How to Train Bulldog Puppies

The bulldog is a breed with a long and complex history. Originally developed over 400 years ago, the bulldog was bred to bait and take down live bulls. As the bull ring became less popular, so did the breed. A small group of enthusiasts, determined not to let the bulldog become extinct, started a breeding program to preserve the qualities of the breed that were so sought after. The modern bulldog still retains many of those characteristics today, including its independent, outgoing nature. This can make a bulldog difficult to train, but by starting your training young, you can be sure to have a happy, obedient companion.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Collar
• Lead
• Treats
• Toys

1. Find a collar for your puppy as soon as you bring her home. The bulldog has a very broad head with a thick, sturdy neck, so get a collar that allows plenty of room to avoid choking. A properly fitted collar will allow you to place two fingers between the neck and the collar, so adjust accordingly.

2. Set your puppy's crate in a quiet locations. Your puppy's crate should be like a home for her and should be a place she can rest comfortably, so put her blanket and a few of her favorite toys inside. Place her inside the crate and give her a treat, encouraging her to sit quietly for a minute or two. Slowly increase the length of time your puppy spends in her kennel until she rests quietly in there by herself.

3. Designate a section of your yard for potty training. The bulldog puppy is very intelligent and will easily pick up housebreaking as long as you are consistent. Be sure to take your pup out frequently during the day, especially after meals and upon waking. Give your pup the command to potty and leave her for a few minutes to do her business and praise her thoroughly once she is finished.

4. Feed your puppy on a schedule. A feeding routine allows you to monitor your puppy's intake and gives you an idea of when she might need to go outside. The bulldog has a reputation for being a hearty eater, so carefully monitoring mealtime will help prevent your puppy from overeating.

5. Let your puppy accompany you on trips to give her the opportunity to socialize. The bulldog can be skittish and appear unfriendly with strange people, so start your socialization as soon as your puppy is fully vaccinated. A trip to the dog park or pet-friendly shopping center will give your bulldog the opportunity to see a number of strange people and places and will put her at ease when in new situations.

6. Teach your puppy simple obedience commands. Skills such as sit, lie down, come, heel and stay are invaluable in helping your dog to be an obedient member of your household. Each command can be taught with a simple set of steps. Give your puppy the command to sit and hold a treat up above her nose. Move the treat backwards over her head to encourage her to sit. Her rear end will move towards the ground as she stretches for the treat. Reward and praise her as soon as she sits so she knows she has done well.

7. Continue teaching your puppy more difficult commands as she learns the simple ones. Your puppy will eventually respond simply to your command and will not need a treat. Always praise her immediately upon correct response to your commands. The bulldog puppy is prone to joint pain and genetic deformities, so be sure to take your training slow and allow your pup to mature before attempting any physically demanding skills.

8. Work with your puppy in short sessions. Ten to 15 minutes a few times per day will allow your puppy to pick up new skills quickly and retain the information she has already been taught. The bulldog puppy is smart but has a short attention span, so keep your training sessions as short as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an upbeat attitude when working with your puppy. Many bulldogs have been noted to be extremely sensitive and will pick up on your moods easily. If you stay happy and enthusiastic, your puppy will feed off of that and be encouraged to work well for you.

• Do not spank or otherwise physically force your puppy into obedience. Physical punishment can injure your dog and can cause your puppy to fear and distrust humans, so always be gentle with your bulldog puppy.

Resources

• Bulldog Breeds website
• More about training puppies