Spoiler alert: Raising a French Bulldog who actually listens is 100% possible. But you’ll need patience, consistency—and a treat pouch that never runs dry
Frenchies are hilarious, affectionate, and full of personality… but let’s be real: they’re also stubborn little drama queens. The good news? With the right strategy, your bat-eared bundle of chaos can become a model canine citizen (yes, really).
Let’s dig into a practical, proven roadmap for raising an obedient Frenchie—whether you’ve just brought home a squishy-faced pup or you’re dealing with a strong-willed adult.
🧠 Step 1: Understand Your Frenchie’s Unique Mindset
Selectively Smart (AKA: “I Heard You, I’m Just Ignoring You”)
French Bulldogs are not dumb—they’re independent thinkers. They’ll happily learn commands… if there’s something in it for them. Obedience comes from motivation, not submission.
TL;DR: You’re not commanding a robot. You’re negotiating with a furry CEO.
Pro Tip: Incorporate problem-solving toys and brain games into daily life to keep their clever little brains engaged and compliant.
Attention-Seekers with a Side of Sass
Your Frenchie doesn’t just want your love—they want all your attention, all the time. The upside? This makes them highly trainable through praise. The downside? They’ll pout when ignored.
Use their neediness to your advantage: make obedience = attention. You’ll be surprised how fast they catch on.
⏳ Step 2: Start Early—Like, Yesterday
Puppy Brain = Prime Real Estate
Training should start as soon as your pup comes home. Between 8 to 16 weeks, their brain is like a sponge. The earlier you set routines and rules, the easier life will be.
What to Focus On in Week 1:
- Potty training
- Name recognition
- “Sit” on command
- Gentle handling (ears, paws, collar)
Training Timeline for Success
| Age | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | Crate, potty, socialization |
| 3–6 months | Basic commands, leash skills |
| 6–12 months | Impulse control, “stay,” “come,” distractions |
| 12+ months | Reinforcement, advanced tricks, off-leash recall |
🎯 Step 3: Build a Strong Training Foundation
Keep Sessions Short, Sweet & Strategic
Frenchies have short attention spans. Like, “goldfish-on-espresso” short.
Session rules:
- 5–10 minutes max
- 2–3 times daily
- Always end on a success
- Use high-value treats (think: tiny bits of cheese or freeze-dried liver)
The Obedience Trinity: Sit. Stay. Come.
You don’t need a Frenchie that can skateboard (though it’d be cute). You just need reliable basics:
- Sit: Foundation command. Use it before meals, play, or walks.
- Stay: Teaches impulse control. Build duration slowly.
- Come: The life-saving recall. Make it rewarding every single time.
🐾 Frenchie Hack: Turn commands into games—like “come + treat + chase me!” It keeps training fun, not robotic.
✅ Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement—Not Dominance Myths
Ditch the “Alpha Dog” BS
Frenchies don’t need you to be a pack leader from a National Geographic documentary. They need consistency, clarity, and reward-based training.
What actually works:
- Treats and praise
- Clicker training (for precise timing)
- Calm, upbeat voice tones
- Immediate feedback (within 2 seconds of behavior)
What doesn’t work:
- Yelling or harsh correction
- Punishment after the fact
- Intimidation or “alpha rolls”
🚫 Step 5: Avoid These Common Training Mistakes
❌ Inconsistency
Changing rules confuses your dog.
Fix: Set household rules and stick to them—no exceptions.
❌ Unrealistic Expectations
They’re not born obedient. It takes repetition and time.
Fix: Celebrate small wins. Be patient with regressions.
❌ Weak Treat Game
If your Frenchie isn’t into the reward, you won’t get results.
Fix: Test different treats—some love cheese, others go nuts for dehydrated meat.
❌ Ignoring the “Teen Phase”
From 6 to 18 months, even trained dogs regress. It’s hormonal.
Fix: Stay consistent. Reinforce basics daily. Don’t panic—it’s temporary.
🌎 Step 6: Socialize Early, Socialize Right
Exposure = Confidence
Frenchies who are exposed to people, dogs, sounds, and new environments early grow up more obedient and less reactive.
How to socialize smartly:
- Puppy classes (structure + socialization)
- Walks in new neighborhoods
- Invite calm dogs over for playdates
- Use treats to pair new experiences with positivity
Advanced Tip: Start sound desensitization (e.g., thunder, fireworks, sirens) using YouTube + treats while your pup is young.
🧩 Step 7: Add Mental Enrichment for Obedience Longevity
Obedience isn’t just about commands—it’s about keeping your dog mentally satisfied. A bored Frenchie is a naughty Frenchie.
Mental Stimulation Ideas:
- Puzzle feeders
- Scent games (“Find the treat!”)
- Rotating toys
- DIY cardboard box mazes
Bonus: Mentally tired dogs sleep better—and train better.
🧰 Step 8: Use the Right Tools (And Skip the Gimmicks)
Must-Have Gear
- Clicker: For clear training cues
- Treat pouch: For fast rewards
- Harness (not collar): Protects their airway
- Crate: Helps with potty training + safe space
- Enrichment toys: Like KONGs and puzzle mats
Skip These:
- Shock/prong collars (they cause fear)
- Overpriced “miracle” gadgets
- Outfits for every occasion (unless it’s Halloween—we get it)
🛠️ Step 9: Troubleshooting Frenchie Stubbornness
Scenario: Your Dog Won’t “Sit” Anymore
Don’t say it louder. Don’t say it 10 times. Instead:
- Pause.
- Lure them gently into position.
- Reward as soon as the butt hits the ground.
- End session on that win.
Remember: They’re not defying you. They’re asking, “Is this still worth it?”
Scenario: Barking at Everything
- Rule out boredom (use brain games)
- Teach a “quiet” command
- Reward calm behavior
- Redirect attention with a treat or toy
📅 Step 10: Make Obedience a Lifelong Habit
Training isn’t one-and-done. It’s a lifestyle.
Ways to integrate obedience into daily life:
- “Sit” before meals
- “Wait” before exiting doors
- Reward calm behavior in the house
- Practice commands during walks or play
🐶 Final Thoughts: Yes, Your Frenchie Can Be Obedient
Raising a well-behaved French Bulldog doesn’t require dominance—it takes structure, positive motivation, and a deep love for snacks.
You’re not aiming for robotic obedience. You’re raising a confident, joyful, and respectful companion who listens because they want to.
Recap:
- Start early, but it’s never too late
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Reward consistently
- Socialize thoroughly
- Be patient, even during setbacks
And if all else fails? At least you’ve got a loyal couch potato who’s hilarious, snuggly, and always down for a nap. Not a bad deal. 😉