Introducing Your French Bulldog To Other Pets

Introducing French Bulldogs to other pets can be a complex issue, depending on your frenchie’s personality. Problems range from when the existing pet feels threatened in its territory, loss of attention and the time taken before the pooch feels at home. Bulldogs can be stubborn and tend to always be more territorial.

Dogs aren’t like us, humans, and thrive through “scent” and once their senses agree, getting them used each others’ presence will be smooth. However, to ensure that you do it without problems, try the following tips.

The first meeting and the best venue for it

They should always meet at a “neutral” place, so anywhere outside of the house like a park or outdoor area. Weston drooled a lot for the first 24 hours when he first met Fira (so don’t worry if your frenchie does that!) and was a bit testy. It has something to do with their scent–puppies have a different smell than adult pups.

• Apart from that, ensure that their first meeting is done in an open location
• If possible, let them reach the meeting location at the same time and keep the leashes loose.
• Observe the obligatory sniffing and don’t try to interfere if they readily show signs of friendship.
• However, if tension is brewing, don’t hesitate to separate them.
• Let them eat individually with their respective dishes (I only fed Fira in her play pen, away from Weston)

The first meeting should be brief before following it with a simple walk so that they feel free and get to know each other as a “pack.”

Introduction to your house

After a few minutes of letting them get to know each other, it’s time to bring them to the house. Let the first pet go straight to the house as the new one runs around the yard. Remember, introductions shouldn’t be done at night or during meal times. Right before introducing their new sibling in the home, it’s best if you carry away everything that he may feel protective of. That includes feeding dishes, toys, beddings and other shared items. Additionally, clean up their common area and let the existing pet have an idea that another pet is set to arrive.

As days go by

For at least a week or two, be there to monitor their interaction and never leave them alone together. Whenever we left the house, we had Fira stay in her play pen which was her safe place. Play with them, train them together and always give lots and lots of love to the older pet. He will also make his own rules with the new sibling, so allow him to create his own boundaries and teach the younger one how to play and more.