EXERCISING YOUR YOUNG FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY

The exercise requirement of a French bulldog puppy is quite different from that of an adult dog. While healthy Frenchie adult generally require 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walks every day, the case is different for French bulldog pups.

Daily walks are not a necessity and are not even recommended for puppies because their bones, muscle and joints are still in development as opposed to that of the adults. In fact, waking your Frenchie puppy daily may result in complications and harm rather than making them healthier.

The best way of exercising a French bulldog puppy is to give it free reins in playing as much as possible with toys suitable for his age. Socialization is another form of exercise for pups because it is an excellent way of expending that puppy energy while becoming socially acquainted with other people, pets and places and also learning new social skills.

The older your Frenchie gets, the more their needs for actual physical exercise increases. Usually, French bulldog pups under three months should not be taken out for walks in public since at this age, they haven’t become fully vaccinated.

If you do need to walk your Frenchie pup, the maximum amount of time for a puppy is around 2 minutes for every month of age. So, for instance, if your pup is 3 months old, the walking time will be 3 (month) multiplied by 2 minutes and that will of course be 6 minutes of exercise.

When walking your pup, ensure you look out for signs of fatigue and exhaustion such as panting, lagging behind, etc. and take them as cues for stopping the walk immediately.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOUR FRENCH BULLDOG EXERCISE?

Although French Bulldogs are generally low energy and are happy with apartment living, they need exercise just like the rest of us.

Making sure your dog gets exercise at least once a day is recommended. Whether that be a trip to the dog park or a walk around the block.

One of the many bonuses to having a Frenchie is that you can do this without carving out too much time during the day. Short walks and playtime at home provide the perfect amount of exercise for them without running the risk of overworking your dog.

WHAT TYPE OF EXERCISE SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR FRENCHIE?

There are a lot of different activities to meet the interests of your dog and get them moving. Frenchies are known to be smart and social, so consider providing them with physical activity that can appeal to both of these qualities.

If you live in the city, take your dog on a walk down the street to get a coffee (plus, you’ll brighten everyone’s day with your adorable pup).

If you’re more of a suburban dweller, spend time actively playing with your dog in the yard. It can also be nice to take your dog to a local dog park where they can interact and socialize with other dogs.

Overall, it is recommended that Frenchies walk for about 15-20 minutes per day at a minimum.

WHAT IF IT'S WINTER AND IT'S TOO COLD TO GO OUTSIDE?

One easy inside activity is to use house-friendly toys to get your Frenchie moving. This could be a good old fashioned tennis ball or a toy that your Frenchie naturally gravitates to.

If you feel like investing a little bit more time in training your dog, hide and go seek is a great way to appeal to your dog’s curious and playful side while also giving them exercise. First, teach your Frenchie a word like “stay” (or use a word they already know that conveys the same meaning) and continue to say the word while you hide somewhere in the house. Then, train your dog to respond to another word to come and find you. You might be more successful with this activity with a treat, but overtime they will want to find you even without the treat.

CAN I OVER-EXERCISE MY FRENCH BULLDOG?

As with any dog, Frenchies can be over-exercised. However, Frenchies are at particular risk because they are a brachycephalic breed (with a flatter face and shorter nose) that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.

The best way to determine the amount of exercise you should be providing your dog is to be particularly observant of when they tire during physical activity.

Whether you just added a Frenchie puppy to your family or have had one as a companion for many years, it is important to know that Frenchies are prone to being overworked more easily. Overworking puppies and older dogs puts them at greater risk for joint problems and heat exhaustion.

In addition, because older Frenchies have given so much love over their lives, their heart might not be as efficient as it once was and may render them more tired when exercising.

Thankfully, Frenchies are pretty smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Whilst they can become over-excited at times, they will typically stop exercising and try to cool themselves down if they need to. So if you live in a hotter climate, we would recommend investing in a dog or children’s pool that your Frenchie can cool down in after they exercise.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN EXERCISING MY FRENCH BULLDOG

Given that Frenchies have a harder time regulating their body temperature, you should always walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day (generally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit). You might also consider having play time in an air-conditioned place during the summer months. Always make sure to bring water and have shade readily available when you are walking your dog outside.

Be sure to pay attention to your Frenchie’s behavior when they are out for walks. The first signs of heat exhaustion usually consist of increased panting and foamy saliva. If your dog experiences this, it’s important to help bring your dog’s body temperature down by placing them in cool water and using a fan.

Although Frenchies are generally calm, puppies can be nippy especially when they are excited or around new people (or dogs) and environments. Although this behavior usually decreases with age, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and environments at an early age to prevent this hyperactive behavior and allow your dog to lead an active lifestyle.