Top 7 Tricks Every Frenchie Owner Should Teach Their Pet

Welcome to the world of French Bulldog ownership! These charming, compact dogs are known for their unique appearance and friendly nature. Training your French Bulldog can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pet. Not only does it strengthen the bond between you, but it also helps keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active. In this article, we’ll explore seven essential tricks that every French Bulldog owner should teach their pet. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, highlight the benefits of training, incorporate positive reinforcement techniques, and offer tips for overcoming common challenges.

1. Sit

The ‘sit’ command is one of the most basic and useful commands you can teach your French Bulldog. It’s easy to learn and sets the foundation for more advanced tricks. Start by holding a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly move it upwards, prompting them to sit. Once they do, say “sit” and give them the treat as a reward. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog associates the word with the action. The benefits of teaching your French Bulldog to sit include better control during walks and improved obedience overall.

Positive Reinforcement: Always praise your dog when they successfully perform the trick. This encourages them to repeat the behavior in the future. For example, say “Good boy/girl!” or give them a gentle pat on the head after they sit.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Some dogs may struggle to understand the concept of sitting. In such cases, try using a clicker or a verbal marker to signal the moment they sit correctly. Alternatively, you can gently guide them into a sitting position with your hand and then reward them.

2. Stay

The ‘stay’ command teaches your French Bulldog to remain in place until given permission to move. Begin by having your dog sit or lie down. Hold your hand out in front of them with your palm facing them and say “stay.” Take a few steps back and observe whether your dog remains in place. If they do, return and reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration over time. Teaching your dog to stay can help prevent them from running off or jumping onto furniture.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog immediately after they have stayed for the desired amount of time. This reinforces the behavior and encourages them to continue staying put.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: If your dog gets up before you return, don’t punish them. Instead, calmly ask them to sit again and try again later. Patience is key here. Additionally, practice in different environments to ensure your dog can stay regardless of distractions.

3. Come

The ‘come’ command is crucial for ensuring your French Bulldog’s safety. To teach this, start in a quiet area where there are no distractions. Call your dog’s name followed by “come” in a cheerful tone. When they approach, reward them with treats and praise. Practice this command regularly in various locations and gradually introduce distractions to test their reliability. A reliable ‘come’ command can save your dog from dangerous situations.

Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog for coming when called. This could be through treats, praise, or playtime. Consistency is vital to ensure your dog understands that coming when called is always rewarded.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: If your dog ignores you, avoid chasing them as this can make them think it’s a game. Instead, try using a long leash or a toy to lure them back to you. Additionally, avoid calling your dog to come if you’re about to scold them, as this can create negative associations.

4. Shake Hands

The ‘shake hands’ trick is a fun way to interact with your French Bulldog. To teach this, hold a treat in your closed hand and place it near your dog’s paw. When they attempt to get the treat, gently lift their paw and say “shake.” Immediately give them the treat and praise. Repeat this process several times until your dog understands the command. This trick not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also provides mental stimulation.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise whenever they successfully shake hands. This will encourage them to repeat the behavior in the future.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Some dogs may be hesitant to lift their paws. In such cases, gently guide their paw with your other hand while saying “shake.” Once they understand the movement, switch to using just the verbal command.

5. Roll Over

The ‘roll over’ trick is a bit more challenging but very entertaining. Start by teaching your dog to lie down on command. Once they are lying down, hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it towards their shoulder, prompting them to roll over. As soon as they complete the roll, reward them with the treat and praise. Practice this several times a day until your dog can roll over on command. This trick provides excellent mental stimulation and can be a great way to tire out your energetic French Bulldog.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog immediately after they roll over. This reinforces the behavior and encourages them to repeat it in the future.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Some dogs may resist rolling over initially. In such cases, try using a clicker or a verbal marker to signal the moment they start rolling over. You can also break the trick down into smaller steps, teaching them to turn their head first, then their body, and finally their whole body.

6. Play Dead

The ‘play dead’ trick is a hilarious addition to your French Bulldog’s repertoire. To teach this, start by having your dog lie down. Then, hold a treat close to their nose and slowly lower it towards the ground, prompting them to lower their head and stretch out. Once they are in the ‘dead’ position, reward them with the treat and praise. Practice this several times a day until your dog can perform the trick on command. This trick not only provides entertainment but also helps improve your dog’s flexibility and coordination.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog immediately after they play dead. This reinforces the behavior and encourages them to repeat it in the future.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Some dogs may be reluctant to lie down completely. In such cases, try using a clicker or a verbal marker to signal the moment they start lowering themselves. You can also break the trick down into smaller steps, teaching them to lower their head first, then their chest, and finally their whole body.

7. Fetch

The ‘fetch’ game is a classic and enjoyable activity for both you and your French Bulldog. To teach this, throw a soft toy a short distance away and encourage your dog to go get it. When they bring it back, reward them with treats and praise. Gradually increase the distance and complexity of the game as your dog becomes more proficient. Playing fetch can help burn off excess energy and improve your dog’s coordination.

Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog for bringing the toy back. This could be through treats, praise, or playtime. Consistency is vital to ensure your dog understands that fetching is always rewarded.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges: Some dogs may not want to retrieve the toy. In such cases, try using a toy they are particularly interested in or a squeaky toy that captures their attention. Additionally, practice in different environments to ensure your dog can fetch regardless of distractions.

Maintaining a Fun and Rewarding Training Routine

Consistency is key to successful training. Set aside regular training sessions, ideally at the same time each day, to reinforce what your French Bulldog has learned. Keep training sessions short (about 10-15 minutes) to maintain your dog’s interest and focus. Incorporate games and activities that challenge your dog mentally and physically. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. By doing so, you’ll not only teach your French Bulldog valuable skills but also deepen the bond between you.