Your 2-month-old French Bulldog puppy is basically a potato with legs and opinions. Cute? Absolutely.
Chaos? Also yes. The good news: you can start training now, and it doesn’t need to feel like military school.
Let’s lay the foundation for good manners, happy vibes, and a tiny clown who actually listens (most of the time).
Set Realistic Expectations (and Keep It Short)
At 8 weeks old, your Frenchie has the attention span of a fruit fly. That’s normal. You’ll win with short, sweet sessions and tons of praise. What “training” looks like at 2 months:
- 3–5 minute sessions, 3–5 times a day
- One simple skill per mini-session
- Rewards galore: treats, toys, or high-pitched “who’s a good potato!”
Expect accidents, zoomies, and nap marathons.
You’re building habits, not chasing perfection. IMO, progress beats perfection every time.
Potty Training Without Losing Your Mind
Frenchies can be stubborn, but they love routines. Use that.
- Pick a potty spot outside.
Same place every time.
- Take them out constantly: after waking, after eating, after play, and every 1–2 hours.
- Use a cue phrase like “Go potty.” Say it calmly when they start.
- Throw a party when they go: treat within 2 seconds.
- Supervise indoors. Tether to you or use a playpen.
Crate training helps with bladder control and prevents sneaky accidents. Choose a crate just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down.
No palace suites.
What to Do When Accidents Happen
Don’t punish. Clean with an enzyme cleaner. Note the timing and take them out earlier next time.
You’re a detective, not a judge.
Build the Bond: Name Game and Recall
You want your puppy to think their name means “pay me attention!” not “uh-oh.” Name game:
- Say their name once. When they look, mark it with “Yes!” and treat.
- Practice in every room, then with mild distractions.
Recall basics (“Come!”):
- Start indoors on a long line or in a hallway.
- Say “Puppy, come!” in a happy voice, back up, and kneel.
- Reward like you just won the lottery.
Keep recall the most rewarding thing ever. Don’t call them to end fun every time or they’ll “forget” what come means.
Convenient, right?
Teach the Core Cues Early
Your Frenchie can learn simple obedience now. Make it fun and fast.
Sit
- Hold a treat to their nose, then move it up and back.
- As their butt hits the floor, say “Yes!” and treat.
- Add the word “Sit” after a few reps.
Down
- From sit, move a treat from nose to ground between the paws.
- When elbows touch, “Yes!” and treat.
Leave It
- Hold a treat in a closed fist. Let them sniff and bump.
- When they back off for a second, say “Yes!” and give a different treat from your other hand.
- Build duration and eventually put the treat on the floor with your hand ready to cover.
Drop It
Trade, don’t chase.
Offer a high-value treat and say “Drop.” When they release the item, mark and treat. Then give the item back sometimes so they don’t guard it. Keep sessions upbeat. If it stops being fun, take a break.
FYI, Frenchies shut down fast with pressure.
Socialization: The Critical Window
Weeks 8–16 matter a lot. You’re not just meeting people—you’re building a calm, confident dog. Safe exposures to aim for:
- People of different ages, sizes, hats, glasses
- Surfaces: grass, concrete, rubber mats, carpet
- Sounds: vacuum, doorbells, traffic, hair dryer
- Objects: umbrellas, strollers, wheelchairs
- Gentle dogs with known vaccine status
Pair everything with treats. If your puppy looks unsure, create distance and go slower.
Curiosity beats bravery at this age.
But What About Vaccines?
You can socialize safely before full vaccination. Carry them in busy areas, host puppy playdates with healthy vaccinated dogs, and visit friends’ yards. Avoid dog parks for now.
Bite Inhibition and Chewing (a Love Story)
Puppy teeth feel like sewing needles.
Teach gentle mouths now. When biting happens during play:
- Say “Ouch!” softly and freeze for 3 seconds.
- Redirect to a chew toy or tug toy.
