Training your French Bulldog is an essential job. As most dog owners know, puppies aren’t born with a built in knowledge of how to behave. To make them a happy and content member of your family they need to be taught the things you want.
Training can add structure to living with your dog. They will be able to follow your commands and have a basic knowledge. Knowing where to sleep, how to behave and (most important) where to go to the toilet. This makes your life and the dogs life much easier and happier.
Before you start on your training the following items will make your life much easier.
Long Leash
It’s a great idea to invest in a high quality long lead with a dog harness. Roughly 6 feet (1.8m) gives you control while giving your dog some freedom.
Both you and your dog need some freedom to move. There will be times when you need to be able to stop them running off if they get distracted.
A dog leash needs to be strong enough to control even the most excited jumpy dog. The leash is also an essential part of teaching your dog basic commands. ‘Stop’ or ‘stay’ or even when they are learning their own name are essential.
Next step: Read our Top 5 best long leash recommendations.
Collars and Harnesses
Something that goes along with a leash is a high-quality collar or a harness. This depends on the size and breed of your dog. The most common type of collar is the simple, flat-buckle that has some metal hardware. Metal elements are stronger and less likely to break or pop open when compared to their plastic counterpart. However, a harness could be a better choice since they can help you to guide the movements of your dog. Correction collars are not at all required for training purposes and would be best to avoid them.
A collar or harness is used first to attach the leash and second to hold the tag. Having a tag with your contact details on is essential for puppies.
In the UK the law states the tag must have the owners name and address printed on it. Other contact info such as your mobile number can be on there too. Some people say it’s better to not put the dogs name on. This can help anyone who has stolen the dog.
Most collars have metal buckles as they are stronger than plastic. Most harnesses have plastic quick release buckles as they are easier to use. The weight of the dog is distributed more evenly through several of the buckles. This means they don’t have to be as strong.
Collars and harnesses come in several different sizes so choose the most appropriate for your own dog.
Choke chains / correction collars shouldn’t be used before the dog is 6 months old and in my opinion shouldn’t be used at all. The dog normally needs training rather than choking.
Next step: Read our Top 5 best collars and harnesses.
Rewards
The most used reward during training is food. Treats given for training should be small. Even for big dogs the size of a pea is enough, small dogs may need even less. Training isn’t supposed to be an extra meal its supposed to be something nice for good work.
Packs of high quality treats specifically for dog training can be bought or you can create your own from pieces of cooked meat.
Remember that for some dogs time playing with their favourite toy or a game of chase with you can be seen as a treat. It doesn’t;t always have to be food.
Next step: Read our Top 5 best food treats for training.
Treat Bag
A treat bag is an essential piece of equipment as it keeps the food treats separate from other things you are carrying.
Some are a simple washable pouch, others are a pouch with pockets for other essentials.
Next step: Read our Top 5 best treat bags
Poo bags
One of the downsides of having a dog is dealing with poo. The days of leaving it are gone and owners must take responsibility for all aspects of owning a dog.
The most common way to pick up your dogs poo is with a poo bag.
I would recommend using plastic free or compostable versions if possible.
Next step: Read our Top 5 recommended dog poo bags
Clickers
Clicker training your dog can be a really good way to get them to focus on what you’re asking them to do. You can use a clicker during training to help your dog recognise when they’ve carried out a behaviour that will lead to a reward.
Next step: Read our Top 5 clickers for dog training
Training books / Online courses
Every book or course you come across will describes itself as the best or most effective.
Choose the one that suits you and your style of training.
Next step: Read our recommended training courses and books.
Summary
Training is an essential part of owning a dog and can be started at any age. Training builds confidence, provides mental stimulation and strengthens the human-animal bond. Dogs are always learning. It is never too late to start training.
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