Training Your Bulldog
Taking the time and the energy to teach your Bulldog simple commands will result in a better relationship between you both. A well trained Bulldog and owner knows what to expect from each other and therefore holds no pretenses. There are many different training styles and techniques and surely your local Bulldog club can recommend quality trainers in your area. The most popular methods are positive re-inforcement or stimulus reward methods. This means that when your Bulldog responds correctly, he gets a treat, but when he responds incorrectly he gets punished. When providing either a reward or punishment, make sure it immediately follows the behaviour so your Bulldog can understand the relationship between the behaviour and the outcome. A punishment may be a loud "NO!" or a squirt with a water bottle, and a good idea for a reward is a favorite treat, pat on the head and a pleasant "Good Dog". Bulldogs are extremely sensitive creatures, so be sure not to punish too harshly, and NEVER use physical harm as a punishment.
You must understand that even though you are not a professional trainer, the way you behave around your Bulldog is also a learning experience for the Bulldog. He will see the way that you react to certain situations and will learn to mimic this. Parents are teachers, too - and that goes for children and Bulldogs alike. It helps, however, if the trainer, professional or parent, has a good sense of humor and appreciation for the Bulldogs ability to do things not the wrong way, but their distinct way.
If you're starting with a puppy, by the time that puppy is 4 months old, he should be mostly house-trained, crate-trained, walk on a leash, and recognize commands such as sit, down, and come. If these come easily, consider adding more complicated ane enrolling in Obedience class. Shake, play dead, roll over, and the Bulldog classic, snort, are more options.
It is estimated that the average Bulldog has the capacity to recognize and respond to as many as 200 words, so never underestimate your Bulldog!
You must understand that even though you are not a professional trainer, the way you behave around your Bulldog is also a learning experience for the Bulldog. He will see the way that you react to certain situations and will learn to mimic this. Parents are teachers, too - and that goes for children and Bulldogs alike. It helps, however, if the trainer, professional or parent, has a good sense of humor and appreciation for the Bulldogs ability to do things not the wrong way, but their distinct way.
If you're starting with a puppy, by the time that puppy is 4 months old, he should be mostly house-trained, crate-trained, walk on a leash, and recognize commands such as sit, down, and come. If these come easily, consider adding more complicated ane enrolling in Obedience class. Shake, play dead, roll over, and the Bulldog classic, snort, are more options.
It is estimated that the average Bulldog has the capacity to recognize and respond to as many as 200 words, so never underestimate your Bulldog!