Are French bulldogs hyper? They can be, especially as puppies.
There’s a common misconception that French bulldogs are always calm and easygoing. In reality, they’re just like any other dog. Without a proper outlet for their excess energy, they can be prone to destructive behavior, separation anxiety, and excessive barking.
Let’s face it, Frenchies have the kind of frantic energy that makes really good Tik Tok videos. It’s really funny when you’re on the outside looking in. Unfortunately, pet parents can get tired of that unbridled pretty fast.
If that sounds like you, and you’re struggling with your dog’s hyperactive behavior, we’re here to help.
French bulldogs, especially Frenchie puppies, can be a handful sometimes. Thankfully, there’s a way to ease and redirect that energy in more positive ways.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven easy and effective methods to tackle hyperactivity in French bulldogs.
At what age do French bulldogs calm down?
There’s a bit of a misconception that French bulldogs are calm, laid-back dogs.
The truth is, they tend to have lots of energy at any age. Most pet owners would probably agree that all puppies go through a hyperactive stage.
Puppies have naturally high energy levels for a number of reasons. For one thing, everything is exciting and new to a puppy. The world is an unexplored canvas to them. They want to smell, taste, and eat everything they can.
That’s how they learn about the world around them! Unfortunately, that excited curiosity can quickly turn into a frenzied state of overstimulation.
As you’ll see below, it takes a combination of activities, diet, socialization, training, and a lot of love to raise a healthy puppy.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say at exactly what age a young Frenchie will calm down. You’ll probably read a variety of articles on the best ways to calm a Frenchie, all with slightly different suggestions.
We’ve put together some of the most important aspects of raising a hyper Frenchie.
The reality is that your little Frenchie may always have bouts of hyperactivity. They have a naturally playful nature. In fact, it’s what makes them so amusing to be around.
It’s normal for dogs to have spurts of energy. It’s how you redirect the energy that makes the difference.
How to Get Young French Bulldogs to Calm Down
The following seven ideas can be used for any breed of dog.
They work best on young puppies but can be used at any age. After all, not everyone starts with a puppy. Many pet owners opt to get a rescue dog, and sometimes those dogs have unique challenges of their own.
1. Socialize
Socializing young French bulldogs is crucial for their development, especially when they’re still young pups.
Proper socialization exposes them to various environments, people, and other dogs. This helps them become well-rounded and confident companions.
Once your puppy has had their vaccinations and has been approved for socialization, you can begin introducing your dog to other well-behaved, friendly dogs in your neighborhood.
The best way to start is to have both dogs on a leash in a calm area where there aren’t a lot of other dogs around.
Let the dogs sniff each other and watch their body language. Immediately separate the dogs if you spot any signs of potentially aggressive behavior.
That said, there’s no need to panic. Remain calm and in control at all times. The last thing you want to do is over-react. Dogs can sense your anxiety and will react the same way.
Signs of aggressive behavior can include any or all of the following:
- Growling or snarling
- Stiff body posture
- Raised hackles
- Prolonged staring
- Snapping or lunging
- Fearful or defensive posture (tail tucked between legs, for example)
It may not go as planned in the beginning, but that’s okay.
Try again another day with the same dog. Sometimes it takes time for dogs to build trust with one another. It’s also possible for some dogs to just not like each other!
In that case, try introducing your Frenchie to a different dog altogether.
Remember, each dog is unique, and some may have different socialization needs. Always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being. If you have concerns or difficulties, it may be a good idea to seek professional help from a trainer.
2. Exercise
When it comes to providing exercise for a French bulldog, it’s important to strike a balance that takes into account their physical characteristics and potential health issues.
Over exertion can strain the respiratory systems of brachycephalic breeds.
This is due to their ultra-short snouts and flat faces. In fact, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a common problem in French bulldogs. The result is a dog that has difficulty breathing at the best of times.
Add some exercise to the mix and you’ve got a really uncomfortable dog at risk of overheating.
Frenchies, however, still need regular exercise.
Lack of exercise can lead to boredom, which can then lead to destructive behavior. In addition, French bulldogs that don’t get enough exercise can quickly gain weight, which can lead to a number of health problems.
