Crate Training For French Bulldog Puppies
French Bulldogs are adorable, stubborn, and full of personality. They may be small, but don’t let their size fool you—these dogs will test your patience if you don’t set clear boundaries early on. Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your Frenchie. It helps with housebreaking, prevents destructive behavior, and gives them a safe space to relax.
I’ve been a veterinarian for over a decade, and I also run a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats. I’ve worked with hundreds of Frenchies, and I can tell you this—if you don’t crate train your puppy properly, you’re in for a rough time. French Bulldogs love attention, and if they don’t learn how to be alone, you’ll have a clingy, anxious dog that barks, chews furniture, and refuses to settle.
Why Crate Training is Important for French Bulldog Puppies
Frenchies are companion dogs—they love being around people. That’s great, but it also means they can develop separation anxiety if they never learn how to be alone. A crate helps by:
✔ Making housebreaking easier – Dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping area, so they’ll learn to hold it.
✔ Preventing destructive behavior – Frenchies are big-time chewers, especially when they’re teething. A crate keeps your furniture (and shoes) safe.
✔ Providing a safe, quiet space – A crate gives your Frenchie a den-like environment where they can relax.
✔ Helping with travel and vet visits – If they’re used to a crate, car rides and vet trips are less stressful.
Choosing the Right Crate for Your French Bulldog Puppy
📌 Size Matters – A 24-inch crate is ideal for a Frenchie puppy. If they have too much room, they might use one corner as a bathroom. Get a crate with a divider so you can adjust the space as they grow.
📌 Wire vs. Plastic – Wire crates are best because they provide good airflow. Frenchies are prone to overheating, so you want a crate that keeps them cool.
📌 Comfort is Key – Line the crate with a thin bed or pad—nothing too fluffy, or your Frenchie will chew it up.
Step-by-Step Crate Training for French Bulldog Puppies
Step 1: Introduce the Crate (Make it Positive)
Your Frenchie needs to see the crate as a good place, not a punishment.
✔ Place the crate in a common area so they feel included.
✔ Keep the door open and let them explore at their own pace.
✔ Toss in treats, toys, or a blanket to make it inviting.
✔ Feed them inside the crate to create a positive association.
🔹 Pro Tip: Frenchies are food-motivated. Use high-value treats to make them love the crate.
Step 2: Start Closing the Door for Short Periods
Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out, it’s time to start closing the door.
✔ Give them a treat, close the door, and wait 10-20 seconds.
✔ Open the door before they start whining.
✔ Gradually increase the time they stay inside.
🔹 Pro Tip: If your Frenchie whines or barks, don’t let them out right away. Wait until they’re quiet for a few seconds—otherwise, they’ll learn that making noise gets them out.
Step 3: Extend Crate Time Gradually
Once they’re okay with short crate sessions, start leaving the room for a few minutes at a time.
✔ Crate them when they’re tired—after playtime or a walk.
✔ Give them a safe chew toy or Kong filled with peanut butter to keep them busy.
✔ Start with 5 minutes, then 10, then 30 minutes.
🔹 Pro Tip: Don’t make a big deal out of leaving. If you fuss over them, they’ll get anxious. Just walk away like it’s no big deal.
Step 4: Use the Crate for Housebreaking
French Bulldogs can be stubborn about potty training, but the crate helps keep them on a schedule.
📌 Follow the One-Hour-Per-Month Rule – A 2-month-old puppy can hold it for 2 hours, a 3-month-old for 3 hours, etc.
📌 Take them outside immediately after crate time – Praise and reward them when they go potty outside.
📌 Stick to a strict potty schedule – Routine prevents accidents.
🔹 Pro Tip: If your Frenchie has an accident in the crate, clean it up with an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell. Otherwise, they might keep going in the same spot.
How Long Can a French Bulldog Puppy Stay in a Crate?
Frenchies shouldn’t be crated too long—they need interaction and exercise.
📌 8-10 weeks old → No more than 1-2 hours
📌 3-4 months old → Up to 3-4 hours
📌 Over 6 months old → Can handle overnight crating (8 hours max)
🔹 Pro Tip: If your puppy whines a lot in the crate, they might need more exercise. Frenchies may be small, but they have a lot of energy—especially as puppies.
Common Crate Training Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
🚫 Using the crate as punishment – Your Frenchie should see the crate as a safe space, not a time-out.
🚫 Letting them out when they whine – This teaches them that whining = freedom. Wait for a moment of silence before opening the door.
🚫 Not exercising them enough – A tired puppy settles in the crate much faster.
🚫 Leaving them crated too long – Frenchies are social dogs. Too much crate time can make them anxious or hyperactive.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Crated Frenchie is a Happy Frenchie
Crate training isn’t just about keeping your furniture safe—it’s about giving your puppy structure and security. If you follow these steps, your Frenchie will see their crate as a cozy den, not a cage.
✔ Introduce the crate positively
✔ Increase crate time gradually
✔ Use the crate for housebreaking
✔ Be patient and consistent
French Bulldogs love their humans, and with the right approach, they’ll learn to love their crate too. Stick with it, and you’ll have a calm, well-behaved Frenchie that actually enjoys their space. 🐾
