Raising a Bulldog

Many people think that the English Bulldog can hardly be trained. This is a misunderstanding. The English Bulldog is eager to learn, but is also stubborn and requires some knowledge from the bulldog owners. The strict approach works counterproductive with a bulldog. The bulldog was bred to persevere and have a high pain threshold. Therefore a tough approach would be ineffective. In the education of a bulldog it is important to know that despite its tough appearance a bulldog is very sensitive to moods and voices. The correct and most effective way of educating is to reward good or desired behavior. In this way the bulldog is positively motivated to learn.

There are some important precepts in the education of the bulldog:

• Be consistent in correcting undesirable behavior. When you let the dog get on the couch some of the time you are giving the wrong message
• Make sure that not only the wrong behavior is consistently corrected but also ensure that good behavior is rewarded
• Try different rewards. A nice hug, sometimes a snack or a toy prevents your bulldog will only listen when it sees that you have a reward
• Start training from the beginning
• Correcting wrong behaviour may only occure at the moment of misbehaviour, subsequent punishment is useless. You will only confuse the dog and break their
  trust. A dog has a short memory and will not understand what he did wrong. Every dog has the natural urge to please their owner; it is your job to show him what you
  want. Set rules with your family to ensure that they all follow the same training rules.
• Take the pace of the bulldog into account. Do not expect too much too quickly or for him to react straight away to your command.
• The education of a dog is similar to educating a child. You are never done; do not stop after the puppy training or after reaching a certain age. The bulldog with its
  stubborn nature will test his boundaries.
• I advise both novice and experienced dog owners to go to puppy and/or dog training. Not only to learn basic commands but also to socialise with other dogs and
  build a learn-, work-, follow-relationship between dog and owner

The Bulldog and children

Bulldogs are ideal as a family dog and get along with children of all ages. It is important that parents take responsibility from the start by teaching their children bulldogs are living beings and not toys. Bulldogs are naturally good natured, loyal and are very tolerant with their calm and compliant character.
Of course every parent always has to keep an eye on children and animals. Bulldogs can be a bit clumsy in their behaviour which could overturn a small child. Try to engage your children as much as possible in the upbringing and care of the dog. This not only ensures that children learn responsibility but also creates a close bond between children and dogs. Teach your children clearly what is and is not allowed. For example, teach them to leave the dog alone when it is sleeping or eating. And explain what a dog likes and dislikes in terms of touch. If you have a bulldog and you are expecting a child try to include your dog in this happy time. Especially in the daily activities after the arrival of the new baby. Let the dog sniff the baby’s scent so he gets accustomed to their smell. And of course, do not forget to give the dog some quality time in this period. Never leave your children, especially infants and toddlers, alone with a dog. A dog may scare due to their unexpected or uncontrollable movements, for instance a pull on the dog’s tail or ears. The English Bulldog is a perfect family dog and a perfect pet for children. For more cute pictures of Bulldogs and Babies check out the Photocollection:
Bulldogs & Babies

 The Bulldog and other dogs 

Bulldogs are social dogs by nature towards both humans and animals. Their behaviour towards other dogs is the same as towards people. Bulldogs are known for their quiet and calm demeanor.
It should be noted that sometimes it is the other dog that responds different towards the bulldog. This is because of the bulldog’s general posture that can be interpreted by other dogs as dominant.
The same applies to the grunting sounds of a bulldog. Bulldog will rarely start a fight, as previously mentioned. If they are forced to fight, they will not want to lose face and defend themselves. Bulldogs play with a lot of enthusiasm and therefore they can be a little rough in their behavior. They are great playmates for other dogs, have a great sense of humor and are very tolerant. Overall the bulldog is very social with other dogs and is a welcome guest on the dog playing fields.

The Bulldog and other pets

Bulldogs are also social towards other pets like cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. However, the owner has to learn both dog and pet to get accustomed to each other. Especially in the case of small animals like guinea pigs, a dog may inadvertently do damage. Most dogs go well with other pets. The easiest way is to let them grow up together but they can also be introduced to new pets. Ive had a Bulldog who was so in love with guinea pigs, she thought they were puppies and kept licking them and moaning in front of the cage her way of asking she could be with them. Ive seen Bulldogs who were friends with parrots, goats, pigs, iguanas, donkeys and the list goed on.