French Bulldogs are adorable, affectionate and make wonderful companions. However, like all puppies, there is the dreaded potty training! Successfully housebreaking your French Bulldog takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Some people have a preconceived notion that French Bulldogs are hard or impossible to potty train, which just isn’t true. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to effectively potty train your Frenchie.
1. Start Early: Begin potty training as soon as you bring your French Bulldog puppy home. Hopefully, the breeder you’ve chosen has started the potty-training process with either litter training or outside training, depending on age. With our litters, we begin as soon as they start walking at about 4 weeks old. Within just a couple days, I train the pups to use a specific area in their whelping pen for potty. We start with a low potty mat and as they get older switch to a larger litter tray. The younger the pup, the easier it is to establish good habits.
2. Establish a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Take your Frenchie out to the designated potty area at the same times every day, especially after meals (10-15 minutes after), before playtime, and after waking up. Use these designated trips as potty only, not play time, so they understand what they should do when you take them outside to “their spot”. Use a designated word/words like “Go Potty”, so they associate the words with what you’re asking of them.
3. Choose a Designated Potty Area: Pick a specific spot in your yard where you want your dog to do its business. Consistency is key, as dogs use scent to recognize where they should go.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy when they eliminate in the right spot. Treats, verbal praise, and petting work wonders. This positive association encourages them to repeat the behavior.
5. Supervise Your Puppy: Keep a close eye on your Frenchie, especially when they are indoors. Block your pup in designated areas of the home where someone is able to see them at all times. Also, account for accidents that might happen. Areas without carpet are ideal. If you can’t supervise, crate training is a valuable tool to prevent accidents.
6. Learn the Signs: Pay attention to your puppy’s behavior. Restlessness, sniffing, circling, or whining are often signs that they need to go out. Bell training can be a wonderful tool. Place a reachable bell on the door you go out for potty.
7. Clean Up Accidents Promptly: If your Frenchie has an accident, clean it up immediately with an enzymatic cleaner. This helps remove the scent, preventing repeat accidents in the same spot.
8. Avoid Punishment: Never scold or punish your puppy for accidents. This can create fear and anxiety, making the training process more challenging. This can also sometimes cause fear induced urination. I do use a firm “No” if I catch a puppy in the act. They must be in the act of the inappropriate behavior or they will not understand. Along with this, immediately take them outside to their potty spot. In this way you are stopping the action and correcting it. Even if you think they’ve “finished” inside, still take them out. Be consistent!
“No” should be taught along with other command training, so your puppy is aware of things that are not acceptable. Don’t scare, just use it the same way you would give other commands.
9. Gradually Extend Time Between Bathroom Breaks: As your puppy becomes more reliable, gradually extend the time between bathroom breaks. Be mindful of their age; young puppies need more frequent trips outside.
10. Be Consistent: I can’t say it enough… Consistency is the key to success! Stick to your routine and keep rewarding your Frenchie for good behavior. Like all training, even after your Frenchie is housebroken, you can’t forget about being consistent. If you start becoming lax, they may backslide into inappropriate behavior.
11. Be Patient: Expect accidents and be patient with your pup. Remember that potty training takes time. Each dog is unique and your Frenchie will eventually learn to signal their needs and adapt to your routine. French Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness, but with time and persistence, they will learn. Just like potty training a child, they have to be ready and mature enough to understand what you’re asking of them. We all figure it out eventually.
12. If Needed, Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with potty training, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian for guidance. If you just don’t seem to be making progress, there could be a medical reason your puppy or dog wont potty train. Things such as a UTI or something more serious can really impact behavior. It might not be their fault. That being said, if your usually potty-trained pup starts having accidents, also consider that a red flag and visit your veterinarian.
13. Celebrate Success: When your Frenchie consistently goes potty outside, celebrate the milestone. Throw a small party with treats and praise to reinforce the positive behavior for both you and your pup! Potty training is hard work and everyone involved should be rewarded! Treat yourself!
Potty training a French Bulldog requires patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement. By following these steps and being diligent, you can help your Frenchie become a well-mannered, house-trained family member. Enjoy the process of watching your puppy grow and develop good habits as you build a strong bond with your furry friend.