Are Bulldogs Hard To Train? What Works And 9 Useful Tools

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Bulldogs can take patience, but training is within reach for most owners. We found no breed-specific study to quote, so this page sticks to what the Dogs Trust and RSPCA say about training any dog: use rewards, keep sessions short and stay consistent. If you are struggling, talk to a qualified trainer.

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The Dogs Trust puts it this way: “Training with rewards is all about teaching your dog that good things happen when they make a good choice.” See also our guides to training English Bulldogs and dog training.

Training Methods That Work

Positive Reinforcement

The Dogs Trust says positive reinforcement “means training with rewards, such as a treat, praise or a toy”, and that “science tells us that reward-based training is the best way for dogs to learn”. Reward at the moment your dog does what you want, use the same cue words as everyone at home, and keep rewards small. See our guide to good treats for bulldogs.

The RSPCA goes further: “The RSPCA is opposed to the use of any aversive training method, to train and control companion animals and believes that reward based methods should be used instead.” So if your bulldog gets something wrong, do not punish; show them what you want instead.

Teach Your Dog Its Name

The Dogs Trust says: “If you can get your dog’s attention as soon as you need it, by using their name, you can help to keep them safe.” Say the name, and when your dog looks at you, say your marker word and give a treat. Repeat in different rooms and places.

Socialisation

Introduce your dog calmly to family members, other pets, people and new places, and reward calm behaviour. If your dog shows fear or aggression, ask your vet or a qualified trainer for help rather than pushing them. See our page on English Bulldog behaviour.

Toilet Training

Take your dog out after meals, after waking and after play, go to the same spot, add a cue word, and reward straight after they go. Supervise between breaks to avoid accidents. See what to do if toilet training goes backwards.

Ignore Unwanted Behaviour And Teach Gentle Mouths

Reward the behaviour you want and avoid giving attention for the behaviour you do not, for example by waiting for barking to stop before you respond. Puppies explore with their mouths, so give them a chew toy to bite instead, and stop play when teeth touch skin.

Keep Treats Small And Sessions Short

The Dogs Trust advises: “Keep training sessions short (five to 10 minutes at a time)”, and says to “be patient. If pup is struggling, stop and go back a step and progress more slowly next time.” Cut down meals a little to make up for treats; the Dogs Trust warns about weight gain.

Nine Useful Tools

Check the size chart on each listing, and measure your dog before you order.

1. Potty station

The listing describes a portable dog potty with a synthetic grass pad and a tray that is easy to clean. It suits indoor or balcony toilet training.

See the PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Dog Potty Station on Amazon

2. Long line

The listing describes a 30 ft (about 9 m) check cord lead for recall and tracking practice. A long line lets your dog explore while you keep control during recall training. Use it on a harness, not a collar, so a sudden run cannot hurt the neck.

See the Check Cord Long Line on Amazon

3. Clicker

The listing describes a clicker for positive-reinforcement training, with a training guide included. A clicker makes the same sharp sound every time, which works like the marker the Dogs Trust describes. Give a treat straight after each click.

See the PetSafe Clik-R Training Clicker on Amazon

4. Head collar

The listing describes a soft head collar, sometimes called a halter, for dogs that pull on walks. It is not a harness. Flat-faced dogs may find a strap around the muzzle uncomfortable, so ask your vet or trainer before you try one, and see our guide to pulling harnesses and collars for bulldogs.

See the Soft Dog Head Collar on Amazon

5. Leash

The listing describes a padded-handle leash with reflective threads, in several lengths. A lead keeps your dog safe near roads and other dogs. Check the lead length that suits your walks.

See the Padded-Handle Reflective Dog Leash on Amazon

6. Paw cleaner

The listing describes a portable paw washer with soft silicone bristles, in sizes that fit different paw widths. Add a little water, twist your dog’s paw in the cup, then dab it dry. Reward your dog so wiping feet becomes a calm habit.

See the Dexas MudBuster Paw Cleaner on Amazon

7. Target stick

The listing describes an adjustable stick of 15-70 cm for clicker and agility training. Teach your dog to touch the end with their nose and reward, then use it to guide them where you want them to go.

See the Company of Animals Target Stick on Amazon

8. Car barrier

The listing describes an adjustable barrier that keeps a dog out of the front of the car. It is one way to keep a dog in the back; check that it fits your car, and see the car safety notes below.

See the Walky Guard Car Barrier on Amazon

9. Seat belt

The listing describes a two-pack of elastic bungee seat belt tethers that connect to a harness. Attach it to a harness, not a collar.

See the SlowTon Dog Seatbelt (2 Pack) on Amazon

What We Do Not Recommend: Shock Collars

We do not recommend shock collars. The RSPCA says aversive methods, which “can include electric shock collars, anti-bark collars, choke chains, prong collars and physical force or coercion”, “can cause pain or fear and may compromise welfare. They can also worsen or cause other behaviour problems”. Its prong collar advice adds that shock collars “are similar but use an electric shock instead of prongs”. If a pulling or recall problem persists, a harness and reward-based training are the safer starting point; talk to your vet or a qualified trainer.

Car Safety For Your Bulldog

The Dogs Trust says that in the UK the Highway Code requires that your dog “should be suitably restrained when travelling in a car”, for example behind a guard in the boot, in a securely-positioned crate, or in a car harness that is “appropriately sized and correctly fitted”. Rules differ by country, so check yours. A crate is another option; see our dog crate guide.

Never leave a dog in a parked car. The RSPCA says: “Never leave dogs in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while.” Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs are at greater risk in the heat, so talk to your vet about warm-weather care.

The Bottom Line

Bulldogs often respond best to short, rewarding sessions, patience and a clear routine. Choose a few tools that fit your situation, avoid shock collars and punishment, and ask a qualified trainer or your vet if you are stuck.