Like other dogs, Frenchie’s needs exercise, but the amount of exercise they need is moderate because their body structure does not allow them to perform strenuous activities. The nature of their head and their respiratory system are some of the physical features that make them susceptible to shortness of breath when exercising.
This is why you should not run when walking your Frenchie. It will be difficult for them to handle the physical stress that comes with running. Also, you should be cautious of the weather when walking your dog because they are susceptible to too much heat. When it’s hot, they can have heart attacks or heat stroke.
Don’t forget as a general rule, every Frenchie’s needs a physical outlet to exhaust their extra energy. So walking your dog regularly is not only good for their physical health, but it also improves their mental health and can reduce annoying behavior due to anxiety and boredom.
Some French bulldogs can get tired faster than others, and that’s okay. If your dog starts showing signs of exhaustion and fatigue, stop and let him rest and recover. As puppies, it is best to walk them two or three times a day instead of once a day. They will benefit a lot from a few short walks a day than one long walk. Doing so will give them the exercise and motivation they regularly need without getting tired.
They are one of the brachycephalic dog breeds. Brachycephalic dogs have shortened heads, short noses, and flat faces. Due to the anatomical shape of Frenchie’s head, they often have difficulty breathing and can get heat very quickly during the hot summer months.
This is another reason you need to divide their walk into two or three different sessions. They may have breathing difficulties if they are stressed. Therefore it is essential not to force them to do much at one time. When your Frenchie is ready to quit, let him stop.
You will always come across this advice when it comes to short-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs. This is because such a harness is better for their airways. It will help them avoid any breathing problems later in their lives.
Stick to early mornings and evenings walk: during the summer month, and also due to their short-nose and breathing difficulties, this routine can help them avoid overheating. Make sure you don’t take your French Bulldog out in the midday summer heat. Instead, you can enjoy an early morning and 7 pm stroll with your dog.
You should use a good quality treat to entice and keep your Frenchie nearby while using the Heel command. You can give your dog the treat whenever he wants to astray.
These leads are not suitable when trying to have control over your dog. In fact, this lead is dangerous for both humans and dogs. When walking your dog, your primary goal is to keep your dog as close as possible to your heels. So you do not need a lead that stretches ten or twenty meters. Using a good strong leader is a good idea, particularly for strong and pulling French Bulldogs.
If you see another dog or person approaching your direction and you know that your dog will react violently with enthusiasm to the situation, try to distract his attention with a treat and get his focus before things get out of control. This requires that you put your eyes on your dog at all times to make sure you spot things before your dog does.
Lastly, you should always walk in front of your Frenchie to allow your dog to see you as the pack leader. Otherwise, if your dog controls you during the walk, he is the pack leader. You should be the first to be out the door and the first one to be in. Your Frenchie should always be at your side or behind you during the walk.
My name is Susie McManigal. I am very blessed to be able to raise AKC Registered English & French Bulldogs. I have been breeding Bulldog Puppies for 15 years, and can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it. My dogs are not just a job, they are my life. I love each and every one of them dearly!