Activities For American French Bulldogs
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Introduction
The American French Bulldog is a hybrid breed. The parent breeds are the American Bulldog and the French Bulldog. This hybrid breed is a highly energetic one, and will require a moderate amount of exercise to remain happy and healthy. This pooch will likely be much larger than the French Bulldog parent breed, and typically inherits the brachycephalic snout of both parent breeds. This means that you will need to plan activities that do not overexert the American French Bulldog. In addition, you'll want to plan for outdoor activities either in the early morning or in the evening, when the heat and humidity are at their lowest.
Exercise and Movement
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Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Activity description
Bulldogs of any variety tend to become overweight without proper exercise. However, the Bulldog often needs to be prompted to get regular movement. In addition, the Bulldog will need to be properly introduced to getting out and about. You will need to wait until the pup is a certain age to begin any type of real exercise; however, you can begin obedience training at about ten weeks of age. This will help to build a bond between you and your canine companion; also, you will give your young friend something that will grow their intelligence. Typically, real exercise outdoors should begin at about sixteen weeks.
Step
1
Obedience training
At between eight and ten weeks (or twelve; you can generally judge just how ready your new canine companion is) you can begin obedience training. Start with simple commands such as "sit" and "come." To teach Fido to sit, (while they are standing) show them a treat at eye level. Raise the treat and keep their attention as you do so. Eventually, their rear will naturally head for the seated position. Say "sit" as you do this.
Step
2
Start slowly
Once your pooch has completed all vaccinations, including boosters, you can begin exercising outdoors. You can begin training your dog to walk beside you while on a leash. You can also engage in a few games of fetch, but keep exercise at this stage under fifteen minutes and be sure that there is little impact on the joints in whatever games you might choose to play.
Step
3
Adding intensity
Because the American French Bulldog is often plagued with joint growth issues, it is best to wait until your pal is about one year of age to really start an exercise regimen. Begin slowly, walking at a normal pace for ten to fifteen minutes. You can work up to twenty minute sessions, then once the dog is one year of age, you can lengthen the workout to forty minutes. You can also begin some running once the dog is twelve months old.
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Walking is Best
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
20 - 40 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
Activity description
The very best exercise for your American French Bulldog is walking. The American French Bulldog is a brachycephalic dog. This means that their snout is shortened, and the dog's breathing can be compromised by a number of factors. Very hot and humid weather can affect the breathing of an American French Bulldog, so walking should take place during early morning hours or in the evening once the heat of the day has passed. Very cold weather also affects the breathing of the pooch. Furthermore, even if the dog is allowed to play outdoors during optimal hours, if the dog gets too excited or exercises for longer than they should, breathing can be affected. This is why its best to exercise your pup in multiple short sessions.
Step
1
Start slow
Once your pup has had all of their vaccinations (including boosters), you can begin an exercise regimen. Because the American French Bulldog is brachycephalic, you should spread out the dog's activity time into several ten-to-fifteen minutes sessions. Take the dog out for two or three ten minute walks multiple times during the day. You can work up to two twenty minute sessions as your dog builds endurance.
Step
2
Increase endurance
Begin working toward a goal of twenty minutes of walking per day. Eventually, you will work up to forty minutes of walking. Again, this time period should be split into multiple walking sessions. This keeps the dog from becoming too tired and experiencing shortness of breath.
Step
3
Walk at appropriate times
Early morning and late evening are the best times to exercise your American French Bulldog. Try to avoid any extremes in weather. The American French Bulldog is just as adversely affected by very cold weather as they are by hot weather. If the weather is fairly warm, keep bottled water with you just in case your dog does become too hot.
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Indoor Fun
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
chew toys
treats
tennis ball
Activity description
The American French Bulldog should stay indoors most of the time in adverse weather due to their brachycephalic nose. They cannot handle extreme temperatures, and they should only exercise outdoors during cooler times of the day. However, you can engage your American French Bulldog in a number of fun indoor games. When your pooch is young and can't exercise outdoors, you can play hall ball (which is fetch but requires a lot less intensity). You might engage the dog in scent games such as hide and seek. You can also provide chew toys that actually stimulate the mind of your dog.
Step
1
Hall ball
Do you have a young but playful American French Bulldog? Grab a tennis ball and roll it in your hallway. Say "go get it," and watch as your furry friend scrambles to retrieve the ball. Be sure to watch for your dog becoming overexcited or overexerted. If you notice heavy panting, take a break and encourage the dog to drink water.
Step
2
Hide and seek
While your canine companion is in another room, place treats in your kitchen floor randomly. Bring them into the room and tell the dog to "find it." You might even show them the first treat. As the dog begins to understand the game, begin hiding the treats and make the dog rely on their nose to find the hidden treasure.
Step
3
Toys
There are a number of interactive toys on the market today that will provide your pup with a great deal of mental stimulation. Food puzzle toys are great ways to provide a snack that the dog has to work to obtain. Interactive toys that squeak or make other noises simulate the hunting drive in many dogs. Finally, sometimes a Bulldog just needs to chew, and a sturdy rubber toy provides an outlet.
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More Fun Ideas...
Fetch
The American French Bulldog will love to be engaged in a game of fetch with you. Grab a ball, a chew toy, or even a smooth stick - the American French Bulldog will play incessantly.
Swimming
The American French Bulldog is a natural swimmer; if your dog has learned the ropes, grab a swim vest (just as a precaution) and head for the pool. Supervise your pal at all times in case of fatigue leading to shortness of breath. All dogs should be monitored around any water source.
Conclusion
The American French Bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a large appetite for play. Although the pup may appear to have boundless energy, you must control the time spent engaged in "hard" play so as not to overexert the brachycephalic pooch. Always exercise outdoors during optimal hours, and be sure to keep water handy. Indoors, continue to watch for signs of exertion and end play when they appear.