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If you have a super excitable french bulldog on your hands you might wonder if or when they’ll calm down. They’re not young puppy anymore but still seem to have boundless energy… Will they ever calm down?
When Do French Bulldogs Calm Down:
French bulldogs noticeably start to calm down once they reach 3-5 years old. There are unique cases where some take longer, but 3-5 years is when many start to calm down. Reasons why your french bulldog might take longer to calm down are lack of exercise, anxiety, or improper training.
In this post you’ll discover:
- What to expect during each of a french bulldogs phases of life
- What phase most french bulldogs start to calm down
- 9 reasons why your french bulldog might be taking longer to calm down
- And much more
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
A French Bulldogs Core Phases Of Life (By Age)
Below is a broad generalization of the different phases of life many french bulldogs go through.
Phase 1: Newborn (0-4 weeks)
When your frenchie is first born they’re kept with their mother and siblings for at least 8-12 weeks to allow them to wean, socialize, learn some behaviors as well as their size (legal reasons as well).
During this phase they haven’t started to become overly energetic and are still unsure of the world.
Just like with a human baby, they’re extremely curious and getting many first time experiences.
They’re in explore mode and learning more about their body and the world around them.
Once they reach around 3 weeks old they’ll start to be moved from their mothers milk to regular food.
Phase 2: Young Puppy (1-4 months)
You may have brought your frenchie home at the beginning of this phase (4 weeks old) or somewhere in the middle (12 weeks).
Their body is going through the biggest changes of their life and growing very quickly.
During this phase you’ll definitely notice lots of energy coming from your pup which usually are followed by quick naps to regain their energy.
One moment they’ll be zooming around your home and the next they’re passed out on their bed.
Sidenote: During this phase and the next, socialization is super important to help them learn how to properly behave around new dogs and people. Without socializing you’ll see your frenchie be much more rambunctious or protective around unfamiliar dogs & people.
Phase 3: Puppy (4-12 months)
Phase 3 is likely to be your french bulldogs most energetic time.
For the most part you won’t see your frenchie acting calm during this phase.
Their bodies are still growing and they always want to be moving, playing or getting attention.
While they’ve experienced quite a bit up until this phase, there’s still many things that are new to them which keeps them excited.
Phase 4: Teen (1-3 years)
When your frenchie is in the age range of 1-3, this is when they become a teen.
At the beginning of this phase they’re almost fully grown and by the end of it they’ll be the biggest they get.
French bulldogs don’t generally calm down in this phase as they still have lots of their puppy-like energy.
In order to manage their energy levels, daily physical activity and a good diet are important.
Phase 5: Adult (3-7 years)
At this point in your frenchies life they’ve reached adulthood.
During this phase is generally when french bulldogs start to calm down as their energy levels become more manageable.
It’s still important to have daily exercise regardless of if they’re starting to calm down in order to keep them fit and healthy.
Phase 6: Senior (8+ years)
If you haven’t already started to notice your frenchie calm down during their adult phase, you should surely see them begin slowing down once they hit their senior years.
You won’t see a sudden change overnight in their behavior.
But you’ll gradually start to see them become more calm as they would rather spend more time cuddling than running around playing.
9 Reasons Why French Bulldogs Won’t Calm Down
1) Not Enough Exercise
Lack of exercise is one of the biggest reasons why a french bulldog isn’t able to calm down.
They have too much pent up energy from not moving which makes them overly excited whenever you’re around.
While frenchies don’t need an extreme amount of daily exercise, it’s important that they get some.
At least 30 minutes of exercise per day is necessary.
A couple good walks as well as some playtime in between is a great way to keep them fit and healthy while managing their energy levels.
Of course your frenchie will naturally calm down with age, but adding a little more exercise to their daily routine can slightly lower their energy levels for the time being.
Related Reading: 7 Simple Strategies To Quickly Calm Your Hyperactive Dog
2) It’s a Small Dog Thing
Generally dog breeds that are smaller take more years to calm down.
This is usually paired with them living longer than big dogs as well.
A big, heavy dog’s heart has to work a lot harder to pump and keep them going compared to smaller dogs.
Which is why they’re generally more energetic even as they get older and typically live longer.
3) How Old They Are
If you took a look at our phases of life section you likely have a better idea of how age affects your frenchies energy levels.
When they’re puppies, teenages and even into adulthood, you shouldn’t expect your pup to calm down.
4-5 years old is when many french bulldogs start to show signs of calming down but some won’t until a few years later.
4) You Encourage It
Dog’s are great at matching the energy level of their owners.
Your lifestyle can easily become their lifestyle.
The more energetic you are, or your household is, the more energetic your pup will want to be.
Your tone of voice has a big impact as well.
When you baby talk in a high pitched, loving tone, you’re more than likely going to cause them to become excited.
But if you speak to them in a calm, firm tone you should find they’re better able to calm down.
5) Insufficient Training
When a frenchie won’t calm down no matter what you do, it can be a sign of improper training.
Training is important beyond teaching them basic commands and behaviors.
It also shows them that you’re the leader of the pack and they aren’t.
And while this may sound bossy, it’s exactly what dogs want.
They want to know who the leader is so they know who to follow orders from.
When a dog isn’t sure who’s the alpha, they have more nervous energy, are more reactive as well as rambunctious.
6) Lack Of Attention
If your frenchie feels like you haven’t been giving them enough attention they’ll make it known by being overly energetic.
They may bark or huff at you, paw at you or whine and cry until you pick up their toy and play.
Typically when a frenchie is feeling neglected they make it known.
And that certainly doesn’t mean calming down and accepting that they aren’t getting attention right now.
Related Reading: 12 Reasons Why Frenchies Are So Clingy & Needy + Tips
7) Boredom
A bored doggo is a mischievous doggo.
If your frenchie is often bored, they’ll feel the need to take matters into their own hands (paws) to help curb their boredom.
For the most part that doesn’t mean calmly sitting still and playing in their imagination.
It likely means running around the house, pawing at anyone in the house, or throwing a toy for themselves.
Anything that will help kick their boredom won’t usually involve sitting still.
Related Reading: 10 Best Toys To Entertain Your Dog | Boredom Buster Toys
8) Not Enough Socialization
Socialization is super important in helping a french bulldog learn how to calm down.
When they don’t experience many new dogs, people or places, when they’re young they aren’t sure how to behave when they’re older and in unfamiliar situations.
While french bulldogs aren’t nasty or generally overprotective if they aren’t socialized, they still don’t learn how to behave calmly in various situations.
That’s why it’s so important to socialize a frenchie when they’re 2-12 months old.
9) Overly Anxious/Stressed
If your frenchie isn’t able to calm down it could be a sign of separation anxiety.
In this case, it has very little to do with their age and mostly to do with recent events in their life.
If more recently you’re noticing your frenchie isn’t able to calm down, a major life change could be causing it.
This could be a change in family members (someone passed or someone moved in), a change in where they live, or a change in schedule.
Each of these situations can develop separation anxiety in a frenchie which makes them less able to calm down.
You may also notice excessive licking, pacing, drooling or barking as well.
Related Reading: 7 Ways To Eliminate Your Dogs Anxiety, Shyness Or Fear
Other posts you might find interesting:
Top 15 Best Harnesses For French Bulldogs
Why Do French Bulldogs Snort & Grunt? The Truth + 4 Tips
Top 4 Reasons French Bulldogs Army Crawl + Helpful Tips
11 Reasons French Bulldogs Get Diarrhea + Tips To Help
Sources:
Puppy to Dog: Your Pet’s Life Stages
Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management