Keeping a French Bulldog entertained can be challenging because the breed is smart and energetic. The last thing you want in your home is a bored Frenchie, as they would devise creative ways to keep themselves entertained, even if it means chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the perfect French Bulldog toys and top playtime essentials to suit your Frenchies’ unique needs and preferences.
Selecting the ideal French Bulldog toys is crucial for ensuring your furry companion stays engaged, entertained, and mentally stimulated. The right toys can prevent boredom while promoting physical activity and mental exercise, which are essential for your Frenchie’s overall well-being.
Suitable Types of French Bulldog Toys
French Bulldogs have short attention spans and can easily become bored. As a result, the most suitable toys for them are those that capture their interest and engage their senses. Such toys allow them to channel their excess energy while providing mental stimulation. Here are some types of toys suitable for French Bulldogs:
1. Soft French Bulldog Toys
Soft toys are perfect for French Bulldogs because their plush texture offers them a comfortable object to cuddle and play with, especially when scared or anxious. Since they come in different shapes, such as plush balls and stuffed animals, they will often capture your dog’s attention, and you may find your dog wanting to take the toy everywhere. The best part of soft toys is that they are unlikely to harm your Frenchie, as they are designed to be gentle on their teeth and gums.
The Kong Flyer is a great additional to any fetch and retrieve activity.
The Kong Flyer is the puppy addition made for puppies up to 9 months old to learn how to fetch but as you can see from the video it’s certainly durable and withstands rough play as Louis’s now 18 months old and it’s still going strong!
It’s made from soft rubber to help make a softer catch, and unlike your normal Frisby it’s a much safer disc to deliver healthy activity.
Stacie and Louis would 100% recommend Kong Flyer for all Frenchie parents and their babies, especially those who love a good game of fetch.
2. Interactive French Bulldog Toys
Mental stimulation is essential for a French Bulldog to develop into a well-behaved dog. When dogs are not allowed to use their brain, they can develop behavioral issues. Interactive toys allow your Frenchie to use their problem-solving skills to solve puzzles, which is great for their cognitive development. Some interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders, require your dog to work for their food, which, according to a recent study, is something dogs enjoy. Additionally, interactive toys can offer you a chance to bond with your dog, as some require you to play with your dog.
If you want a toy that’s cute, and humorous but still good for your pooch Best Paw Pals toilet paper snuffle nose work toy is what Stacie Ingram (Our in-house French Bulldog Product Reviewer) recommends.
This hide-n-seek puzzle toy is perfect to reduce stress and build confidence as they sniff out the hidden treats. They will also love that the toy crinkles and has a separate squeaker toy. Ideal for relieving your pooches of boredom and keeping them busy for periods when they’re left home alone.
Also by hiding kibble or treats in the toilet paper pockets. It will help prolong feeding time and control eating speed while providing brain enrichment. You can also raise the difficulty level by inserting the roll into the back pocket. This toy is definitely one of Louis V’s favourites and comes highly recommended.
3. Chew French Bulldog Toys
Frenchies of any age will have a great time playing with chew toys, but puppies seem to love them the most. When puppies are teething, they often experience severe discomfort and need something to chew on to alleviate their pain. Many puppies will turn to destructive chewing behavior during this period, but if you have chew toys for them, they will gladly channel their chewing to their toys. Chew toys should not be limited to puppies alone as adult dogs can also get dental benefits from them, plus they can be a stress reliever when they’re bored.
How to Choose the Right French Bulldog Toys
Every dog is unique, meaning you shouldn’t pick just any dog toy and expect it to be a perfect fit for your dog. To find the ideal toys for your French Bulldog, here are some things you must take into consideration:
1. Age and Size
Generally, French Bulldogs have a small stature compared to some breeds, such as the English Mastiff or the Newfoundland. When choosing a toy for Frenchie, you don’t want one that is too big or heavy as it would be too difficult for them to carry and could even injure them. You also don’t want toys that are too small since they can choke hazards. Age is another factor to consider, as dogs have different needs at different developmental stages. For instance, puppies would enjoy chew toys more because it helps with teething, while adult dogs crave mental stimulation.
2. Activity Level
French Bulldogs are generally energetic, but activity levels can differ from one dog to another based on different factors, such as age, health, background, and personality. If your dog is highly active, opt for durable toys that will withstand rough play or interactive toys that can keep them entertained. On the other hand, if your dog isn’t too active, stuffed animals would do just fine or puzzles.
