French Bulldog Sleeping: Facts and Training Guide

When it comes to our beloved French Bulldogs, ensuring they get enough sleep is as crucial as their diet or exercise routine. Sleep plays a pivotal role in their overall health and well-being. In this guide, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of French Bulldog sleeping habits, sharing insights on how you can enhance their sleep quality and train them to sleep in their bed. Whether you’re a new owner or have been part of the Frenchie family for years, this guide will help you ensure that your Frenchie gets the best possible rest, every night.

The Sleeping Habits of French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are renowned not just for their adorable looks and lovable personalities, but also for their robust sleeping schedules. An adult Frenchie typically spends about 12 to 14 hours per day sleeping. However, this can vary widely depending on their age and overall health. Puppies, who are still growing, and older dogs, who may have decreased energy levels, can sleep for up to 18 to 20 hours a day. This extensive amount of sleep supports their development and vital functions, boosts their immune system, and keeps their temperament stable.

While Frenchies may seem like they could nod off at any second after they’ve had their zoomies, their sleeping patterns are flexible. They can adjust their sleep schedules to fit around your lifestyle, sleeping more when you’re not active and waking when you are up and about. They especially love to sleep next to or even on top of you whenever they can, often settling in the funniest positions. Being one of the best companion dogs in the canine world, this is another demonstration of their innate connection to their human families. 

If you’re a Frenchie parent, it’s vital to ensure that your French Bulldog gets sufficient quality sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to a range of issues including a weakened immune system and behavioral problems such as anxiety, irritability or hyperactivity. On the other hand, a well-rested Frenchie is typically a happy and healthy Frenchie. But it’s not just about quantity; the quality of sleep is just as important. Let’s explore what can affect the quality of their sleep and how you can ensure your furry friend gets the rest they need.

3 Things That Affect Your Frenchie’s Sleep Quality

Comfortable Sleeping Environment

The quality of sleep your Frenchie gets is highly dependent on their sleeping environment. To ensure your baby gets restful sleep, you should create a space that is quiet, secure, and comfortable. Choose a draft-free area of your home with stable temperatures, and place a cozy bed there. It should be soft yet supportive, opting for one with raised edges can even provide a sense of security.

The Role of Diet

What your Frenchie eats plays a crucial role in how well they sleep. A balanced healthy diet affects everything from their energy levels to how soundly they sleep at night. Moreover, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight because obesity can lead to breathing difficulties and sleep apnea in flat-faced breeds like Frenchies. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to fragmented and non-restorative rest.

Exercise and Its Effects on French Bulldog Sleeping

Physical and mental stimulation are also essential for your Frenchie to sleep well. Regular exercise helps to release their energy appropriately throughout the day, making it easier for them to settle down at night. Activities should be tailored to their specific needs, considering their physical limitations and energy levels. Mental stimulation through interactive play and training can also tire your Frenchie out in a good way, promoting better sleep at night.

Training Your French Bulldog to Sleep Through the Night

Ensuring your French Bulldog learns to sleep through the night in their bed is a crucial step for both their independence and your peace of mind. Below you’ll find our step-by-step guide to training them.

Step 1: Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area

We’ve already mentioned the importance of a cozy sleeping area, free from any disturbing noise or light. From the first day, introduce your Frenchie to a comfortable, fluffy bed that they will like from the first moment. It should be a cuddly, soft place, positioned a bit higher than the floor. You can place here a piece of your clothes. Puppies have a very strong sense of smell, and it helps them feel you close. There are special soft toys that you can buy at puppy stores that some Frenchies like to sleep with.

Step 2: Be Consistent from Day One

Consistency is critical in teaching your Frenchie where they should sleep. If your family decides not to let the puppy sleep in your bed, this should be agreed upon and reinforced by all the family members. If your Frenchie tries to join you in your bed, gently guide them back to their own. Use the same command like “Go to bed” and repeat it until they do, also showing it with your gestures. Remember that the tone of your voice matters more than what you say. It’s important not to yield; if you let them in your bed even for once, you’ll have a very hard time getting them out later on.

Step 3: Address Crying at Night

In the beginning, your fur baby might cry for you, which is completely normal at that point. It’s important to build their trust and let them know that you are close, so you should return to them and pet them a couple of times to keep them calm. What you shouldn’t do is to turn up as soon as you hear them crying as they’ll learn to take advantage of that! As the pack leader, you are the one who sets the boundaries. Use a calm command like “stop crying” and remain firm. Over time, they will learn that crying doesn’t change their sleeping arrangements.

