Since French Bulldogs are so cute and cuddly, it’s no wonder that they’re one of the most popular types of dogs in the US. Whether you’re looking to add a French Bulldog breed to your family or you already have one, it’s essential to know how long French Bulldogs can be left alone.
If they’re not given enough attention or stimulation, they may develop separation anxiety. But with the right training and care, you’ll be able to leave your French Bulldog at home without any problems.
So, can French Bulldogs be left alone?
Let’s find out.
Can French Bulldogs Be Left Alone
While it may be difficult to leave a French Bulldog alone, the answer is yes – they can be left at home.
However, you’ll have to take several precautions and watch for signs that your French Bulldog might develop separation anxiety. In addition, there are steps you should take to keep your Frenchie as comfortable as possible while you’re gone.
If you have a young French Bulldog, it’s best to make sure they stay with someone who can keep them company. If you’re taking them to a veterinarian’s office, make sure staff members are present who will keep an eye on your pup.
If you have an older French Bulldog who can handle being left alone at home, then it should be no problem. However, if your Frenchie has separation anxiety or resource guarding issues, they might not do well alone.
How Long Can You Leave a French Bulldog Alone?
According to most experts, you shouldn’t leave your French Bulldog alone for more than 6 hours. They’re such social creatures that they’ll be happier and healthier if you can find a way to bring them along with you during the day.
French Bulldogs, like other dogs, need plenty of exercise and attention to stay healthy. If they spend too much time alone, they can become stressed or anxious – leading to all sorts of health problems.
In addition, your French Bulldog might start to display signs of separation anxiety if you aren’t careful. This is a common problem for this breed, so you’ll need to be aware of it if your Frenchie starts acting out.
The table below lists the recommended time limits for leaving your French Bulldog alone at home.
| Age Limit (Months) | Time Limit (Hours) |
| Under 2 months | At least 30 minutes, but no more than 1 hour |
| 2 to 4 months | 1-3 hours |
| 3 to 4 months | 3 to 4 hours |
| 4 to 5 months | 4 to 5 hours |
| 5 months and older | 5 to 6 hours |
Signs of Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs
Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems you’ll run into when leaving your French Bulldog alone.
These dogs are very attached to their owners, and they can become stressed or upset if their owner leaves them for too long. Some signs of separation anxiety in French Bulldogs include:
- Chewing: Dogs with separation anxiety might chew things when you’re gone because they’re bored, frustrated, or anxious. Your dog might even start to chew on themselves to get your attention while you’re gone.
- Barking: Your Frenchie might bark excessively while you’re gone, especially if there are other dogs nearby. Frenchies can be very social creatures who feel the need to defend their territory.
- Walking in Circles: Dogs with separation anxiety might pace back and forth whenever you leave the house. This is another way your French Bulldog will try to get your attention while you’re gone, but it can also be a sign of physical pain or discomfort.
- Digging: Dogs with separation anxiety will dig for no reason other than to relieve boredom. When you’re gone, your dog might feel the need to create its own little area of “comfort” within your home.
- Escaping: Some dogs with separation anxiety try to escape from the house to find their owners. This is a serious problem since French Bulldogs can be very curious, and they might just jump over a fence or open a door that’s been left unlocked.
- Defecating and Urinating: Dogs with separation anxiety might defecate or urinate inside the house while you’re gone. They might also do this if they’re left in a crate for too long or if they can’t access their bathroom area.
- Mood Swings: Dogs with separation anxiety might seem agitated or suspicious when their owner returns home. This is usually a sign that your dog was overly stressed while you were gone, and it’s another way your Frenchie will try to communicate with you.
Tips for Leaving Your French Bulldog at Home
It’s important to take steps to make sure your French Bulldog is comfortable whenever you leave them at home.
Here are some tips for preparing your Frenchie for time alone:
Give Them a Safe Area
Make sure your dog has a safe area that it can retreat into when they need some peace. This should be a room where your dog can be alone, and it should always include a freshly-stocked food and water bowl.
You’ll also want to ensure this area is away from windows, so they don’t feel exposed or frightened by the outside world. This is especially important if your dog has separation anxiety issues.
Keep Them Busy
Dogs are natural explorers who love to sniff out new things, so you’ll need to keep your French Bulldog busy while you’re gone.
Put some puzzle feeders around the house where your dog can find them on their own, or invest in some chew toys that will only be released when you leave the house.
These activities might help occupy your dog when you’re gone, but it’s also essential to leave them with some new toys that will pique their curiosity.
Make Your Departures and Returns Unpredictable
You should never allow your French Bulldog to get used to a strict schedule of arrivals and departures. Every time you arrive or leave the house, you should do it differently.
You can even try to return home right before your dog usually expects you or stay out just five or ten minutes longer than usual. This will help keep your dog on their toes while they’re by themselves.
Don’t Scold Your Dog
Try to avoid scolding your dog for any lousy behaviour triggered by separation anxiety. If you get angry, they’ll only become more anxious the next time you leave them alone.
Reward Good Behaviour
Whenever your French Bulldog doesn’t display any of the symptoms mentioned above, reward them with lots of attention.
Give them treats, talk to them in a soothing tone of voice, and offer plenty of belly rubs before you leave the house. This will help teach them that behaving well while you’re gone gets them loads of extra love when you return.
Treating Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs
If your French Bulldog is suffering from separation anxiety, you’ll need to work with a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer.
These professionals can help you manage your Frenches symptoms and make it easier for them to cope when you leave the house.
It’s also important to continue giving your Frenchie plenty of attention and affection—even when you’re not leaving the house.
By showing your dog that you care, they’ll feel less anxious whenever you leave their side.
The Bottom Line
French Bulldogs can be left at home when they’re in the right environment, but they can also become anxious and destructive if they feel like you’ve abandoned them.
Monitor your Frenchie for any signs of anxiety while you’re gone, and make sure to leave interactive dog toys and activities in their safe area.
Don’t allow your French Bulldog to develop separation anxiety, but if they do show signs of the issue, there are plenty of steps you can take to help them get through it.
If you need help with your French Bulldog’s separation anxiety, contact a dog trainer in your area today.
