If there is one thing French Bulldog owners can tell you about this popular breed, it is that these cute pups are highly intelligent, but can be a mixed bag when it comes to training them. The biggest problem most owners seem to have with potty training a Frenchie is that they don’t seem to be in much of a hurry. You can expect to go the full 6 months or close to it before your pup can say he is fully potty trained and even then, you may still have a few accidents past the six-month point.
Replacing your pup’s mother—who naturally teaches them to eliminate away from the den—and teaching them to use a specific area of your yard requires time and dedication. While your Frenchie may be a bit on the stubborn side, as long as you are both patient and consistent when working together, he can figure this out. Repetition builds a routine that leads to the final result of your pup no longer leaving you those lovely little surprises.
Getting Started with Frenchie Potty Training
You can begin training your pup as soon as you bring him home. Start by taking him directly from the car to the spot you have picked out for him in your yard. When he pees or poops, praise him and give him a treat. Beyond this, you need to be able to recognize your pup’s signs that he is getting ready to pee or poop. These may include circling, sniffing around one spot, scratching at the floor or door, or whining.
To ensure success, you will find a few essential supplies can come in handy:
- Crate: For structured training and containment when you cannot supervise him directly.
- Leash: To guide him directly to his designated outdoor spot.
- Treats: High-value rewards reserved exclusively for successful outdoor elimination.
With this, you need plenty of time working with your pup as often as you can. The more you work with him, the faster he will figure it out. Be patient with your pup and he will eventually get this down.
3 Proven Methods to Housebreak Your French Bulldog
1. The Crate Training Method
This approach utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to keep their sleeping area clean to help them develop bladder control.
- One pup, one crate: Set your pup’s crate in a spot where you can keep an eye on him. Add toys, a bed, and a water bowl and, of course, your pup.
- Cue and out: Set your timer for 30 minutes and then open the crate, take your dog out, put him on his leash, and take him to the area you wish for him to use as his potty.
- To go or not to go: That may be the question, but the answer lies in your pup’s paws. He may go and if he does praise him and give him a treat. If he doesn’t, take him back inside and put him back in his crate.
- Set the timer: Reset the timer back to 30 minutes and start all over again. If at any time, your pup starts to fuss and whine like he needs to go potty, take him outside using a verbal cue, such as “potty time” and be sure to give him a treat and praise when he goes.
- More time: Start slowly and add time in five-minute increments to the timer until your pup can go for two hours without needing to go potty. You will need to wait until his bladder has fully developed for him to be able to hold for longer.
- No door: Start leaving the crate door open and keeping an eye on your pup. Stick to your schedule and if your pooch looks like he needs to go, be sure to take him out. In time, he will figure it all out and the number of messes you have to clean up will dwindle to none.
2. The Hawkeye Method
This method relies on total supervision and catching your puppy right as they show signs of needing to eliminate.
- You need a treat: Or at least your pup will when he goes potty outside where you want him to. Stock up on them and keep some in your pocket.
- Hawkeye: This is the point at which you need to be able to keep your eyes glued to your pup. If he starts whining, circling, sniffing/scratching at the floor, these are all indicators that he needs to go potty. When you see this, say “NO!” in a firm voice. Be loud enough to startle him, but do not use an angry voice.
- Hey, ho, let’s go: Pick your pup up and take him straight outside so he can go potty. When he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.
- Give him some time: Startling him may slow down his ability to go potty right away. Be sure to give him some time before you take him back inside.
- And ever on: Now that your pup understands the basics, it’s all about timing. Keep an eye on him for signs of needing to go, but be sure to take him out at regular intervals as well. Most puppies can last up to an hour per month of their age between potty breaks. Gradually extend the time between trips outside. The more you practice, the easier it will be for him to wait longer to go potty. Keep working at it until he masters this skill.
3. The Pee on Schedule Method
A rigorous time-based routine designed to minimize the opportunities for indoor accidents entirely.
- Clear your schedule: If you are going to successfully potty train your pup, you need to make sure you have enough time to do so. The one thing that will make the job go faster is consistency. The more you repeat the training, the easier it will be for your pup to figure it out.
- By the 20s: Set a timer for 20 minutes. When it goes off, hook your pup up to his leash and take him out to his “private potty”, better known as the one spot you want him to use in your yard.
- Ah, sweet relief: When your pup goes potty, be sure to give him lots of praise and a treat or two.
- Heck no, I won’t go: If he doesn’t go, take him back inside, reset the timer and wait.
- The next 20 minutes: During the next 20 minutes, keep a close eye on your pup. If he looks like he might be getting ready to go potty, take him straight outside. When he goes, give him a treat and lots of praise.
- Repeat after me: The rest is all about repeating the training and extending the time between potty breaks. The more you work with your pup, the faster he will learn. Keep up the good work.
Expert Training Questions & Answers
Question: How can I potty train my 1-year-old French Bulldog on a pee pad?
Answer from Caitlin Crittenden (Dog Trainer): I recommend following an exercise pen or crate training method to teach indoor potty training. While you certainly can try a traditional fabric pee pad, I highly recommend a disposable real grass pad for indoor training for an older dog. These options cost a bit more but last for 1 to 2 weeks at a time, making the cost comparable in the end. Real grass provides an easier transition for dogs accustomed to going outside and leads to less confusion between acceptable targets and household rugs or carpets, which share a similar fabric texture to standard pee pads.
Question: My 16-month-old Frenchie was born with scoliosis. Could this affect her bladder control?
Answer from Caitlin Crittenden (Dog Trainer): I highly recommend speaking directly with your veterinarian regarding this concern, as it falls under medical expertise. Nerve and spinal issues can certainly affect a dog’s bladder control. A veterinarian who can evaluate your dog’s physical condition and view her specific X-rays will be able to tell you most definitively.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC). French Bulldog Breed Information and Training Guidelines.
- Wag! Training Community Expert Q&A Archive. Indoor Housebreaking and Canine Spinal Mobility Studies.
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Crate Training and Puppy Development Schedules.