Help with french bulldog being stubborn during training

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • Author
    Posts
    • #137274
      Sarahrox
      Verified Participant

      How do I stop my Frenchie from being so stubborn during training sessions? For example, when I try to get my Frenchie to sit, she just looks at me and refuses to do it unless I have a treat. Even then, sometimes she takes the treat and walks away! How can I make training more effective and keep her engaged?

    • #137442
      Danielle DegrootDanielle DeGroot
      Moderator

      Hi Sarahrox, this is a great question. Know that you’re not alone when training a stubborn Frenchie. These dogs are known to be a bit tricky to train. French Bulldogs are known for their playful and sometimes stubborn nature, which can make training a bit of a challenge. However, with the right approach, you can improve engagement and make training sessions more effective. Below are some tips to help you work with your Frenchie’s independent streak. I’ve also linked to some helpful articles our dedicated team has written to help with all kinds of dog training.

      1. Make Training Sessions Short & Fun
      Frenchies can get bored quickly, so keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and engaging. If your dog starts to lose interest, switch things up with a game or a different command.

      2. Use High-Value Rewards
      Some dogs are less motivated by standard treats, so experiment with different high-value rewards such as small pieces of chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver. If your Frenchie sometimes takes the treat and walks away, she may not be very food-motivated at that moment. Try training when she is a little hungry (before mealtime rather than after) to increase interest.

      3. Mix in Praise & Play
      If your dog only responds when treats are involved, she may have learned that treats are the only incentive for obeying. Start incorporating verbal praise, petting, and play as rewards. Some Frenchies respond well to an excited tone of voice or a quick game of tug as a reward for good behavior.

      4. Use a Clicker or Marker Word
      A clicker or a consistent marker word (like “Yes!” in an upbeat tone) helps reinforce good behavior instantly. When she performs the desired action, mark it immediately and reward her. Over time, she’ll associate the marker with doing something right, even if a treat doesn’t follow every time.

      5. Reward Compliance, Not Just Attempted Bribery
      If she stares at you and refuses to sit, don’t give in by showing her the treat first. Instead, show her that listening to your command is what earns the reward. Try using a lure only at first and then fading it out by rewarding her after she sits rather than before she does it.

      6. Build Patience and Persistence
      If she ignores you or refuses to sit, don’t immediately give up or repeat the command multiple times. Instead, wait a few seconds. If she still doesn’t respond, reset the situation by walking away and coming back to try again. If she sits on her own, immediately reward her to reinforce the behavior.

      7. Avoid Overusing Treats
      If she expects a treat every single time, start using intermittent reinforcement—sometimes giving a treat, sometimes just praise or play. This keeps her engaged and eager to obey because she doesn’t know when the next treat will come.

      8. Be Consistent & Set a Routine
      French Bulldogs thrive on routine, so try training at the same time each day in a distraction-free environment. Also, ensure all family members use the same commands and rewards so she doesn’t get mixed signals.

      9. Increase Engagement with Movement
      Some Frenchies respond better to movement-based training. Instead of standing still and giving a command, try taking a step back or making a quick movement to encourage her to follow. This can make training more interactive and engaging.

      10. Stay Positive & Keep It Lighthearted
      If frustration creeps into your training, your Frenchie will pick up on it. Keep the energy positive and upbeat, and if she seems uninterested, take a break and try again later.

      By being patient and consistent and making training enjoyable, you’ll gradually see improvements in your Frenchie’s responsiveness. And if things do not seem to improve no matter what you try, consider bringing in a professional dog trainer. Sometimes, just a few sessions can make a huge difference. There are also some very helpful dog training apps. Keep us posted!

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Back to top button