knocking over plants, or finding their way into areas that aren’t puppy-proofed.

When puppies are given too much freedom before they’re ready, they can develop bad habits that are hard to break later on. Things like chewing on furniture, barking at the mailman, or having accidents in the house become much more difficult to correct if they’re allowed to happen early on.

The solution? Limit your puppy’s access to safe spaces where they can’t get into trouble. Set up a designated area or use baby gates to keep them in one room while you supervise. This not only helps prevent accidents but also gives you the chance to correct unwanted behaviors right away. Over time, as your Frenchie learns the rules and shows they can handle more space, you can gradually expand their freedom. Think of it as earning their independence, step by step!

3. Inconsistency in Rules and Routine

Dogs, especially Frenchies, thrive on consistency. Just like children, they feel more secure when they know what to expect from their daily routine. Feeding times, playtime, walks, and even nap times should follow a regular schedule, as this helps reduce stress and keeps your pup happy.

But it’s not just about routines—rules matter too. If one day your Frenchie is allowed on the couch, but the next day they get scolded for jumping up, it creates confusion. Dogs can’t tell the difference between your fancy work clothes and your casual ones, so being consistent with boundaries is key. This kind of inconsistency can lead to behavioral issues, where your dog doesn’t know what’s expected of them.

To avoid confusion, you have to become your Frenchie’s pack leader by setting clear rules, and making sure everyone in the household follows the same rules. If jumping is off-limits, it should always be off-limits—whether you’re home alone or hosting guests. The same goes for feeding and playtime routines. A clear, consistent routine helps your Frenchie feel secure, knowing exactly when it’s time to eat, play, or rest, which in turn leads to better behavior.

4. Forgetting Basic Training

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of having a new puppy, but it’s important to remember that training should start on the first day. Many Frenchie parents think they can wait a few weeks or months to begin teaching commands, but delaying training can make things much harder down the road. Often, new owners also become so focused on one task—like potty training—that other crucial skills are overlooked.

Basic commands like “no”, “sit,” “stay,” and “come” aren’t just about having a well-behaved dog—they’re essential for your Frenchie’s safety and comfort, both at home and in public. Imagine trying to get your Frenchie to sit calmly when guests arrive or calling them back from a busy street. These commands help ensure they listen to you in crucial moments.

Start with short, fun training sessions that keep your Frenchie engaged and excited. Positive reinforcement is key—rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or plenty of praise will make your pup eager to learn. Training doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it’s a wonderful way to bond with your Frenchie and set them up for a lifetime of good behavior. Just remember, it’s never too early to start teaching your Frenchie the basics!

5. Using Harsh Methods

At TomKings Puppies, we believe that love and positive reinforcement are the foundation of successful training. It can be frustrating when your Frenchie doesn’t quite get it, but using punishment or harsh methods can do more harm than good. Dogs live in the moment, and if they aren’t corrected at the right time, they won’t understand why they’re being punished.

A common example is when a puppy has an accident indoors, and the owner responds by pushing their nose into the mess. These harsh reactions won’t teach your Frenchie what they did wrong; instead, it will only cause confusion, anxiety, and even a loss of trust between you and your dog.

The better approach is to redirect their behavior. If you catch them about to make a mistake, like going to the bathroom inside, clap your hands or say a firm “no” to get their attention, then calmly guide them outside. If they complete the task in the right spot, reward them with praise or a treat. In cases of more serious issues, like aggression towards others, the most effective form of discipline is to temporarily ignore them. Frenchies love being part of the family pack, and by removing attention, you show them that bad behavior means losing out on the fun.

Conclusion

Becoming a Frenchie parent is one of life’s greatest joys, but like all family relationships, it takes time, patience, and understanding to make it work. By avoiding these five common mistakes—neglecting socialization, giving too much freedom too soon, being inconsistent with rules, skipping basic training, and using harsh methods—you’ll set your French Bulldog up for success. Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about building a lifelong bond of trust and love with your furry friend.

We Can Help You Become a Fantastic Frenchie Owner!

At TomKings Puppies, we’re not just passionate about breeding French Bulldogs; we’re dedicated to supporting you as a Frenchie owner every step of the way. For even more tips and expert advice, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Raising a Happy and Healthy Frenchie eBook. It’s packed with everything you need to know to raise a well-behaved, happy Frenchie who will be a joy to have by your side. With the right approach and resources, we’ll help you become the ultimate Frenchie parent!

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 15 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.