Bulldogs World

As well as puppy training. I take all my puppies to puppy kindergarten so they learn a few basic commands and sometimes we also go for further training. But, take your bulldog with you in the car when you can. Obviously, you can't leave him in the car alone or take him when it gets hot but, take him as often as possible.

As soon as my puppies get their last set of shots, I start taking them to the park (not a dog park), to petsmart, tractor supply, home depot and any other place I can think of so they can be around people and other dogs. I hate off leash dog parks because you can't trust other people's dogs to behave.

My puppy Kix is 6 months old and she loves to go places. I try to take her to Petsmart once a week and I have to carry her out of their because she loves it so much and doesn't want to leave. She also loves going to the Vet which I think is important too. I also take her to my Aunt's house for play dates with her dogs.

It's very important that my dogs enjoy traveling and meeting people since we are on the road a lot going to dog shows.

But, whatever you do, have fun with your baby.

I would tell any person "newly owned BY a bulldog" that patience & a sense of humor will get you through any 'roadblock' you may encounter. And please, don't be shy about asking questions here!!! Between everyone here, we've probably (collectively) experienced everything you might possibly encounter.

Also, don't be shy about sharing pictures of your sweet baby! :)

Punishment doesn't work with bulldogs. It just makes them more stubborn. Find out what motivates them – food, skritches, a toy – and use that as a reward. Never hit a bulldog, either. Love, love and more love and they will return it 10 times over.

not much experience under my belt, but I will tell you that we have had a great experience with classess.  We chose to take ours at petsmart, only because they have a great reputation here.  But look for classes that teach YOU and the puppy--mostly you  lol.  Kippah is waiting for her third class to start, she loves them it is great for socialization, learning consistancy in commands, and creating a little dominance.

Yelling, punishing, or laughing at your bulldog when they do something embarrassing does not go over well!  Kippah tripped over her leash the other day in class and we chuckled........2o minutes later she still would not look at us!

This is one area sometimes overlooked by new bully owners - they do not do heat (at all!)  we limit outside time during the summer months - same with play time to inside in the A/C - I have read (here?) somewhere, that most people who 'suddenly' lose their otherwise healthy bullies - is due to heat.

Bullies and Pools do not mix - they arent built for swimming - if you want to have your bully in your pool - look at winston's life vest !

Socialization is actually at the top of my list too :) but wanted to put this little nugget in your head for summer time.

I think patience is really important.  Bullies are very smart, but not always willing to respond immediately.  Sometimes you have to give a command and stare them straight in the eyes until they do it....then praise the heck out of them when they do.  I found this was true w/Vern and over time he has become very willing to please, but it took a while to get through his stubborn puppy/bully phase.

An emergency medical kit is always good - there was a discussion about what to include in that on here a few months ago - also have on hand things like ear cleaner, benadryl and vetericyn (love this stuff!) for the cooky issues that can spontaneously arise.

Other than that, just love your bullie and enjoy every day that you have with him....BDW reminds (sadly all too often) that the days they are in our lives are numbered.

Thank you all so much for your advice! Fortunately we are all on the same page about EVERYTHING (including the Jolly Ball which we have purchased but have not yet given to Rugby). He has already changed our lives in so many ways and I can't imagine life without him.