What to Do With Your French Bulldog While You’re at Work: Tips and Solutions
Leaving a French bulldog at home while at work can be a difficult decision for many owners. Although Frenchies are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities, they can also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. This can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or excessive barking.
Fortunately, there are several options available to help alleviate this issue. Some owners choose to hire a dog walker or pet sitter to come and spend time with their Frenchie during the day. Others opt for doggy daycare, where their pet can socialize with other dogs and receive plenty of attention and exercise.
It’s important to remember that every dog is unique and may have different needs. Owners should take the time to assess their Frenchie’s behavior and personality to determine the best course of action. With the right care and attention, it’s possible for French bulldogs to thrive even when their owners are away at work.
Crating Your French Bulldog
Many French Bulldog owners wonder what to do with their furry friends while they are away at work. One option is to crate train your Frenchie. Crate training can provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog while you are away. It can also help with potty training and prevent destructive behavior.
When crate training your French Bulldog, it is important to choose the right size crate. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it should not be too large, as this can make your dog feel insecure and defeat the purpose of the crate.
It is also important to make the crate a positive and comfortable space for your Frenchie. You can do this by placing a soft blanket or bed inside the crate, along with some toys or treats. You can also feed your dog in the crate to associate it with positive experiences.
When first starting to crate train your French Bulldog, it is crucial to introduce the crate slowly and in a positive manner. You can do this by placing treats or toys inside the crate and encouraging your dog to explore it. You can also feed your dog in the crate with the door open, gradually closing the door for short periods of time.
Keep in mind never use the crate as a form of punishment or confinement for long periods of time. Your French Bulldog should have plenty of opportunities to exercise and relieve themselves outside of the crate. If you are gone for long periods of time, it is essential to have someone check on your dog and let them out to use the bathroom and stretch their legs.
Hiring a Dog Walker
For those who work long hours, hiring a dog walker can be a great option to ensure your French Bulldog gets the exercise and attention they need while you are away. However, it is important to choose a reputable and trustworthy dog walker. Here are some tips to help you find the right one:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian.
- Research dog walking services in your area and read reviews from previous clients.
- Interview potential dog walkers and ask about their experience, training, and availability.
- Check that the dog walker is licensed, insured, and bonded.
- Ask for references and follow up with them to ensure the dog walker has a good track record.
- Discuss your French Bulldog’s specific needs and any health or behavior concerns with the dog walker.
It is also important to set clear expectations and guidelines with your dog walker. This includes the frequency and duration of walks, any specific routes or areas to avoid, and how to handle any unexpected situations such as illness or injury. Make sure to provide the dog walker with up-to-date contact information and emergency contacts.
Overall, hiring a dog walker can be a great way to ensure your French Bulldog gets the exercise and attention they need while you are away. However, do your research and choose a reputable and trustworthy dog walker to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friend.
Doggy Daycare
For busy pet owners who work long hours, doggy daycare can be a great option for their furry friends. French Bulldogs are social animals and need human interaction and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Here are some benefits of doggy daycare:
- Supervised playtime: In a daycare, dogs can socialize and play with other dogs under the watchful eye of trained staff. This is especially important for French Bulldogs, who can be prone to separation anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone for long periods.
- Exercise and mental stimulation: Daycare facilities offer a range of activities to keep dogs engaged and active, such as outdoor playtime, indoor games, and puzzle toys. This helps to keep their bodies and minds busy, reducing the risk of obesity and boredom-related behavior.
- Professional care: The staff at doggy daycare facilities are trained to handle dogs of all temperaments and sizes. They can administer medication, provide basic grooming services, and monitor for any signs of illness or injury.
- Convenience: Many doggy daycare facilities offer flexible drop-off and pick-up times, making it easy for owners to drop off their pets on the way to work and pick them up on the way home.
When choosing a doggy daycare facility, make sure do your research and ask for recommendations from other pet owners. Look for a facility that is clean, well-maintained, and staffed by experienced professionals who are passionate about dogs. You should also make sure that the facility requires all dogs to be up-to-date on their vaccinations and has a clear protocol for handling emergencies.
Family and Friends
One of the most convenient ways to take care of your French Bulldog while you are away is to enlist the help of family and friends. If you have a trusted family member or friend who is willing and able to take care of your pup while you are at work, this can be a great option. However, to make sure that the person you choose is responsible and trustworthy.
Before leaving your French Bulldog in the care of a family member or friend, make sure that they are comfortable with the responsibilities involved. This may include feeding your pup, taking them for walks, and providing them with plenty of attention and affection. It is also important to make sure that your pup is comfortable with the person who will be taking care of them.
If you are considering this option, it may be helpful to create a schedule or checklist to ensure that all of your pup’s needs are being met while you are away. This can include things like feeding times, walking schedules, and any medications that your pup may need to take.
It is important to remember that while family and friends can be a great resource for taking care of your pup while you are at work, it is not always a reliable option. Schedules can change, and unexpected events can arise, so to have a backup plan in case your family member or friend is unable to take care of your pup.
Pet Cameras and Treat Dispensers
One of the most popular and effective ways to keep an eye on your French Bulldog while you are at work is by using a pet camera and treat dispenser. These devices allow you to monitor your dog’s behavior and provide them with treats and rewards when they are behaving well. Here are some of the benefits of using pet cameras and treat dispensers:
- You can check in on your dog at any time of the day and see what they are up to. This is especially helpful if you have a new puppy or a dog with separation anxiety.
- You can communicate with your dog through the two-way audio feature, which can help calm them down if they are feeling anxious or scared.
- You can reward your dog for good behavior by dispensing treats remotely. This can help reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.
When choosing a pet camera and treat dispenser, there are a few things to consider:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | Look for a camera with high-definition video quality so you can clearly see your dog. |
| Treat Capacity | Make sure the treat dispenser can hold enough treats for your dog’s needs. |
| Remote Access | Choose a device that can be controlled remotely via an app on your phone or computer. |
Some popular pet cameras and treat dispensers include WOPET Smart Pet Camera, SKYMEE Dog Camera Treat Dispenser, and PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder.
Overall, pet cameras and treat dispensers can be a great tool for keeping your French Bulldog happy and well-behaved while you are away. Just be sure to choose a device that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Leaving a French Bulldog alone at home while at work can be a challenging task for any pet owner. However, with proper planning and care, it can be done. The key is to ensure that the dog is comfortable, safe and happy while you are away.
One of the best ways to ensure that your Frenchie is well taken care of is to hire a trusted dog walker, sitter or friend/family member. This way, your pet will get the attention and care they need while you are away at work.
If you choose to leave your Frenchie alone at home, make sure that they have access to water, food, and toys to keep them occupied. Additionally, you can consider crate training, desensitizing your leaving, or hiring a dog sitter to help ease separation anxiety.
It is also important to keep in mind that French Bulldogs can have some behavior problems, such as resource guarding, aggression towards other dogs, and separation anxiety. If you notice any of these issues, it is crucial to address them promptly with the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Overall, taking care of a French Bulldog while at work requires some effort and planning, but it is definitely doable. With the right care and attention, your Frenchie can be a happy and healthy companion even when you are not around.
