Much like humans, French bulldogs can get scared from time to time. However, it can often be difficult to know what exactly scares your Frenchie. Although you think you might be able to tell if they are scared, some signs can be very subtle.
As a result, you may be thinking to yourself – well, what are the most common things that can scare my Frenchie? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you and we’ve compiled this handy list to tell you.
We’ve got the 10 most common things that scare French bulldogs below. So, if you’re looking to know more – then read on!
1. Loud Noises
Loud noises are actually a common fear with many animals. It goes back to a primitive fear instinct that loud noises often are associated with danger and imminent disaster, naturally and man made.
When it comes to loud noises though, Frenchies can get very stressed out and worried when they hear things like car horns, gun shots, fireworks, explosions, building work, power tools and even the home’s vacuum cleaner.
So, if you have a Frenchie – be sure that you’re keeping them shielded away from these noises. Remember, a dog’s hearing sense is much more powerful than that of a humans, so a loud noise to us is much worse for them!
2. Being Left Alone
Many Frenchies, and dogs in general for that matter, have an inherent fear of separation anxiety. This basically means that when they are left alone, they start to feel as though someone will never come back for them.
It can make them feel huge concern and panic. Remember, Frenchies rely on their owners and other humans to help to feed them and provide for them. Not only just for things like food and water, but also for care and affection.
If they feel as though they have been abandoned, they can feel depression and extreme fear. So, if you know you’ll be away for a long time – consider asking someone to look after your Frenchie for a while or even hire the services of a kennel.
3. Car Journeys
Many dogs despise car journeys and they feel so uncomfortable because they are not used to it and cannot secure themselves in moving objects. Their paws simply won’t allow for it.
Not only this, but some Frenchies can even suffer from car sickness which can psychologically attach itself to every car journey – which can lead to anxiety and extreme fear.
The best thing you can do is try to train them from puppies with some expert tips, and always try to reassure them during the journey. Also, make sure that you leave the car window open a little during journeys for extra air which can be more reassuring.
4. Cats
Believe it or not, Frenchies can have a fear of cats! While it might sound like something straight out of a cartoon, dogs aren’t always hugely fond of cats.
In fact, some Frenchies might have had a negative and frightening experience in their past with an aggressive cat, so they might continue to hold this anxiety in their minds every single time they see a cat from there on out.
If you suspect that your Frenchie is scared of cats, then try to reassure them if they see a cat and above all, try to separate them from cats whenever possible.
5. Other Dogs
It might not come as a shock to some of you, but Frenchies can actually fear other dogs as well as cats! This is usually a primal instinct to try to protect their territory and their humans from potential threats.
On top of this, your Frenchie might have had a frightening experience with a dog in their past too, so you should be mindful of other dogs with your Frenchie around if you suspect they have a fear of other dogs.
6. The Vets
There are few animals that enjoy going to the vets, much like us visiting the doctors. However, some Frenchies not only hate going to the vets, but they are actually very afraid of the vets overall.
Sensory reminders such as the smell of the vets can often trigger dogs that remember scary experiences in the past. The same applies to if you use dog cages or something else to take your dog to the vet.
If you think your Frenchie has a fear of the vets, you should continue to try to reassure them of their safety and then reward them with treats if they have been well behaved.
7. Sneezing
You may have already seen this before, but Frenchies have a fear of their own sneezing. It’s likely due to the experience being very alien to them and they can get scared of something that they do not understand.
Much like how we sneeze, Frenchies lose control of their bodies momentarily – and this can be very shocking and worrying for them. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do for their fear with sneezing. Just try to comfort them afterwards!
8. Their Reflection
Many dogs have the same fear of their own reflection. Dogs cannot fathom what they are looking at, as they have never seen themselves before and do not compartmentalize what they are actually looking at.
Try to avoid having things like mirrors on the floor where your Frenchie can view themselves. However, if they do look at their reflection and they get scared – the only thing you can do is reassure them and be kind to them afterwards.
9. Balloons
Balloons can also be a common thing that Frenchies fear. This could be because it is an object that they are unfamiliar with, the material is very strange to them, or the fact that some balloons can pop and make loud noises.
Whatever the case, you should try to remove balloons from the surrounding areas of your Frenchie and if a balloon does pop, just calm them down and be kind to them. They do not like loud noises, so remember this when you see a balloon around.
10. Stuffed Animals
Some Frenchies get very confused and then they can get scared if they see stuffed animals. This is likely because they resemble threats or they are just unfamiliar with the stuffed toy concept.
It’s a good idea to keep your Frenchie away from stuffed animals if they feel scared by them, especially if there are children nearby with them – just in case your Frenchie bites the stuffed animal.
The same applies to other stuffed toys or children’s toys. To be safe, try to keep any of these things in toy boxes or just out of reach of your Frenchie!
The Bottom Line
There are many things that could potentially scare your Frenchie. However, there are many things you can do to curtail their fears. Simply by remembering to reassure them and be kind to your Frenchie will make all of the difference.
We hope this list has been helpful!
