French Bulldogs have charming personalities and their behavior is something that they are adored for, however, some behaviors can be problematic. If you feel worried about the behavior problem of your pup it will have an impact on your Frenchie and your health. The best thing you can do is to take everything seriously and take immediate action. Here in this blog, we will discuss some common French bulldog behavior problems and their solutions.
Common Behavior Problems in French Bulldogs
1. Separation Anxiety
Frenchies develop very strong bonds with their owners and they like to get close to the family members. Everybody likes this attachment but it can lead to the problem of separation anxiety. The usual signs of separation anxiety in French bulldogs are destructive behavior, excessive barking, drooling, and attempts to escape from a confined area.
If you want your Frenchie to overcome this problem, start by leaving them alone for some time and then increase the duration. When you leave them alone make sure to give them interactive toys or puzzles to keep them occupied for long periods and to reduce anxiety. The snuffle mat is one such great toy that can keep your Frenchie occupied for a longer period. It mimics the Frenchie hunt for food in grass and they love finding the food in it.
It is made of colorful and durable material so it will keep your pup engaged for a longer time. Additionally, don’t make a big deal of your departure time and develop a positive association by giving those toys and treats. Over time your pup will learn how to live alone.
2. Excessive Barking
French bulldogs are not famous for their barking, but sometimes they develop a habit of barking too much, especially if they want attention or when they get bored. Excessive barking can create problems and your neighbors can also complain about it.
To address this problem, identify the reason that triggers this issue. They usually bark when they see strangers, or animals and to outside noise. Once you know the cause it will be easy to desensitize them to the trigger. For example, if your Frenhcie barking at people who are walking by the house then gradually expose them to people passing by and reward them for staying calm. Another thing you can do is to teach them the "quiet" command as it can be very effective. Whenever your Frenchie bark use the "quiet" command and reward them.
3. Stubbornness and Resistance to Training
Frenchies are infamous for their stubborn streak. Although they are very intelligent and learn commands in some circumstances they rather like to ignore them. This stubborn nature makes the training very frustrating for both the owner and the dog.
To overcome this problem use positive training methods consistently. Frenchies behave best to reward-based training and whenever you reward them with praise, treats, and play they behave positively. Try to keep the training session short as it will maintain your pup's interest in training. Try to stay consistent with the training and make sure all the family members stay consistent with following the command. If your pup is still resistant to training consider using professional training sessions.
4. Destructive Chewing
Like all other dogs French bulldogs also get involved in destructive chewing, mostly in their teething phase or when they are suffering from separation anxiety. This behavior will cause damage to shoes, furniture, and other household items.
To overcome this problem of destructive chewing, make sure your pup has access to different chew toys. Make sure that the toys are durable, safe, and are made for dogs. Try to rotate the toys regularly so your pup stays interested in them. If you find your dog chewing on any appropriate thing redirect them to the toy and reward them if they start playing with it.
5. Resource Guarding
Resource guarding means when your dog becomes extra protective of anything like toys, food, or any other thing. French bulldogs may snap, growl, and even bite if they find that their resources are threatened. This behavior is very problematic in households with other pets and children.
To address this problem desensitize your pup so they won’t feel threatened about their resources. Train your dog to respond to “drop” items. If your Frenchie is protecting a toy offer them a treat in exchange for a toy. This will teach your pup that giving up something will result in a positive outcome.
6. Socialization Issues
You will find some French bulldogs that show aggression and fear toward other animals, dogs, and people. This occurs because of a lack of socialization in the early developmental stages. Socialization problems can also lead to anxiety and stress during, trips, walks to the park, or when a guest comes home.
Start socialization of your pup in the very early days of their life, but it's never too late to start the straining. Start exposing your pup to different people, environments, and animals in a controlled manner. Use praise and treats to create their association with new experiences. If your pup shows any sign of aggression and fear get a step back and proceed slowly. Enrolling your pup in socialization class will also help in training them.
Final Thoughts
Frenchies are very loveable dogs but they can also present some unique behavioral challenges. If you understand the reason behind their behavior problem and deal with it with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement it will make your relationship strong. Every dog is different and what work on one dog may not be suitable for another. If you feel that you are struggling with your pup despite your best efforts then getting professional help from a dog trainer will help your dog. If you choose the right methods your dog can become a great member of your family.