3. Personal Preferences
Every dog is a unique individual with their own personal preferences. Some dogs prefer quiet toys, while others enjoy toys that make noise. Some prefer stuffed animals over balls. One way to ensure your Frenchie gets a toy they love is by getting them different types of toys and then observing which one they play with the most.
4. Safety Considerations
When selecting toys for your French Bulldog, safety must always be a priority. Avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard, and always choose toys made from non-toxic materials. Ensure you get durable toys that can withstand rough play without breaking apart.
DIY French Bulldog Toys
There are several toys in the market today, and you can even order many online at the click of a button. However, nothing trumps a homemade toy. Not only do you save money, but you also get the satisfaction of making something your furry friend will enjoy playing with. Making your DIY toys allows you to customize toys to suit your dog’s preferences and needs. It can also be a bonding experience, strengthening your relationship with your pup. The following are simple DIY toy ideas for French Bulldogs:
1. Crunchy Bottle
Dogs love crunchy toys, and plastic bottles make a satisfying sound when chewed. Place an empty plastic bottle inside a sock (or any fabric), and tie a knot at the end. Your dog will keep biting the toy to hear the sound it produces.
2. Empty Cereal Box
Take an empty cereal box, cut small holes around it, and smear peanut butter or your dog’s favorite treat inside the box. Now, it’s up to your dog to figure out a way to get their tongue through the holes or tear the box to lick the treat.
3. Ball Pit
Fill a kiddie pool with balls, sprinkle treats on top, then place your Frenchie inside. As they walk through the balls, the balls will shift positions, which, in turn, shifts the treats. This will keep your dog engaged as they must figure out how to get the treats.
4. Rope Ball Surprise
Get a rope and tie it into a monkey’s fist, but before you finish tying, add a treat inside. Give your dog the toy and allow them to dismantle it. They would be happy to find the surprise inside.
5. Tug of War
French Bulldogs, like any dog breed, enjoy a good tug-of-war game. Take an old t-shirt, cut it into three strips, and braid the strips together. Tie knots at each end so the braid won’t lose. Now, you and your dog can use it to play tug of war.
6. Tennis Ball Puzzle
Make a small incision along the seam of a tennis ball and stuff the inside with dry treats. Now, your dog will try to find a way to make treats fall out of the ball.
When making toys for your French Bulldog, use safe materials such as old clothing, tennis balls, and rope. Avoid using easily breakable objects, objects with sharp or jagged edges, and toxic materials. Importantly, always supervise your dog while they are playing.
Tips for Keeping French Bulldog Toys Clean and Safe
Your dog’s toy comes in contact with various surfaces where it can accumulate dirt and bacteria. This means if you don’t clean their toys regularly, you are putting them at risk of developing illnesses. Here are some tips on how to ensure your dog’s toys are clean and safe:
1. Clean the toys and sanitize them regularly
Regular cleaning and sanitizing are essential to prevent the accumulation of germs and bacteria on your dog’s toys. We highly recommend following the cleaning instructions provided by the toy manufacturer whenever possible. You should be able to clean most toys in the dishwasher or microwave. But if it isn’t an option, a DIY vinegar and water solution is a safe alternative. Always use mild soap or a dog-safe disinfectant when cleaning your dog’s toys. Ensure you rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before returning them to your dog.
2. Inspect toys for wear and tear
Frenchies have strong jaws and can quickly wear out or break toys. It would be best to inspect your dog’s toys regularly for signs of wear and tear, regardless of how durable a toy might be. Don’t hesitate to discard damaged toys immediately to prevent your dog from ingesting small or broken pieces.
3. Avoid toxic materials
When choosing toys for your French Bulldog, avoid toys built with toxic materials such as lead, phthalates, and BPA. Before purchasing a toy, it’s advisable to check the labels and research the materials used to ensure it is safe for your dog. Alternatively, you could opt for DIY toys, which you can vouch for since you made them yourself.
Conclusion
Toys provide many benefits for your French Bulldog, including mental stimulation, physical exercise, and relief from boredom or anxiety. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety when choosing toys for your dog. By selecting the right toys and taking proper care of them, you can ensure that your Frenchie enjoys all the benefits of playtime while staying safe and healthy.