All the available pups

Step 4: Limit Food and Water Before Bed

Avoid feeding your Frenchie large meals close to bedtime. A light dinner two to three hours before sleep helps prevent bathroom breaks at night. Similarly, limit water intake before bed to reduce the likelihood of needing to go out.

Step 5: Develop a Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, so set a specific time for bed and stick to it every night. Include pre-sleep activities like a gentle walk or a calm play session before it’s time to wind down. Regular, scheduled activities and training sessions during the day are essential so that your Frenchie is ready to rest at night. 

Step 6: Change Things Up If Needed

If your Frenchie continues to resist sleeping in their bed, consider trying different types of beds or locations within the room. Sometimes, a change in environment can make a significant difference. Experiment with different types of beds, like a cushion, or a bigger crate.

Step 7: Be Patient and Consistent

Training a puppy to adopt new habits takes time and patience. If your Frenchie struggles initially, stay consistent with the routine and commands. Avoid letting them into your bed as a quick fix, as this can create long-term habits that may be hard to break.

By following these steps, your Frenchie should learn to sleep soundly through the night in their bed within a couple of days, leading to a more harmonious living for both of you.

Real Owner Experiences and Tips

While many Frenchie parents choose to provide a separate sleeping area for their pups, there are plenty who couldn’t imagine not sharing their bed with their furry companion. Out of curiosity, we asked members of the FrenchBullFluffy Family Facebook group to share their experiences. Below, you can read what they had to say about their own tips and practices, ensuring their Frenchies get a good night’s sleep.

A Joyful Journey with Our Furry Friends

“Ever since I was a child, our home has been filled with the joy of sharing our bed with our beloved cats and dogs. Nowadays, our Frenchie and English Bulldog snuggle up with us every night. We even got a low bed frame to make it safer and more comfortable for them! When they first joined our family, we made sure to crate-train them. They absolutely love their crates! Often, they snooze in their cozy crates while we get ready for bed, then happily join us once we’re all settled in. Though our sleep might get a bit disrupted sometimes, we find it hard to rest without their warm, comforting presence beside us. Our nights are just so much happier with them by our side! 😊” (Daina)

“At first, we had a strict rule: no Bruce in the bed! But then, poor Bruce hurt his toe, and our hearts just melted. We couldn’t resist letting him snuggle up with us that night, and, well, it quickly became our new normal! However, we’ve had to make some adjustments recently. Bruce, bless him, has a snoring talent that’s unmatched, making it a bit tricky for us to catch our Z’s. So, we’ve lovingly set up his own cozy spots in the living room, where he happily alternates between his bed, the couch, and sometimes the floor. He’s quite the adventurous sleeper! Each morning, we eagerly open our door, and Bruce bounds in for our special good morning cuddle session. It’s the perfect start to our day, every day!.” (Paul)

“My little boy and I share the coziest snuggles on the couch, nestled together on a special side draped with our favorite blanket. It’s our little haven for shared naps and cuddle sessions, creating precious moments that are just ours. While we adore our close bond, I cherish maintaining a bit of separate space in our home too. His adorable bed sits right next to mine, and every night, it’s a heartwarming ritual: the mention of bedtime sends him scampering with excitement to his own little corner. Tucking him in, planting tender bedtime kisses, and hearing his contented snores start almost immediately fills the room with peace and love..” (A.Jannet)

“My girls joyfully share their cozy nest in their first-floor apartment, cuddling together in one of their two beds as soon as they’re tucked in. It’s a serene night’s routine that flows smoothly until the cheerful sounds of their waking fill the air at 7 am. Their peaceful slumber is a quiet haven, free from the rumbles of snoring. By lovingly limiting their nighttime adventures to their own special space, we’ve happily saved the rest of the house from becoming an impromptu chew toy playground.” (Hiram)

How was your experience with us?

In this comprehensive article, we have explored the fundamental aspects of French Bulldog sleeping patterns, examined the elements that affect their sleep quality, and offered actionable training recommendations alongside testimonials from actual owners to enhance your Frenchie’s sleep experience. We now invite your participation.

We are eager to hear your insights. Do you possess any additional advice or anecdotes regarding the sleeping habits of your French Bulldog? Have you discovered any particular strategies that successfully encourage your pet to sleep throughout the night? Your contributions can offer invaluable support to fellow owners encountering similar issues. We encourage you to share your experiences in the comment section below.

This article draws upon the specialized knowledge of the Frenchbullfluffy team, who have dedicated a decade to the breeding of French Bulldogs on their farm. The images featured in this post are exclusive to them and their clientele, showcasing puppies of their breeding. For information on available French Bulldog puppies, or to share your queries or feedback, please engage with us in the comments below the article.

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