The Expert’s Guide to Potty Training Your French Bulldog Puppy

If you’re a new French bulldog puppy owner or you’re considering getting your first Frenchie, the subject of potty training your new family member has probably come up. If it hasn’t, it will—and it will likely be your pup who decides it’s time to begin the process. So, before you find yourself wishing you’d started earlier, it’s best to get a jump start on potty training your new pup.

But like most things when it comes to new dog ownership, potty training may seem overwhelming at first. But as long as you follow a few tips, you and your Frenchie will be just fine! Here’s what you need to know.

Tip #1: start early

Like all habits, getting an early start helps them stick. That means that it’s best to start your pup’s potty training the first day in their new home. We know that this may seem drastic, but trust us: the sooner you begin, the better.

Helping your Frenchie learn where to do their business early on not only makes the potty training process easier, but helps avoid potential incidents later on as well. However, keep in mind that there will definitely be accidents; it will take some time for your pup to master the process.

The good news that is that Frenchies are one of the easier breeds to potty train. This doesn’t guarantee that your pup will get it right away, but trust that they will with time and perseverance.

Tip #2: stick to a schedule

Dogs are like humans in that they learn best when on a schedule. No two pups' potty schedules will be the same, but as a general rule, pups eight weeks or younger will need to go out around 12 times every 24 hours. This number decreases roughly every four weeks. The key here is consistency.

Remember that this is just a guideline. It’s important that you keep an eye on your pup’s actions and behavior. Pay attention to each move they make before they need to go. No matter the age of your Frenchie, they’ll be sure to let you know when they have to go. It’s up to you to notice these traits and help them out.

Tip #3: make it easy for them

No one wants to think about extra steps when they need to go, and your French bulldog puppy is no different. One way to help them form habits is to give them cues and visual reminders of where is OK to go where is not.

A tried and true approach is using old newspapers as potty pads. You can also use training pads if you don’t get newspapers regularly, though they cost quite a bit more. Still, this method is super easy:

  • Place newspapers in an area you want your dog to go. By the door is usually a good spot, as it will be easier for them to move their business outside when the time comes.
  • Leave the newspapers in the same spot. If you move them around it could confuse your Frenchie and may lead to accidents.
  • Give them a verbal cue. Another effective way of helping them form habits is verbally communicating when it’s time to go and rewarding them with a treat after.

Find your new family member at Royal Empire French Bulldogs

Bringing home your Frenchie is one of the most memorable parts of dog ownership. Find your AKC Frenchie with Royal Empire French Bulldogs today. Reach out to us to learn more.

learn how to potty train your french bulldog puppy