French Bulldog Barking At Night [13 Causes]
People talk about French Bulldog Barking at night in forums and groups, so I decided to dig deeper to find out the simple reasons why French Bulldogs bark at night.
So in this article, we will be discussing all the common causes of French Bulldog barking at night and provide solutions to most of them.
Why do French Bulldogs bark at night?
French Bulldogs bark at night for different reasons ranging from fear, distress, presence of other dogs, anxiety, loneliness, pain, poor socialization, seeking attention, and alarming the owner of a stranger.
Reasons for French Bulldog Barking at Night
Here are some common reasons why French Bulldogs keep barking at night and some ways to correct them;
Yes, poor socialization is the root cause of most bad behaviors in French Bulldogs, which also includes unnecessary barking at night.
If you are very sure your Frenchie is well socialized, then be rest assured that the level of unnecessary barking will be very low.
A poorly socialized French Bulldog will quickly start to bark once they hear other dogs barking or barking for long because of movements around your neighborhood.
Solution
Here are simple ways of socializing your French Bulldog, which is as follows:
- Visit other dog owners with your Frenchie as often as you can.
- Take your French Bulldog to dog shows
- Visit dog parks
- Invite your neighbors who own other pets
- Go camping with your Frenchie
- Take your French Bulldog to puppy classes
- Watch your favorite TV shows with your Frenchie
- Play records of dog movies for your French Bulldog.
Learn more about different ways of socializing your dog.
2. Fear
French Bulldogs are prone to fear maybe due to their size or just because they were selectively bred to be companion dogs and not guard dogs or hunting dogs.
Barking and hiding at night is a clear sign that your Frenchie is living in fear, this is very bad for you and your dog, dogs bark at ghosts.
It could be the presence of another animal that is getting your Frenchie fired up.
Try to find out what is going on when your French Bulldog is barking and falling back.
Solution
One simple solution is to socialize your Frenchie with other dogs or pets, another solution is to introduce the object of fear to your French Bulldog.
If It’s someone, then let your French Bulldog get to know the person, or better still try to eliminate any object of fear in your Frenchie.
3. Total darkness
Even humans get fired up when it’s totally dark around them, the same thing applies to French Bulldogs.
French Bulldogs don’t enjoy the darkness and can start barking when it is dark and there is also movement.
Just don’t let your French Bulldog stay too long in the dark.
4. Loud sound
Loud noises or sounds can keep your French Bulldog awake all night. Most of the loud noises are what you can’t control.
If it’s within your reach, then make sure you and your Frenchie stay away from loud sounds at night.
Loud noises include;
- Fireworks
- Thunder
- Darkness
- Gunshots
- Loud gathering
- Movements at night
5. Illness
Sick French Bulldogs are always prone to barking and whining be it day or night, so be patient with your French Bulldog if he’s barking at night due to illness.
French Bulldogs are prone to some health challenges associated with them that always make them uncomfortable.
They can also get sick from eating certain foods that are bad for French Bulldogs. Always go for medical check-ups from time to time.
This is not common but could also be a reason why French Bulldogs bark at night, it’s very simple to correct.
6. Presence of a stranger
If you live in a busy city or area, there may be a reason to believe that French Bulldogs bark a lot.
Let’s get a few things clear French Bulldogs are not very good guard dogs, but they are definitely one of the best watchdogs out there.
This means that you will often encounter these barks if you do not practice and socialize them well!
7. Presence of creepy animals (snakes)
Being a good watchdog, French Bulldogs are always sensitive to their environment and would not like to have creepy animals or rodents around.
Most nights, you wake up and your Frenchie is barking on a particular spot or location, then when you check the spot you are not seeing anything.
Solution
Creep proof your home to avoid unnecessary creeping animals around your neighborhood or house, as most of these creepy animals can hurt your Frenchie.
8. Another dog barking
French Bulldogs are very vocal when it comes to other dogs stepping into their territory especially when they are not properly socialized.
When your neighborhood dogs start barking at night, be rest assured your French Bulldog will join the bark.
French Bulldogs are very territorial and because they are good watchdogs they will always detect the presence of other dogs or pets.
Solution
You can always socialize your Frenchie to accept other dogs and to remain calm when other dogs are.
Do not get fired up or start shouting at your French Bulldog when they bark at night. Just try to distract your French Bulldog.
9. Seeking attention
Let’s face it, every dog barks or bites when they need attention, and the Frenchies are no exception.
French Bulldogs are primarily and selectively bred as companion dogs that stay with their owners throughout the day.
In this way, they depend on their owners for everything, such as love, food, water, medical care, and more.
Unless you’re very careful, trust the cute little pup you think you know will change overnight.
Most of the time, this change results in barking, chopping, or jumping at you.
Solution
Just create a daily routine for them, so they get what they need before they ask or when you’re not around. Or they stop barking when they need your services.
Make sure he or she potty before you go to bed or leave a doorway for him to go do his business outside without waking you up at night.
10. Lack of enough exercise during the day
This is a major reason why French Bulldogs stay awake at night while they are supposed to be sleeping because they are not guarding dogs.
Frenchies are full of energy, and they always look for how to burn off the energy, without it, they will not be relaxed to sleep at night.
Solution
10 minutes of daily walks or a 10 to 15 minute fetch game will be just enough exercise for your French Bulldog.
Get lots of interactive toys for your Frenchie to keep them busy all day long, these will help burn built energy and allow them to sleep like a baby at night.
11. Boredom
Again, your Frenchie is bored at night because he can’t get enough exercise to burn lots of pilled energy.
If they can’t sleep, they will be bored and will start unnecessarily barking and whining which will affect your sleep.
Keep them busy during the day so that they will be burned out at night and not disturb your sleep.
12. Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety in French Bulldogs describes a condition in which Frenchies exhibit distress and behavior problems when separated from their owner.
This is one of the biggest issues most dog owners face, and most times is attributed to a lack of proper training.
However, Frenchie that suffers from separation anxiety ends up being aggressive and then results in unnecessary barking.
How to handle separation anxiety in French Bulldogs
Here are tips to solve separation anxiety in French Bulldogs;
- A second pet should come in as fast as you can
- Lots of new treats and interactive toys
- Provide lots of hanging out or exercise
- Start a new proper crate training regiment.
- See an animal behaviorist
- Hire a dog sitter
- Train them to stay alone without following you around while you’re at home.
13. Depression
Separation Anxiety leads to depression in French Bulldogs, so when your French Bulldog chose to bark at night, be sure is not happening due to depression.
Depressed French Bulldogs are prone to barking, whining, and aggression.
How to stop French bulldog barking at night
There are several approaches that you can take to address excessive barking from your French bulldog at night.
Here are some tips:
- Identify the cause: Try to figure out why your French bulldog is barking at night. Common reasons include boredom, fear, anxiety, or the need to go outside for a potty break.
- Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation: French bulldogs are known for being low-energy dogs, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure that your dog is getting enough playtime, walks, and interactive toys during the day.
- Establish a regular sleep routine: French bulldogs thrive on routine and predictability. Establish a regular sleep routine that includes a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to it as much as you can.
- Create a calm sleeping environment: Make sure that your French bulldog’s sleeping area is calm, quiet, and dark at night. Consider using white noise or other calming sounds to create a peaceful environment.
- Avoid reinforcing the barking: When your French bulldog barks at night, avoid reinforcing the behavior by giving in to his demands or giving him attention. Instead, try to ignore the barking and reward your dog when he is quiet.
- Consider training and behavior modification: If your French bulldog’s barking at night persists, consider working with a professional trainer or behaviorist to address the underlying cause and implement a training plan.
