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How to Calm Down a French Bulldog (10 Steps)

Training a hyper French Bulldog to calm down can be super frustrating and tiring, especially if your dog never gets tired.

Dogs, just like us, can have an excess of energy to burn. Therefore, they need daily activity. Otherwise, it can build up over time.

Boredom and lack of stimulation are the primary reasons for this sudden change in your French Bulldog’s behavior.

So, how do you calm down a French Bulldog? This multi-level approach will show you how to calm down your high-energy French Bulldog without losing your mind.

In this article:

  1. Signs to Tell Your French Bulldog Is Hyperactive
  2. What Causes Hyperactivity in French Bulldogs?
  3. Tips to Calm Down a Hyper French Bulldog
  4. Wrap-Up: How to Calm Down a French Bulldog
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Signs to Tell Your French Bulldog Is Hyperactive

Your French Bulldog might be hyperactive if he exhibits a combination of the following signs.

  • Restless
  • Clingy behavior
  • Excessive barking or whining
  • Difficulty focusing or paying attention to commands
  • Biting or chewing on objects
  • Constantly seeking attention
  • Anti-social behavior
  • Constant movement or pacing around
  • Aggressive behavior when stressed
  • Difficulty sleeping or staying still at night

Keep in mind these symptoms may escalate if not addressed. As a result, it’s important to recognize the symptoms early on and take the appropriate action to ensure your Frenchie is happy and healthy.

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What Causes Hyperactivity in French Bulldogs?

Every French Bulldog breed has its own characteristics and behavior. It’s essential to learn how to control and understand your Frenchie from the moment you bring it home.

From their breed type to diet and exercise routine, hyperactivity in French Bulldogs can result from many different factors.

Below are the most common causes of hyperactivity in French Bulldogs.

  • Early puppy years: Puppies and young French Bulldogs have a lot of energy and are more active than older dogs. This is normal and is due to their age and growth stage.
  • Lack of routine: Routine and structure are essential to your dog’s well-being. Your French Bulldog may become hyperactive if their routine changes constantly, or they do not have a structured daily routine.
  • Diet: Managing your French Bulldog’s behavior requires a diet that matches his physical activity. An improper diet, including a diet that is too high in sugar or caffeine, can lead to hyperactivity in your dog.
  • Lack of exercise: Dogs need physical activity to expend energy and stay healthy. If your French Bulldog does not get enough exercise, it may become hyperactive and restless.
  • Improper training methods: Improper training methods can cause your French Bulldog to become hyperactive because they create stress and anxiety in your dog.

But don’t be intimidated at all. These ten steps below will help you get your over-excited French Bulldog calm, submissive, and happy.

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Tips to Calm Down a Hyper French Bulldog

To calm down your high-energy French Bulldog, you need to provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation, create a routine, teach obedience commands, and use puzzle toys.

Continue reading for a more in-depth look at the techniques and strategies you can use to help your Frenchie relax and feel more peaceful.

Medical Evaluation

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your French Bulldog’s hyperactivity is not due to biological factors. If that’s the case, you should make an appointment with your local veterinarian.

dog checkup at the veterinarian

It’s important to pay attention to the magnitude of your French Bulldog’s hyperactivity and under what circumstances he becomes hyper. That way, you can help your vet be more effective with his/her consultation.

Stay Calm

Hyperactive dogs tend to get annoyed quickly and become aggressive. An unpleasantly noisy environment can increase your dog’s hyperactivity.

On the other hand, your French Bulldog will remain calm if he lives in a peaceful environment.

Patience will be your best friend. Be gentle with your Frenchie and always communicate with love using a positive approach when you want to train him.

Physical Exercise

Exercise and games are some of the best ways to drain your Frenchie’s energy.

If you want to calm down your hyperactive French Bulldog, there is nothing better than tiring him out. After all, your dog derives health benefits from regular exercise.

Exercise with your French Bulldog indoors and outdoors. Get your Frenchie a backpack and take him for a walk. This will put him in working mode and hopefully will lead to him being calm.

Mental Exercise

Mental exercise is also very important. Stimulate your French Bulldog through games and tasks that keep him focused.

There’re a lot of fun games to play with your French Bulldog. For example, you can hide prizes so your dog can use his sense of smell and his eyes to find them.

These types of activities require a lot of focus from your dog. This will keep him busy, stimulated, and entertained for hours.

Interactive Dog Toys

Interactive toys are a great way to keep your Frenchie’s mind occupied. These toys come in different shapes and sizes.

Some are long-lasting chew toys. Others are puzzle or problem-solving games. These toys will have your Frenchie’s full attention to figure out and get rewards like a treat.

Most interactive dog toys have the same goal and come with treats. It’ll surprise you how much your dog will be entertained and how smarter he gets every time he plays.

Create a Routine

A regular routine is important for your dog. Dogs perform best on routines, and a routine helps with behavior and training. It lets your dog know what to expect each day and when to expect it.

For example, taking your Frenchie for a short walk before you go to work is a good way to keep your dog calm when he’s home alone.

Basic Dog Training

Basic dog training gives your dog physical and mental stimulation. It develops the bond between you and your Frenchie and makes him more educated.

Training your French Bulldog not only allows you to control them better through commands (like the “drop it” command) but also will be helpful in other situations.

With basic training, your dog will be more educated and spend more energy in the process.

Start with short training sessions of approximately 5 minutes and then extend them to 10 minutes as your dog can focus more and more.

Use Music

Recent studies have shown that playing music helps dogs reduce stress. Music can make your puppy happy, and the right music can even change their emotional mood.

Soft music or the sound of nature is a good option to relax dogs. Although not all dogs react positively to this method, these types of sounds generally contribute to a calming environment.

These music apps will let you download your favorite songs for free. Make sure to check them out.

Ignore their Bad Behavior

In many cases paying too much attention to your dog when he’s in a hyperactive state will reinforce that behavior rather than eliminate it.

So, when you find your Frenchie jumping around too much or biting into something, the best strategy is not to interact with him and wait to see how it turns out. 

Generally, when not receiving a response to this behavior, your Frenchie will tend to calm down quickly.

Reward their Calm Behavior

Dogs love rewards and will do anything necessary to get praise or treats from you. Be mindful when your dog is acting up to ignore him.

Only reward him when he’s calm and obedient. This will encourage your French Bulldog to perform that behavior more often.

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Wrap-Up: How to Calm Down a French Bulldog

With these tips, we’re confident that your French Bulldog will feel calmer and be able to focus his energy on healthier and more fun activities.

We always recommend you consult your local veterinarian or a veterinary specialist when you have difficulty calming down your furry friend.

Remember, you can also comment below for any doubts you may have about your hyperactive French Bulldog, as well as any tips that may have helped you calm him down.

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Lisemaine is a dog lover. She currently owns two Frenchies and enjoys working with and training them. She'll share her best tips with you to keep your Frenchie happy, healthy, and active.


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