English Bulldog Training Tips

Physical Characteristics

• The English Bulldog is a member of the American Kennel Club's non-sporting group, a collection of dogs that doesn't fit into more specialized categories, like the herding or working group. Originally developed in Britain to compete in the sport of bull baiting, the bulldog weighs between 40 and 60 pounds, with a squat stance, a short, flat coat, a solid, compact body, and a massive, wrinkled head with a pushed-in face. The dog shuffles as it walks.

Temperament

• Once British lawmakers outlawed bull baiting, breeders of English bulldogs devoted themselves to eliminating the aggressive streak in the dog's character. In rather short order, they succeeded in producing dogs that were still fearless, but also were sweet tempered and dignified. Despite their intimidating appearance, English bulldogs get along exceptionally well with children. They are patient and protective, and in general pretty laid back in attitude. They'd much rather sleep on the couch (usually snoring) than go for a run. Still, sweet as they are, English bulldogs are not marshmallows. According to The Purebred Puppy, the personality traits that should most concern their owners are that they are among the most stubborn dogs on the planet, they sometimes show aggression toward other dogs, and they tend to be very protective of their food.

Training Tips

• To counteract these tendencies, take your bulldog pup to puppy class as soon as s/he is old enough and the first round of his vaccinations are complete. In the classes, you will learn, first and foremost, how to establish yourself as the pack leader. This means you will learn how to get and keep your dog's attention, how to correct him with firm, but not putative, tactics, and how to teach him to follow your commands. Going to puppy class will expose your English bulldog to a lot of other dogs, which will help socialize him. Such exposure can counteract any inclination your dog has to act out aggressively toward other animals. Just from being around them in a setting where you, the pack leader, are clearly in charge, your pup will learn to tolerate the attentions of other dogs equably.

Food Incentives

• It helps to know that English bulldogs are food-centric---they will do almost anything to get a treat from you. Use food treats to motivate your dog to do what you want her to do. Finally, if your dog shows any sign of food aggression, you should work to eliminate this trait, but for safety's sake, you should not feed her around kids or other animals while you're doing so. Establishing yourself as the alpha dog in the pack will go a long way toward putting a stop to this behavior, but the instructor of the obedience classes can also give you good advice about specific techniques to help your dog overcome this tendency. In the end, you should be able to walk right up to the animal and take her food bowl away in mid-meal, without any fear that you'll be growled at or bitten.