If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, congratulations! A French Bulldog can make a wonderful companion and can bring you and your family so much joy. But before you head to the shelter or breeder, there are a few things you should know about being a first-time dog owner. It’s important to do your research and be prepared for the commitment involved in dog ownership. Here are 8 useful tips for first-time French Bulldog owners.
1. Get Your Home Ready for a Dog
Before bringing your new dog home, take some time to puppy-proof your house. Move anything fragile or valuable out of reach, and make sure all of your trash cans have lids. Puppies are curious creatures and will put just about anything in their mouth, so it’s important to remove any potential hazards from your home. According to Uptown Puppies, you should also create a designated potty area for your dog. This will help your puppy learn where it’s appropriate to go to the bathroom and make cleaning up after them much easier. It’s a good idea to put up a baby gate or pet gate to keep them contained in this area until they’re fully trained.
2. Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle
Not all dog breeds are created equal. Some breeds require more exercise and attention than others. Think about your lifestyle and choose a breed that will fit well into it. If you live in a small apartment, for example, you can get a french bulldog, which doesn’t need a lot of space to run around. If you have kids, you might want a breed that’s good with children, like a labrador retriever. And if you’re an active person, you might prefer a high-energy breed like a border collie. Conversely, if you’re an active outdoors person, a low-energy breed like a basset hound may not keep up with you on hikes. Be sure to do your homework to find the right dog breed that fits your lifestyle.
I of course love French Bulldogs and if you want to learn more I encourage you to fully research this special breed of dog as they aren’t a fit for everyone.
3. Consider Adopting From a Shelter
Adopting a dog from a shelter is a great way to give a deserving pup a forever home. It’s also usually cheaper than buying from a breeder. When adopting, be sure to visit several shelters and meet with a variety of adoptable dogs before making your decision. Once you’ve found the perfect dog for you, be prepared to answer some questions from the shelter staff about your lifestyle and home environment to make sure it’s a good match. Maybe your family is thinking about getting a dog, but you’re not ready to commit to ownership just yet.
4. Consider Fostering a Dog
Fostering a dog is a great way to help out at your local shelter and give a dog in need a temporary home. It’s also a good way to see if you’re ready for the long-term commitment of dog ownership. Many shelters are always in need of foster families, and there are usually orientation meetings that you can attend to learn more about the process. Additionally, most shelters will provide you with everything you need to care for your foster dog, including food, bowls, a crate, and even sometimes dog beds. This is a great way to help out without making a long-term commitment.
With that said, finding a French Bulldog to foster may be like finding a needle in a haystack but it is possible.
5. Get Insured
Accidents happen, and dogs can get sick just like humans especially designer dog breeds like French Bulldogs. That’s why it’s important to get insurance for your new furry friend. There are a variety of pet insurance plans available, so be sure to do your research to find one that fits your needs and budget. If you’re not sure whether pet insurance is right for you, consider signing up for a free trial with a company like Healthy Paws. This will give you a chance to see how the claims process works and help you decide if it’s something you want to invest in long-term. It’s also a good idea to create a pet emergency fund to cover any unexpected vet bills.
6. Puppy-Proof Your Yard
If you have a yard, take some time to make sure it’s safe for your puppy. Check for any holes that your puppy could fall into, and make sure any fencing is secure. Remove any poisonous plants, and keep an eye out for other potential hazards like garden tools or chemicals. If you have a pool, be sure to put up a fence around it or keep your puppy on a leash when they’re outside so they don’t accidentally fall in.
7. Crate Train Your French Bulldog
Crate training is a great way to keep your puppy safe when you can’t supervise them. It also helps with potty training and can be a good way to calm a hyperactive or anxious dog. When crate training, it’s important to start slowly and make sure your puppy is comfortable with being in their crate before leaving them alone for extended periods of time. Begin by leaving them in the crate for short periods of time while you’re home, and then gradually increase the amount of time they’re in there until they’re comfortable being crated for longer periods of time. We don’t like to do it often but our Frenchie Augie has been crated up to 6 hours.
8. Socialize Your Dog
Socializing your French Bulldog is an important part of their development. It helps them become accustomed to new people and environments and can prevent behavioral problems down the road. There are a number of ways to socialize your dog, including taking them to puppy classes, dog parks, and even just on walks around your neighborhood. It’s never too early to start socializing with your pup, so start as soon as you bring them home. Also, it’s important to have your kids involved in socializing your puppy as well so they can learn how to properly interact with dogs.
Congratulations on your new furry Frenchie friend! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to being a responsible dog owner. Just remember to take things slowly at first, and always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. It’s also a good idea to join a local dog club or group so you can get advice from experienced dog owners and make new friends. Have fun, and enjoy your new best friend!
Learn more about French Bulldogs here
