How To Raise An Obedient French Bulldog
First off—good luck. 😅 Just kidding… kind of.
Raising an obedient French Bulldog is totally possible, but if you’re expecting military precision and German Shepherd-level discipline, you’re in for a surprise. Frenchies have personality—read: sass, stubbornness, and a flair for the dramatic. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be trained.
With the right mix of patience, consistency, and snacks (lots of snacks), your little bat-eared gremlin can turn into a surprisingly well-behaved bestie. Let’s break it down.
Understand What You’re Dealing With First
They’re Smart… But Selectively
Frenchies aren’t dumb. They’re actually quite clever—but they’re also a bit like that kid in class who could ace every test but just doesn’t care. They’ll obey commands if it suits them, which is why training needs to be both fun and rewarding.
TL;DR: They’re stubborn, not stupid.
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Start Training Today! 🐾They Crave Attention (Like, All of It)
Frenchies are velcro dogs. They want to be with you 24/7 and will pull out all the drama if they think you’re ignoring them. This trait makes them super loyal, but also a bit clingy.
Good news? Their love of attention means they want to please you. You just have to show them how.
Start Training Early (Like, Yesterday)
Puppy Brain = Spongy Brain 🧠
The earlier you start, the easier it is. Puppies are basically blank slates with paws and gas problems. Use that window to establish good habits.
Training should start as soon as you bring your pup home. Don’t wait for “the right time.” The right time is now. No pressure or anything. 🙂
Use Short, Fun Sessions
Frenchies have the attention span of a goldfish on Red Bull. Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes max—but do them often.
Tips for effective sessions:
- End on a win (like a simple “sit”)
- Use a happy, upbeat voice
- Always reward, even for small progress
Master the Basics First
Let’s be honest—you’re not training your Frenchie for agility competitions. You just want them to not pee on your rug and maybe come when called.
Housetraining 101
This is every new Frenchie owner’s Everest. They’re notorious for being a bit slow on the potty training uptake, but it’s not impossible.
Pro tips:
- Crate train: It speeds up the process and keeps your floors clean
- Stick to a schedule: Take them out the same times every day
- Praise like you just won the lottery when they go outside
Sit, Stay, Come: The Holy Trinity
These are the must-haves before you try anything fancy.
- Sit: Easiest command. Start here.
- Stay: A little harder but teaches patience.
- Come: Vital. Like, “don’t run into traffic” vital.
FYI: Frenchies are treat-motivated. Keep some kibble or soft chews handy at all times. Like a snack-dispensing vending machine. For dogs.
Use Positive Reinforcement (And Ditch the Alpha Dog Nonsense)
No Yelling. No Alpha Rolls. Just Snacks.
Positive reinforcement works. Period. That whole “show them who’s boss” thing? Yeah, throw it out. You don’t need to dominate your dog. You need to motivate them.
What works:
- Treats
- Praise
- Toys
- Belly rubs
What doesn’t:
- Yelling
- Hitting (obviously)
- Scolding hours after the “crime” (they don’t get it)
Be Consistent or Be Confused
If you let your Frenchie on the couch sometimes, they’ll think the couch is theirs all the time. Dogs don’t understand exceptions.
Set clear rules and stick to them. That includes everyone in the house. (Yes, even your roommate who “just wanted one cuddle.”)
Socialize Early, Socialize Often
Because Nobody Likes a Weird Dog
An obedient Frenchie is also a well-adjusted Frenchie. Expose them to other dogs, people, sounds, and situations early on. The world is a big place for a little dog—show them it’s not scary.
Key moments to socialize:
- Puppy classes (great for basic commands + meeting other pups)
- Walks in different neighborhoods
- Invite friends over (especially if they bring calm dogs)
IMO: A well-socialized dog is way easier to train. They’re less reactive, more confident, and less likely to lose their mind when a scooter drives by.
Deal With That Frenchie Stubbornness
Oh, They’ll Test You
There will come a day (probably several) when your Frenchie stares you dead in the eyes and just… doesn’t move. You’ll say “sit” and they’ll blink at you like, “lol no.”
Stay calm. Don’t repeat the command 20 times. Go back to basics. Make it rewarding again. You’re not losing—they’re just testing your resolve.
Remember:
- They’re not being defiant to spite you.
- They’re just wired to ask, “what’s in it for me?”
So make sure there is something in it for them. Even if it’s just a happy “good dog!” and a goofy smile.
Watch Out for Common Training Mistakes
Mistake #1: Inconsistency
One day “off” can undo a week of progress. (Yeah, it’s annoying. Welcome to dog parenting.)
Solution: Stick to your training cues. Use the same words every time.
Mistake #2: Expecting Too Much Too Soon
Your Frenchie is not a furry Einstein. Don’t expect a perfectly obedient dog in two weeks.
Solution: Celebrate small wins. Like not eating your shoes. That’s a win.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Treats
If your dog turns their nose up at the treat, guess what? They won’t work.
Solution: Find what your Frenchie loves—cheese, freeze-dried liver, tiny bits of hot dog. Use that as your currency.
Keep It Going As They Grow
Adult Dogs Need Training Too
Obedience doesn’t end when they stop being puppies. You’ll need to keep practicing, especially during the dreaded “teen phase” (6–18 months). Yep, dogs go through puberty too. And yep, it’s just as dramatic.
Make It a Lifestyle
Training isn’t just about “commands.” It’s about everyday structure and expectations.
Examples:
- Making them sit before meals
- Waiting at the door before walks
- Rewarding calm behavior, not just tricks
Obedience is a habit, not a one-time achievement.
Tools That Actually Help
Let’s talk gear for a second. You don’t need fancy stuff, but these tools can make your life easier.
Essentials for Training Success
- Clicker: Great for marking good behavior instantly.
- Treat pouch: So you’re not fishing around your hoodie pocket like a maniac.
- Harness: Frenchies have delicate necks. Skip the collar during walks.
- Puzzle toys: Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise.
Things You Don’t Need (But Might Buy Anyway)
- “Training collars” with prongs or shocks – hard pass
- Giant dog beds they’ll never use
- Outfits for every season (unless you want pics for the ’Gram, no judgment)
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Have a Well-Behaved Frenchie
It’s gonna take some work, a lot of treats, and probably a few moments where you question your life choices—but raising an obedient French Bulldog is absolutely doable.
They’re funny, stubborn, smart, and just a little bit dramatic. But with the right approach, they’ll listen, follow commands, and even impress your friends at the dog park.
Just remember:
- Start early
- Be consistent
- Reward the heck out of good behavior
- Don’t take it too seriously
And hey—if all else fails, you’ve got yourself a world-class couch potato who makes you laugh daily. Not the worst trade-off. 😉
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
