Struggling to train your stubborn Frenchie?
You’re not alone. Many owners find their adorable pups are more interested in snuggles than sit commands. But with the right approach, Frenchies can learn quickly and happily. 💡
Frenchie Bulldogs: Smart, Stubborn, and So Worth It
French Bulldogs are affectionate, playful, and deeply loyal. But let’s be honest—they can also be a bit... stubborn. That squishy face and those expressive eyes? They often come with a side of selective hearing. Whether it’s teaching basic commands or helping your pup play well with others, the key is patience, consistency, and understanding what makes your Frenchie tick.
With the right tricks (and some tasty treats), your Frenchie can go from ignoring commands to impressing the whole park. Let’s dive into 5 training strategies that actually work—tested by real Frenchie parents.
Listen: Frenchie Bulldog Training Tricks That Actually Work (Podcast Episode)
1. Start Simple: The “Sit” Command
“Sit” might seem basic, but it’s the foundation for nearly every other command. For your Frenchie Bulldog, it also helps build focus, impulse control, and engagement. Frenchies tend to be food-motivated but stubborn—so you need to make this command both rewarding and fun.
Start by holding a small treat in your hand, just above their nose. Slowly move it upward and slightly back—this will naturally guide their head up and their bottom down. The moment their rump touches the floor, say “Sit” clearly and reward immediately with the treat and verbal praise like “Good sit!”
Be consistent with your word choice and avoid repeating the command. If they don’t sit, reset and try again rather than repeating “Sit” over and over. Keep sessions short—just a few minutes at a time—and practice in low-distraction areas before graduating to outdoors or around other people and dogs.
Over time, “Sit” becomes your go-to command to get their attention before crossing streets, greeting guests, or starting play. It’s their mental reset button.
🎁 Pro Tip: Check out our Frenchie Food Puzzle Toy – this toy keeps your dog mentally stimulated while promoting healthier eating habits.
2. Make Potty Time Predictable
Potty training a Frenchie requires patience, timing, and a solid routine. These little dogs thrive on predictability, so the more structured your potty schedule is, the faster they’ll catch on.
Take your Frenchie outside first thing in the morning, after every meal or drink, after naps, and right before bedtime. Pick a designated potty spot in your yard or near your home and stick to it—dogs learn faster when they associate one location with the task.
Use a verbal cue like “Go potty” while they sniff around, and immediately reward them with a treat and enthusiastic praise once they finish. Timing is crucial—rewards need to come right after the act, not after you’re back indoors. Never punish accidents; instead, quietly clean them up and revisit your routine.
Crate training can help, as dogs generally avoid soiling where they sleep. Just make sure your Frenchie’s crate is appropriately sized—not too big, not too small.
Stick to a consistent feeding schedule to better predict when they’ll need to go, and keep an eye out for sniffing or circling behaviors, which often signal the need to go out. With time, repetition, and patience, your Frenchie will learn where and when to go potty.
3. Socialize Early, Often, and Gently
Socialization is a game-changer for Frenchie Bulldogs. While they’re naturally affectionate, some Frenchies can become overly attached or reactive if not properly socialized. That’s why early, positive exposure to people, other dogs, sounds, and environments is essential.
Start with controlled, low-stress situations. Invite calm friends over, or take short walks through pet-friendly areas where your Frenchie can observe from a safe distance. Use treats to reward calm behavior around new experiences, such as the vacuum cleaner, traffic noise, or different floor surfaces.
Avoid overwhelming your pup with too much at once—slow and steady wins the social race. Look for puppy socialization classes or small group meetups with other well-behaved dogs. The goal isn’t just to get them used to others, but to teach them how to respond appropriately.
Watch their body language: relaxed ears, wagging tail, and sniffing are good signs. If they seem nervous, increase distance and try again another time. Never force interactions, especially with larger or overly excited dogs.
🎁 Pro Tip: Try our French Bulldog No Pull Collar Harness Leash Set – Perfect for secure, stress-free outings with your pup!
4. Curb Barking With the “Quiet” Command
Frenchies aren't notorious barkers like some breeds, but when they bark, it’s usually for a reason: attention, boredom, or alerting you to something. Teaching the “Quiet” command is about helping them understand that silence earns more rewards than noise.
Start by letting them bark once or twice—then calmly say “Quiet.” As soon as they stop barking, even if just for a second, reward them with a treat and praise. If you jump straight to yelling, they may think you’re barking back!
Use this technique consistently. You can also pair the command with a hand signal, like holding a finger to your lips. If barking persists, identify and address the root cause—sometimes it’s lack of stimulation or too much time alone.
You can also teach an alternative behavior. For example, if your Frenchie barks when someone walks by the window, redirect them to their bed or offer a toy to chew. Replacing the behavior is often more effective than just trying to suppress it.
Training tools like white noise machines, puzzle feeders, or calming chews may also help reduce general anxiety-related barking when you’re not home.
5. Keep Sessions Short but Fun
French Bulldogs have a limited attention span, especially when it comes to repetitive tasks. If training feels like a chore to them—or to you—it won’t be effective. That’s why the best way to train a French Bulldog is to keep sessions short, sweet, and playful.
Aim for 5 to 10 minutes per session, ideally after a walk or a play session when your Frenchie is a little tired and more focused. Use enthusiastic tones, tasty treats, and a happy attitude. You’re not just teaching commands—you’re building a bond.
Alternate between new commands and ones they already know. This builds confidence and prevents frustration. End each session with a fun activity or cuddle time so they associate training with positive outcomes.
Avoid long lectures, harsh corrections, or dragging things out. Frenchies are more likely to respond to a silly voice and a piece of chicken than a stern lecture on obedience. 😄
And remember—consistency beats intensity. Training your Frenchie for 5 minutes a day is more effective than trying to cram an hour on the weekend.
Training Takes Time, But It Pays Off
Frenchie Bulldog training isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you're teaching them to “Sit” or helping them be the life of the dog park, the secret is showing up daily with patience and love. These little clowns are eager to please once they trust the process. Stick with it, and you’ll have a well-mannered (and super snuggly) sidekick in no time. 🐾
Related Articles from Frenchie.Shop Blog:
5 Essential Life Skills to Teach Your French bulldogs
HOW REGULARLY SHOULD YOUR FRENCHIE VISIT THE VET IN A YEAR
💬 Want more Frenchie care tips and training tricks? Visit our FRENCHIE BLOG for a treasure trove of advice!