- Resume play when they engage with the toy.
Chew management:
- Offer a rotation of safe chews: rubber toys, puppy-safe bones, frozen Kongs.
- Puppy-proof cords, shoes, and anything that looks expensive. Because they’ll find it.
If your puppy gnaws hands constantly, increase nap time and structured play. Tired brains nibble less, IMO.
Crate, Pen, and Alone-Time Training
You want a dog who can chill.
Start now. Crate intro:
- Feed meals in the crate with the door open at first.
- Toss treats inside; let them go in and out freely.
- Close the door for 1–3 minutes while you sit nearby, then gradually increase.
Alone-time basics:
- Practice 1–5 minute separations several times a day.
- Give a stuffed Kong when you leave.
- Return calmly. Don’t throw a party at the door.
Watch for true distress (howling that escalates, drooling, panting). If you see it, go slower and consider a trainer.
Leash Skills for a Squishy Face
Frenchies have delicate necks and can struggle with breathing.
Use a lightweight Y-front harness instead of a collar for walks. Loose-leash foundations indoors:
- Click or say “Yes!” and treat for standing next to your left side.
- Take 3 steps. If they stay with you, treat at your side.
- Turn often. Be unpredictable and fun.
Outdoors, keep first “walks” to 5–10 minutes.
Sniffing counts as enrichment. You’re not training for a marathon; you’re training for sanity.
Health, Safety, and Energy Management
Frenchies overheat fast. Their smushy faces struggle in heat and humidity. Keep it safe:
- Short play bursts, then water and rest
- Avoid midday heat; aim for morning/evening
- Use puzzle feeders to tire the brain
Daily rhythm that works:
- Wake, potty, breakfast
- Short training session
- Nap in crate or pen
- Play/socialization field trip
- Lunch if your breeder/vet recommends 3 meals/day
- More naps, chews, and short training
- Evening cuddle, potty, quiet crate time
Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
- Too much freedom too soon: Use gates, pens, and leashes indoors.
- Repeating cues: Say it once.
If they don’t respond, help them succeed, then try again.
- Using punishment: It slows learning and damages trust. Reward what you want instead.
- Skipping naps: Overtired puppies bite more and listen less. Protect sleep like it’s gold.
- Inconsistent rules: Decide now—couch or no couch?
Consistency makes training easier.
FAQ
How long can a 2-month-old Frenchie hold their bladder?
Roughly 2–3 hours during the day, sometimes less. Overnight stretches might be a bit longer, but plan for a middle-of-the-night potty break at first. Set alarms and prevent accidents before they learn bad habits.
What treats should I use for training?
Use soft, tiny, smelly treats—pea-sized or smaller.
Think chicken, turkey, or commercial training treats. For big wins (like coming when called), upgrade to cheese or freeze-dried liver.
When should I start obedience classes?
You can start a reputable puppy kindergarten as soon as your vet gives the okay—usually after initial vaccines. Choose classes that use reward-based methods and require vaccine records.
My puppy bites my kids’ clothes.
Help?
Manage the environment first: have kids move calmly, tuck in loose clothing, and use long tug toys to redirect. Teach “Sit” and “Leave it,” and supervise closely. If arousal spikes, pause play and try again later.
How much exercise does a 2-month-old Frenchie need?
Short, frequent play sessions—5 to 10 minutes—plus training and sniffy walks.
Avoid stairs, jumping off furniture, and long runs. Their joints need protection and their breathing needs breaks.
Is a harness really necessary?
For Frenchies, yes. A well-fitted harness reduces pressure on the neck and supports their airway.
It also gives you better control without discomfort.
Wrapping It Up
Raise your Frenchie with routines, quick wins, and lots of laughs. Keep sessions tiny, reward generously, and socialize like a pro. You’ll trade chaos for charm pretty fast—well, mostly.
And hey, a well-trained Frenchie that comes when called? That’s bragging rights, IMO.
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