One of the common complaints I hear from French bulldog owners is How to put a french bulldog to sleep? If you don’t set a healthy sleeping routine early in your Frenchie’s life to get them used to sleeping alone, it becomes increasingly challenging.
There are some steps that you can take to make this much easier even to the stage where your Frenchie will happily but find their bed all on their own.
I have found down the years that it’s vital to train your French Bulldog from day one.
The earlier you do this the better. It’s especially important in the days after they leave their litter they miss the companionship of their family.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you find your Frenchie snuggling with you in your bed in the first few days as you just want them to get used to their new home and be happy.
However, if you let this practice, go for too long you’ll find it increasingly difficult to get them to sleep in their own beds. Follow these simple steps listed below your Frenchies will soon be happy with the warmth and comfort of their own bed.
#1 Start with a set routine
Before your French Bulldog is due to go to bed, try to keep the last few hours that’s quiet and relaxing as possible.
I found that taking my Frenchie for a quick 10 to 15-minute walk just before bedtime helped them take a much needed potty break. This also puts the thought in their mind that the next step when they come home is for them to go to sleep.
#2 Try not to let them sleep too much during the day
If you have some free time during the day, it’s important to take your friend cheating for short regular walks. This will prevent them from sleeping too much, and the exercise is also good for their immune systems and keeps them fit and healthy. They will be tired at bedtime.
#3 Create a comfortable bed
Your friend needs a comfortable, quiet place to sleep. The softer and warmer the better. Buying them a well-cushioned bed with high-quality padding will make it much easier and more attractive for them to sleep in.
#4 Try some music therapy
I know this may sound daft but French bulldogs like soothing music too. If your dog is full of energy just before bedtime playing some relaxing music and quickly puts you to some surprising results. I use YouTube for some of my Frenchies favorites.
#5 Oils can help calm your Frenchie
Essential oils such as lavender oils work effectively on dogs and humans. If your French bulldog is struggling to sleep, you can use these oils to help them.
#6 Crates can create a safe space
I’m not advocating that we should lock your Frenchies in a cage all day. But one of my dogs loves the safety and security of his cage at night. It clearly establishes his own space and has helped him go to sleep. I also make sure the crate is padded and comfortable.
#7 Schedule their feeding correctly
Poor feeding schedules are troublesome for sleeping schedules. Feeding your dog inappropriately provides energy at the wrong time of the day.
Dogs don’t need to eat after 6:00 p.m. in the evening. Breakfast should always be served as early as possible to provide them with the energy they need for the day.
#8 Resist the temptation to share your bed with them
No matter how bad their puppy dog eyes whimper at you, do not share your bed with your Frenchie. once you establish a consistent bedtime routine don’t break it. Sharing your bed with them will negatively affect their sleep quality for weeks, if not months to come.
#9 Try out other sleeping aids
As much as I try to avoid using medication for any of my animals occasionally if your dog is really struggling to sleep and it’s directly affecting their health, talk to your veterinarian about suitable sleeping medicines that can help them. Like any sleeping pills, they should only be the last avenue of resort.
The above methods I’ve listed have been tried and tested by both me and my family in the decades that we’ve raised French bulldogs. I am confident that these methods will help you and your dog sleep better and ensure that they’re both happy and healthy.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get the entire family involved?
Yes, to successfully establish a sleeping routine for your Frenchie all members of the family you need to agree upon and reinforce the behaviors
My Frenchie won’t stop crying and refuses to sleep in its bed?
As I mentioned previously, you cannot give into your dog’s desire to sleep with you. The easiest way to deal with this is to ensure that they’re tired before the time. Take them for a sufficiently long walk and all that I want to do to sleep when they come home.
How often will I have to keep bringing my Frenchie back to bed?
You must do it as often as it takes, but remember that just placing them back in the bed isn’t enough you should clearly point towards the bed and change your tone of voice to ensure that they understand what’s happening.
I can’t stop my Frenchie puppy crying?
It’s perfectly natural for a young Frenchie puppy to miss its litter. But if you’re firm with your commands and continue to repeat them until they stop, then they learn that the behavior is inappropriate.
You can reward them when they stop crying and respond to your command. Whatever you do, don’t take them to your bed and do not feed them otherwise, they’re going to learn that crying helps them get their way.
My Frenchie puppy will not stay in their bed?
I found in the past that the problem is the bed itself, if it’s not warm enough or comfortable enough they won’t stay in it.
I hope these tips and tricks will help you and your French bulldog get a better night’s sleep. Remember that patience and persistence are important and correctly training any dog takes time.
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