Obese dogs are at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, bladder/urinary tract disease, liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Regular, short walks are a better option than a long hike. It’s important for French bulldog owners to watch for signs of overheating on hot days.
Signs your dog may be overheating include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargic behavior
- Disorientation
3. Training and Obedience
Proper training and obedience are crucial for French bulldogs. Puppies tend to have a short attention span, which means it’s going to take some patience and time.
Obedience training plays a vital role in shaping their behavior and ensuring a well-mannered and happy companion.
Remember to use positive reinforcement for good behavior to get the best from your dog. Interactive toys are a great way to mentally stimulate these intelligent dogs.
By rewarding desired behaviors with treats and praise, your Frenchie is more likely to understand and comply with commands.
Just remember that Frenchies are prone to obesity, so go easy on the treats. Some pet parents prefer to use healthier, low-calorie options like dehydrated sweet potato peelings.
Watch the following video on how to crate train a French bulldog puppy!
4. Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games can provide mental challenges to help keep Frenchies entertained.
Studies show that the use of enrichment toys can be useful in combating behaviors caused by stress in dogs. Canine enrichment feeding (CEF) is a great opportunity for pet owners to combine two vital needs for their pets: enrichment and diet.
One of the main reasons why Frenchies become hyperactive is because they’re bored. Just like any other dog, they need physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain grounded.
5. Proper Diet
Feeding a French bulldog a proper diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Dogs require a specific balance of nutrients in order to thrive. Look for the stamp of approval by the Association of American Feed Control Officials when shopping for dog food.
Imbalanced diets that are high in sugar, chemicals, and food dye and low in nutrition can lead to health problems in dogs. If you or
6. Rest
Puppies are just like babies. Without proper rest, they become agitated and overstimulated. In fact, puppies need about 18-19 hours of sleep every day.
Everything is new and exciting for a young puppy, so they burn a lot of energy taking in all the new sights, sounds, and smells.
However, they also tire out very quickly.
What may appear to be “bad” behavior is probably just your Frenchie telling you they need a nap. Make sure your puppy has a comfortable, safe, quiet, place to nap and sleep.
Puppies thrive on a simple routine:
- Playtime
- Nap time (puppies should nap every hour)
- Potty break right after the nap
- Feeding time
- Potty break
- and the cycle continues into playtime.
There’s no need to wait until your puppy is older to begin training. Start with the basic commands (sit, stay, down, and come) at 8 weeks of age.
It might seem like a slow process in the early days, but with consistent training, your dog will soon learn what is expected.
The best time to start training your puppy is after a nap, when he is refreshed and not overtired.
They have short attention spans, so only expect short, ten-minute training sessions in the beginning.
7. Maintain a Routine
A regular, daily routine helps dogs understand their role in the household. Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on predictability.
Having a consistent daily schedule helps dogs understand what to expect and when. This predictability reduces anxiety and stress, as dogs feel more comfortable and confident in their environment.
A regular routine helps provide structure and establish boundaries for dogs.
By having set times for meals, walks, playtime, and rest, dogs learn to anticipate and follow the established routine. This promotes good behavior and helps prevent behavioral issues.
Summary
Calming French bulldogs requires a combination of patience, understanding, and consistent training.
By implementing the strategies in this post, you can help your hyperactive Frenchie find balance and serenity.
Remember, every dog is unique, and it may take time to see results.
Be patient and persistent, and most importantly, shower your French bulldog with love and affection. With your dedicated efforts, you can help your hyperactive French bulldog become a calmer, happier, and more content companion.
Works Cited
“8 Basic Commands to Teach Your Dog.” Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2023, www.southernliving.com/culture/pets/basic-dog-commands.
“Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals.” VcaCanada, vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs. Accessed 16 July 2023.
Donovan, Liz. “Puppy Socialization: How to Socialize a Puppy.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization. Accessed 16 July 2023.
“Heat Stroke in Dogs: Signs, Prevention, and Treatments.” Furbo Blog, furbo.com/blog/en/article/heat-stroke-in-dogs-signs-prevention-and-treatments. Accessed 16 July 2023.
“Where Should My Puppy Sleep?” Where Should My Puppy Sleep? | Purina® Canada, www.purina.ca/articles/puppy/behaviour/where-should-puppy-sleep. Accessed 16 July 2023.