Puppy Care & Transition Guide
Bringing home a French Bulldog puppy is exciting — and the first few days matter. This page is a practical guide we share with families so the transition is calm, predictable, and easy on the puppy. If you ever feel stuck, call us. We’d rather answer a quick question than have you guess.
The first week: what works
A calm, repeatable routine beats “perfect” every time.
Keep the first day quiet
A new home has new sounds, smells, and people. The best first day is usually a boring one: short play, frequent potty breaks, and lots of rest.
- Limit visitors for a few days
- Let your puppy explore one area at a time
- Give them a safe spot to nap (crate or small pen)
Routine builds confidence
Puppies settle faster when the day looks the same. A predictable rhythm reduces whining and makes potty training easier.
- Potty breaks after sleep, play, and meals
- Short, gentle training moments (1–2 minutes)
- Quiet time after excitement
Watch heat and overexertion
Frenchies can overheat quickly. Keep play short and indoors during hot weather, and always provide water.
- Short walks only (age-appropriate)
- Air conditioning helps in Florida heat
- Stop play if your puppy seems winded
Real-life tip: Most “first week problems” improve when you reduce excitement and increase naps. Overtired puppies act wild — even when they’re sweet.
Feeding and water
Small meals, steady schedule, and a simple approach.
Feeding routine
Young puppies usually do best with multiple small meals each day. Your veterinarian can confirm portions based on your puppy’s age and weight. We recommend keeping food consistent at first, then making any changes gradually.
- Stick to a schedule (predictable = calmer puppy)
- If changing food, do it slowly over several days
- Use a few kibbles for training instead of lots of treats
Water (especially for Frenchies)
Keep fresh water available. If your puppy drinks a lot after travel or play, that’s normal — just increase potty breaks.
- Fresh water always available
- More water = more potty breaks (plan for it)
- In warm weather, avoid heavy play mid-day
Potty training: the simple version
Consistency beats intensity. Keep it calm.
When to go out
The most common reason potty training “fails” is timing. Go out often and celebrate the win quietly.
- Right after waking up
- Right after eating or drinking
- After playtime
- Every 60–90 minutes at first (varies by puppy)
What to do (and not do)
Praise when they go in the right place. If an accident happens, clean it and move on. Scolding usually creates confusion and anxiety.
- Use one consistent potty spot
- Reward success immediately
- Clean accidents thoroughly (odor brings repeat accidents)
- Keep nighttime expectations realistic
Sleep and crate comfort
Frenchies are people-focused. Ease into independence.
Crate basics
A crate isn’t a punishment — it’s a safe space. Keep it comfortable and positive, and build time in the crate slowly.
- Feed a meal near the crate at first
- Short “crate breaks” after play and potty
- Cover part of the crate for a den-like feel (if your puppy likes it)
First nights
It’s normal for a puppy to protest the first few nights. Keep your response calm and consistent. Most puppies settle faster than you expect.
- Potty break before bed
- Keep lights low and voices quiet
- If they cry, check potty needs — then return them to rest
Your 72-hour vet check
This protects you and your puppy. Schedule it early.
Bring this checklist to your appointment
- Schedule the exam within 72 hours of pickup/delivery
- Ask your vet for a basic wellness exam and notes for your records
- Discuss age-appropriate vaccines and deworming schedule
- Ask about feeding amounts and ideal weight range
- Ask about heat safety and exercise guidelines (important for Frenchies)
If you have questions about the guarantee, please read our Health Guarantee page and contact us anytime.