French Bulldog Training Schedule: Week-by-Week Guide for Success
Master basic commands, curb stubbornness, and build a bond with your Frenchie using this structured plan!
Weeks 1–4 (8–12 Weeks Old): Foundations
Focus: Potty training, socialization, and bite inhibition.
| Day | Activity | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Potty break + short play | 10 mins | Reward potty success with treats & praise. |
| Midday | Crate training (door open) | 15 mins | Toss treats inside to build positive vibes. |
| Afternoon | Socialization (new sounds, textures) | 10 mins | Play vacuum noises, walk on grass/rugs. |
| Evening | Bite inhibition (redirect to chew toys) | 5 mins | Yelp “ouch!” if nipping, then offer a toy. |
Weekly Goals:
- Accidents < 3 per day by Week 4.
- Pup enters the crate voluntarily.
Weeks 5–8 (3–4 Months Old): Basic Commands
Focus: Sit, stay, come, leash introduction.
| Day | Activity | Duration | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | “Sit” + “Stay” (with treats) | 5 mins | Use high-value treats (boiled chicken). |
| Midday | Leash training indoors | 10 mins | Let them drag leash, reward calmness. |
| Afternoon | Name recognition (“Look!” + treat) | 3 mins | Say name, treat when eye contact is made. |
| Evening | “Come” (with long leash in yard) | 5 mins | Reward like they just won the lottery! |
Weekly Goals:
- Responds to name 80% of the time.
- Walks without pulling indoors.
Weeks 9–12 (4–6 Months Old): Advanced Basics
Focus: Loose-leash walking, “leave it,” crate confidence.
| Day | Activity | Duration | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | “Leave it” with toys/food | 5 mins | Start with low-value items, then up the ante. |
| Midday | Crate time (door closed) | 30 mins | Use a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter. |
| Afternoon | Walk outside (harness + 6ft leash) | 15 mins | Stop walking if they pull; resume when calm. |
| Evening | “Drop it” with tug toys | 5 mins | Trade toy for a treat to avoid resource guarding. |
Weekly Goals:
- Holds a 10-second “stay.”
- Sleeps through the night in the crate.
Months 4–6: Polishing & Problem-Solving
Focus: Distraction-proofing, curb barking, fun tricks.
| Day | Activity | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | “Quiet” command during barking | Use a clicker to mark silence + treat. |
| Midday | “Place” command (bed/mat) | Use a cooling mat for hot days. |
| Afternoon | Agility basics (tunnels, low jumps) | DIY with couch cushions! |
| Evening | Trick training (“shake,” “spin”) | Keep sessions playful—Frenchies love drama! |
Monthly Goals:
- Ignores squirrels on walks 50% of the time.
- Masters 2–3 tricks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Stubbornness:
- Use higher-value rewards (cheese, hot dog bits).
- Train before meals (hunger = motivation).
Separation Anxiety:
- Practice alone time: Start with 5 mins, build to 2 hours.
- Leave a calming pheromone diffuser.
Leash Pulling:
- Use a front-clip harness.
- Change direction when they pull.
Training Schedule Cheat Sheet
Daily Must-Dos:
- 3–5 short training sessions (5–10 mins each).
- Potty breaks every 2–3 hours.
- Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, sniff games).
Weekly Milestones:
- Week 1: Name recognition + crate acceptance.
- Week 4: “Sit” + “Stay” mastered.
- Month 3: 15-minute walks without pulling.
Print Frenchie Training Schedule Laminate it, stick it on your fridge, and track progres
Stick to this schedule, and your Frenchie will be the most charming (and well-behaved) bat-eared buddy on the block! 🐾✨