Potty training your French Bulldog puppy is one of the first and most important lessons they need to learn. While French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, they can be a bit stubborn, making house training a challenge if not done correctly. But don’t worry! With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can successfully train your Frenchie to do their business in the right place.
This guide will provide effective potty training tips and tricks to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your pup.
On average, it takes about 4 to 6 months to fully potty train a French Bulldog puppy. Some puppies may learn quicker, while others may take up to a year, depending on their temperament and the consistency of training.
French Bulldog puppies thrive on routine. By taking them to the same potty spot at specific times, they’ll quickly associate the location with going to the bathroom.
Take your puppy out:
Puppies under 12 weeks old may need a potty break every 2 hours, while older puppies can hold it for 3-4 hours.
Choose one outdoor spot where you want your puppy to relieve themselves. Always take them to this same location so they associate it with potty time. If you live in an apartment, you can use a pee pad or an artificial grass patch on a balcony.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a verbal cue like “Go potty” every time you take your Frenchie outside. They will learn to associate the command with the action.
Positive reinforcement is key to successful potty training. Every time your French Bulldog puppy eliminates in the right spot, reward them immediately with:
✔️ Verbal praise (“Good job!”)
✔️ A small treat
✔️ Petting & affection
This reinforces the behavior and encourages them to repeat it.
French Bulldog puppies often show signs before they need to go. Look for these common signals:
Signs Your Frenchie Needs to Potty:
If you notice these signs, take them outside immediately.
Crate training can be a useful tool for potty training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making a crate a great way to teach bladder control.
How to Use a Crate for Potty Training:
Age-Based Crate Time Guide:
Accidents will happen—it’s part of the process. If your puppy has an accident, never scold or punish them. Instead, follow these steps:
❌ What NOT to do:
✅ What to do instead:
Potty training takes time, and every puppy learns at their own pace. The key is to stay patient and consistent. If you stick to a schedule, reward good behavior, and gently correct mistakes, your Frenchie will be potty trained before you know it!
French Bulldog puppies need to go potty every 2-3 hours, especially when they’re young. After 6 months, they can usually hold it for longer periods.
If accidents are frequent, you may need to increase potty breaks, adjust meal timing, and monitor their behavior more closely. Also, make sure to use an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odors.
Yes, you can train them to use pee pads, especially if you live in an apartment. However, transitioning to outdoor potty training later may require extra patience.
Most Frenchies take 4 to 6 months to fully potty train, but some may take longer. Consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial.
Try bell training—hang a small bell by the door and teach them to tap it with their paw when they need to go outside.
Start as soon as you bring them home (typically 8 weeks old). The earlier you start, the easier the training process will be.
Yes! If they are younger than 12 weeks, you should take them out once or twice during the night to prevent accidents.
Potty training a French Bulldog puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following a structured schedule, rewarding good behavior, and addressing accidents properly, you’ll set your puppy up for potty training success.